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Tokyo startup ecosystem
Explore documented companies, programs, research institutions, and investors connected to Tokyo. Superscout does not promise local investment access.
About
The Startup & VC Ecosystem of Tokyo
The startup and VC ecosystem in Tokyo is a dynamic and expansive one. With its dense population, active and innovative citizens, and booming economy, Tokyo is an incredibly attractive place for entrepreneurs and investors alike. One of the major advantages of the city is its low cost of living, which makes it easier for people to take risks and start businesses.
The Tokyo VC community is extremely active, with many key players such as Softbank, Digital Garage, and Rebright Partners. There are a number of other startups that have emerged out of Tokyo, such as Mixi, Mercari, and Line. In the past decade, these companies have gone on to become some of the most successful in Japan, and some of the most successful companies in the world.
In addition to venture capital, the city is also home to a number of accelerator programs, such as Digital Garage’s Open Network Lab, 500 Startups Tokyo, and the Japan Innovation Network. These programs offer mentorship and guidance to entrepreneurs and help them to kick-start their projects.
Tokyo is also home to a number of prominent tech investors, such as Gen Isayama and Taizo Son. These investors have invested in a wide range of companies, from early stage startups to market-leading companies, and have earned a reputation for their keen insight and deep knowledge.
The startup and VC ecosystem in Tokyo is constantly evolving. There are a number of initiatives such as “Tech Meetup Tokyo” which aim to foster connections between entrepreneurs, investors and industry professionals. These initiatives help to foster a vibrant startup community in Tokyo.
One of the most successful former residents of Tokyo is Masayoshi Son. He went on to become the founder and CEO of Softbank, and has since become one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. He has earned a reputation for his keen insight and investing prowess, and his success has helped to cement Tokyo’s reputation as a hub for startups and venture capital.
Tokyo is a vibrant and exciting city that has played a major role in the startup and venture capital ecosystem. With its low cost of living, active VC community, and many successful entrepreneurs, it is an attractive destination for startups and investors alike.
This month
On in Tokyo this month
31 startup events in the next 30 days, 12 this week, 29 free. The city as a calendar, with the hosts and venues that keep it full.
Today, Sunday, Nov 1
Sapporo Claude Meetup #2 - Claude どんなふうに・どんなことに使ってる? 参加者で共有し合おう！
Meetup · 山川広人 · サイボウズ㈱ 札幌営業所FreeHeyGen 東京ミートアップ「Starring You」
HeyGen Community · Glade Park OmotesandoFreeNFFT2027SS_PARADOX AI Fashion Movie展
Miho Kinomura · SHIBUYA SACSFreeWednesday, Nov 4
AI x Robotics: Data, Infrastructure & Evaluation
Ilya KulyatinFreeThursday, Nov 5
もくもくハブ#101 「三菱UFJモルガン・スタンレー証券支援先スタートアップ5社によるピッチDay」
Tokyo Venture Capital Hub事務局 · TOKYO VENTURE CAPlTAL HUBFreeRegular hostsTokyo Venture Capital Hub事務局 · 6AI Builders · 5Endeavor Japan · 2KindsMeetups · 9Hackathons · 2Workshops · 2
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Tokyo ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Listed as | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Innovation Index: Innovation Cluster Ranking (formerly Science and Technology Clusters) | 2026 | Tokyo–Yokohama | #2 | No change | B | Innovation, Research, Activity |
 Global Cities Index (Kearney) | 2025 | Tokyo | #4 | No change | B | Competitiveness, Performance, Talent, Business Climate |
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | Tokyo | #6 | Up 4 | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Global Cities Index (Oxford Economics) | 2026 | Tokyo | #9 | Down 5 | B | Performance, Growth, Talent, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) | GSER 2026 | Tokyo | #12 | Down 1 | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent, Innovation |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | Tokyo | #13 | Up 2 | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
84 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Tokyo
Investors 64
Investor
InvestorBridging academia and industry through venture capital.
InvestorEmpowering startups with innovative financial solutions.
The 3 most prominent of 64. Browse all investors
Incubators 8
IncubatorEmpowering early-stage startups in Japan and beyond.
IncubatorTokyo-based venture incubator for innovative startups.
IncubatorSupporting fintech and asset management startups in Tokyo.
The 3 most prominent of 8. Browse all incubators
Venture studios 7
Venture studioEmpowering talent-driven ventures in APAC.
Venture studioInnovating through collaboration and business development.
Venture studioBuilding technology businesses for lasting impact in Japan.
The 3 most prominent of 7. Browse all venture studios
Accelerators 5
AcceleratorPlug and Play Japan is an accelerator that connects startups with corporate partners, investors, and governments to foster innovation. It is part of a…
AcceleratorConnecting startups with corporate partners in Japan.
AcceleratorEmpowering startups to grow and succeed.
The 3 most prominent of 5. Browse all accelerators
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Tokyo
UniversityListed in 3 rankings
UniversityListed in 1 ranking
UniversityListed in 1 ranking
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Tokyo
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
- Startup Grind TokyoInvestor
- UTEC - The University of Tokyo Edge Capital PartnersInvestor
- All investors
Finding startups in Tokyo
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Tokyo
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Tokyo
TMG describes LINK-BioBAY TOKYO as a life-sciences startup incubation cluster.
Source: TIB CatapultTMG describes a Japan-UK city-tech collaboration to implement startup products addressing urban problems.
Source: TIB CatapultTMG describes an urban climate and deep-tech cluster focused on decarbonization and resource recycling.
Source: TIB CatapultThe center says preregistration is optional, describes confirmation timing, and lists its weekday hours.
Source: Contact and preregistrationTMG's one-stop center describes assistance with company formation, tax, social security, and immigration filings.
Source: Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment CenterTIB describes a roughly monthly pitch event for testing services and exhibiting products.
Source: Tokyo Innovation Base
Questions about Tokyo
How does Tokyo rank as a startup ecosystem?
Tokyo is #13 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 6 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Tokyo?
64 investors based in Tokyo have a profile here, including Startup Grind Tokyo, UTEC - The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners and UPSIDER, Inc.. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Tokyo?
Yes. Tokyo has 5 accelerators, 8 incubators and 7 venture studios on record, including Plug and Play Japan, SAMURAI INCUBATE INC. and HCCR.
Which universities are in Tokyo?
3 universities have a profile: Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Keio University and Waseda University.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Tokyo
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