Startup accelerators in Japan: who backs its startups
11 accelerators back startups in Japan: they run there or hold at least two portfolio companies based there, 218 portfolio startups in all. The most active here are Plug and Play (99), Techstars (45) and 500 Global (27).
Accelerators backing startups in Japan
| Accelerator | Startups here | Portfolio rounds, 12 mo | Latest activity |
|---|---|---|---|
 Plug and PlayAccelerator · United States · Aeterlink, Araya, ElevationSpace | 99 | 154 | Nov 2026 |
 TechstarsAccelerator · United States · Listenfield, Kyoto Fusioneering, Sagri | 45 | 97 | Oct 2026 |
 500 GlobalAccelerator · United States · Authlete, Sakana AI, Infostellar | 27 | 35 | Oct 2026 |
 Open Network LabAccelerator · Japan · Connected Robotics, WHILL, Digital Garage | 20 | – | – |
 AntlerAccelerator · Singapore · KanjuTech, Refined Robotics Pte Ltd, Avete | 18 | 53 | Nov 2026 |
 University of Tokyo Innovation PlatformAccelerator · Japan · Logomix, Orbital Lasers, WealthNavi | 13 | 1 | Apr 2026 |
| EERAAccelerator · Closer, RevComm, Boostdraft | 10 | 4 | Jul 2026 |
 EndeavorAccelerator · United States · Unifa, WHILL, Sansan | 5 | 55 | Oct 2026 |
 MetapropAccelerator · United States · Asuene, TERASS, toggle holdings | 3 | 5 | Sep 2026 |
 GROWAccelerator · Singapore · Listenfield, CRUST JAPAN | 2 | 7 | Oct 2026 |
 ABBALabAccelerator · Japan · Zeals, RATEL | 2 | – | – |
The most backed startups in Japan
| Startup | Investors in this list |
|---|---|
 WHILL | 3 |
 Alphaus | 3 |
 Listenfield | 2 |
 Edison | 2 |
 Cellid | 2 |
 LIGHTz | 2 |
 Atomis Inc. | 2 |
 PJP Eye LTD. | 2 |
 Onikle | 2 |
 LOZI | 2 |
 ICORNET | 2 |
 O-ID | 2 |
 Refined Robotics Pte Ltd | 2 |
 rubi labs | 2 |
 Connected Robotics | 2 |
More on startups in Japan
Applying to an accelerator?
Tell us about your startup once: Alion matches it to the accelerators and funds that back companies like it in Japan.
Questions
Which accelerators back startups in Japan?
11 accelerators back startups in Japan: they run there or hold at least two portfolio companies based there, 218 portfolio startups in all. The most active here are Plug and Play (99), Techstars (45) and 500 Global (27).
How is this list built?
From what each accelerator holds: the portfolio page it publishes, the Y Combinator directory and the announced rounds that name it. An accelerator counts for Japan when it runs there or at least two of its portfolio companies are based there; the list is rebuilt every night from 342 portfolios.