Since our first investment in Japan in 2010, 500 Global has built a portfolio of 55+ Japan-based companies, while supporting the development of the local ecosystem through accelerator programs and venture education initiatives.
By supporting international expansion efforts, our portfolio has achieved global exits and landmark valuations. We work in partnership with founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers across the country to support scalable, global growth and contribute to the long-term development of Japan’s innovation ecosystem.
We made our first investment in Japan in 2010 and began deploying our first dedicated regional fund in 2016. We have gone on to invest in 55+ companies, including Japan’s most valuable unicorn.
500 Global is an active venture investor and ecosystem partner in Japan, working alongside founders, investors, corporates, and public institutions shaping the country’s innovation economy. Since our first investment in 2010, we have backed 58 Japanese startups through our global and country funds, supporting companies from early development through scale and, for some, to global exits.
In partnership with national and local governments, we have delivered 15+ accelerator programs and venture education initiatives training 110+ investors, while supporting 350+ startups in achieving product-market fit, scaling within Japan, and expanding internationally. As Japan’s startup ecosystem continues to mature—marked by strong public-sector commitment, record IPO and M&A activity, and the emergence of regional innovation hubs—we are committed to working within the ecosystem to strengthen talent pipelines, advance AI adoption, and connect local innovation to global markets.
500 Global’s first investment in Japan - Gengo.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
Launched first international market expansion program, X-Hub Tokyo Singapore Course, with JETRO and Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
Launched 500 Founder Academy with the City of Kobe.
Launched Accelerate Aichi by 500 Global with the Aichi Prefecture.
Hosted “Shaping the Future of AI” pitch competition with the Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem.
500 Global Portfolio Company Paidy was acquired by PayPal for ~ $2.7 billion.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
Launched VC Unlocked: Tokyo with JETRO and Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Launched second international market expansion program, J-StarX Silicon Valley Extended Program by 500 Global, with JETRO.
500 Global Portfolio Company Sakana AI becomes Japan’s fastest unicorn.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
Launched VC: Unlocked Intensive Silicon Valley for Japanese investors
Accelerated 350+ Japanese startups to date, across AI, deep tech, B2B SaaS, mobility, sustainability, education, consumer tech and more.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
By connecting Japanese founders to our global ecosystem, we support companies scaling beyond Japan while remaining grounded in local market insight and cultural strengths.
Regionally based portfolio companies.
Founders supported across Japan
Venture Education Alumni
Of ecosystem support.
The J-StarX Silicon Valley Extended Program, delivered in partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), is an immersive initiative designed to support Japanese startups in building global readiness. Delivered across Tokyo and the United States, the 11-week program focuses on validating international market fit, strengthening engagement with global venture capital, and supporting strategic growth.
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Designed for emerging venture capitalists and investors, Venture Capital Unlocked by 500 Global, delivered in partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, provides practical training and network access that strengthen local investment capabilities and advance Tokyo’s position as a leading venture capital hub.
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The Playbook emerged from a structured cross-border initiative launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and 500 Global
It was developed by Japanese venture capital investors who participated in VC Unlocked Intensive: Silicon Valley — an immersive engagement into the operating norms, capital formation models, and decision-making culture of U.S. venture capital.
ogether, the collaboration sought not only to deepen mutual understanding, but to build durable pathways for capital, trust, and long-term co-investment between the U.S. and Japan innovation ecosystem.
Download the Playbook
Sakana AI: Investing in Global Pioneers in AI
In a no-holds-barred convo with 500 Global’s Khailee Ng, we unpack the emotional, economic, and ecosystem-wide challenges currently plaguing Southeast Asia’s startup scene.
Khailee throws down an open challenge to us all: want out? Stack your leverage, play smarter kung fu, and stop being a crab in the tub.
Sit down with Vishal Harnal, Managing Partner of 500 Global, to find out what it's like being a venture capitalist, why he still invests in companies with only 1% chance of making it big, and the importance of enjoying what you do.
Watch Tulika Raj, co-founder of Singapore startup SunGreenH2, deliver a smooth pitch to 500 Global’s Vishal Harnal about her mission to decarbonise polluting industries using green hydrogen.
We celebrate our three-year collaboration with Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). Together, we have worked toward a shared goal: strengthening Egypt’s innovation ecosystem in ways that advance national priorities around digital transformation, while creating commercially investable opportunities with global potential.
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