Startup program designed to help Pre-Seed to
Series A startups in Japan
accelerate their globalization
TOKYO, Aug. 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm 500
Global today announced a collaboration with the Japan External
Trade Organization (JETRO) to launch a startup program for Japanese
startups to accelerate their globalization by nurturing a global
mindset, formulating strategies for overseas expansion and market
development, and learning about the investment criteria that can
make startups attractive for cross border venture capital
investors. Startups selected for the program will work closely with
experienced company builders who will provide various areas of
expertise through hands-on workshops and 1:1 mentoring
sessions.
J-StarX Silicon Valley Extended Program by 500 Global is an
8-week program with 3 phases, split between Tokyo and the US.
- Phase 1 (in Tokyo for 2 weeks)
focuses on "Mindset Development & Pitch Preparation." Startups
will participate in an intensive 4-day bootcamp led by global
mentors to learn the foundations of building a globally scalable
business, then prepare for a pitch presentation through 1:1
coaching and group mentoring.
- Phase 2 (in Tokyo for 2 weeks)
will be an "In-Depth Preparation" phase. Selected startups will
work closely with global mentors for further global mindset shaping
and to craft a strategic plan for international expansion. This
includes in-depth training on key areas such as sales, marketing
and product development (Go-to-Market Strategy), customized for
each startup's needs. Startups focus on creating a clear strategic
plan for international expansion with guidance from dedicated
growth coaches.
- Phase 3 (in the US for 4 weeks) will cover "Global Market
Validation" and startups will travel to Silicon Valley to deepen
learnings in support of international expansion efforts. This will
consist of being educated on what it takes to build a globally
scalable business, learn about global fundraising and how to
improve their investor pitch presentation skills. In addition to
engaging with leaders of the Flagship Accelerator which sees tens
of thousands of applications per year, startups will hear and
participate in various workshops, mock interview sessions, panel
discussions, guest speakers, group activities, office hours, and
1:1 mentoring sessions. A Product Open House event will provide
them with the opportunity to obtain product and technical feedback
from experts. This will help them refine their technology and
solutions to meet global standards.
"This collaboration with JETRO marks a significant milestone in
our ongoing efforts to support Japanese startups in scaling their
businesses and expanding into global markets," said Clayton Bryan, Partner at 500 Global. "This
8-week program offers frameworks for establishing the the
foundations for strong growth mechanics, a network of experienced
global operators as mentors, business model narrative pitch
development, strategies for new market validation, and corporate
partnership best practices, ensuring startups' products resonate
with relevant key customer personas globally and attract
international attention from ecosystem participants. The team is
seeking founders with strong leadership, resilience, and a global
mindset. With the right support, we believe Japanese startups will
be well positioned to achieve global success, and we look forward
to the incredible achievements we can accomplish together."
Program Dates
Sep 24th,
2024 - Nov 22nd, 2024
Application Deadline
- 1st deadline (priority
screening): Aug 26, 2024
- 2nd deadline (final): Sep 10,
2024
*First round applicants will be considered first, and if
we reach capacity, we may not open the second round
To learn more about the upcoming program, please visit:
https://500.co/accelerators/japan-svep2024
500 Global
500 Global is a multi-stage venture
capital firm with $2.4B in assets
under management that invests in founders building fast-growing
technology companies1. We focus on markets where
technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and
drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and
advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial
ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000
founders representing more than 2,900 companies operating in 80+
countries. We have invested in 35+ companies valued at over
$1 billion and 160+ companies valued
at over $100 million (including
private, public, and exited companies)2. Our 200+ team
members are located in over 30 countries3 and bring
experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of
the world's leading technology companies.
JETRO
JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization,
is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual
trade and investment between Japan
and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to
promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st
century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into
Japan and helping small to medium
size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.
ENQUIRES ABOUT THE PROGRAM
500 Global, Japan Team
jp-programs@500.co
THIS PRESS RELEASE IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL
OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 500 GLOBAL AND JETRO ARE INDEPENDENT
THIRD PARTIES.
WHILE PARTIES HAVE TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS ACCURATE AND
UP-TO-DATE, NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR
OMISSIONS. NO REPRESENTATIONS ARE MADE AS TO SPECIFIC OUTCOMES FROM
RELYING ON THE CONTENTS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND ANY THIRD- PARTY
LINKS. FIGURES ARE APPROXIMATED BASED ON INTERNAL ESTIMATES AS OF
31 MARCH 2024 AND HAVE NOT BEEN
INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED. NO REPRESENTATIONS ARE MADE TO SPECIFIC
OUTCOMES FROM RELYING ON THE CONTENTS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND ANY
THIRD PARTY LINKS.
ALL SERVICES RENDERED IN THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA SHALL BE SOLELY AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.
THE GOAL OF THE GLOBAL MARKET VALIDATION AND PRODUCT OPEN HOUSE IS
TO FIELD TEST PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO SEEK TECHNICAL FEEDBACK, NOT
TO MARKET THOSE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.
PRODUCT OPEN HOUSE AND VIRTUAL DEMO DAY ARE EACH AN INVITATION-ONLY
EVENT AND THE INTENDED AUDIENCE FOR THE VIRTUAL DEMO DAY IS LIMITED
TO "ACCREDITED INVESTORS" AS DEFINED IN REGULATION D UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MEMBERS OF THE PRESS. ALL
CONTENT PROVIDED IN THE PRODUCT OPEN HOUSE IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOTHING STATED IN THE
VIRTUAL DEMO DAY SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS INVESTMENT, LEGAL, TAX OR
ACCOUNTING ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR AS AN
OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF INTEREST TO PURCHASE ANY
SECURITIES. 500 GLOBAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY
OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN SUCH EVENTS AND NO LIABILITY CAN BE
ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSIONS. INCLUSION AS A PRESENTING
COMPANY IN PRODUCT OPEN HOUSE AND VIRTUAL DEMO DAY DOES NOT
NECESSARILY CONFIRM INVESTMENT BY A 500 GLOBAL FUND IN SUCH
COMPANY. 500 GLOBAL HAS NOT TAKEN ANY ACTIONS TO QUALIFY THE
DISTRIBUTION OF THE EVENT UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE ACTION FOR THAT PURPOSE IS REQUIRED. PERSONS
OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES WHO
VIEW THE EVENT MUST OBSERVE ANY APPLICABLE LAWS AND RESTRICTIONS
RELATING TO VIEWING THIS EVENT AND ANY RELATED ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE
OF THE UNITED STATES.
1AS OF 31 DEC 2023 AND
INCLUDES PRIVATE, PUBLIC AND EXITED COMPANIES. FOR EXITED
POSITIONS, VALUATION DATE IS DATE OF EXIT. THESE FIGURES ARE
ESTIMATES, AGGREGATED ACROSS ALL PORTFOLIO COMPANIES HELD ACROSS
ALL FUNDS ADVISED BY 500 STARTUPS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC AND ITS
AFFILIATES, AND ARE BASED ON INTERNAL DATA THAT HAS NOT BEEN
EXTERNALLY VERIFIED AND RELIES ON PORTFOLIO INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY
EXTERNAL SOURCES WHICH HAS NOT BEEN VERIFIED, MAY NOT BE ACCURATE
OR UPDATED. THESE VALUATIONS ARE ESTIMATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 500
GLOBAL'S VALUATION POLICY. SEE 500.CO/COMPANIES FOR A FULL LIST OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES. PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE
RETURNS.
2ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT ("AUM") STATED HEREIN ARE
ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST $100M AND ARE
CALCULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SEC FORM ADV PART 1A INSTRUCTION 5.B.
TO INCLUDE THE CURRENT MARKET VALUE (OR FAIR VALUE) OF ALL PRIVATE
FUND ASSETS AND THE CONTRACTUAL AMOUNT OF ANY UNCALLED COMMITMENTS
TO SUCH PRIVATE FUNDS, TOGETHER WITH THE CURRENT MARKET VALUE OF
ALL OTHER SECURITIES PORTFOLIOS FOR WHICH 500 STARTUPS MANAGEMENT
COMPANY, L.L.C. OR ITS AFFILIATES PROVIDES ONGOING DISCRETIONARY
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES, WITH MARKET VALUE DETERMINED USING
THE SAME METHOD USED TO REPORT ACCOUNT VALUES TO CLIENTS OR TO
CALCULATE FEES FOR INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES. ASSETS UNDER
MANAGEMENT MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE SIGNIFICANTLY OVER TIME.
3AS OF 30 JUNE 2023.
INCLUDES LOCATION OF EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS.
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SOURCE 500 Global