HN Tokyo: price, who can join and alternatives
HN Tokyo is a networking meetup for entrepreneurs, startup founders and technologists, originally started by the founders of MakeLeaps. Its evenings at TENCUPS in Shibuya are social, with no formal presentations, though there is a chance to pitch your idea or startup to the room about halfway through. Meetup #128 ran on 19 October 2026.
HN Tokyo at a glance
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Entrepreneurs, startup founders and technologists | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Origins | Originally started by Jay and Paul, founders of MakeLeaps | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Where | TENCUPS, Shibuya, Tokyo | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Recent activity | HN Tokyo Meetup #128 on Monday 19 October 2026, 18:30 to 21:30 | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Format | A social event with no formal presentations | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Pitch slot | Attendees can pitch an idea or startup to the crowd about halfway through | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Price | ¥1,500 at the door, including one drink ticket | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Payment | The fee is paid in cash at the door | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Recruiters | Recruiters are generally not allowed | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
| Size | Its Doorkeeper community says it has 4,784 members | hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp |
Who it suits
- Founders who want a relaxed evening with other founders and technologists
- Anyone wanting to try a short pitch to a friendly room
- Founders who want an evening meetup in Shibuya
Who it doesn't suit
- Recruiters, who are generally not allowed
- People expecting talks or a structured programme
- Anyone who can't pay a small cash fee at the door
Alternatives to HN Tokyo
| Community | Price | Entry rule |
|---|---|---|
| Antler Japan | No fee; invests $150,000 (currency not named) for 10% plus a Safe | Apply online; fewer than 5% selected |
| APT Women | Not published | Apply for the annual cohort; events are free to attend |
| Drinks With Founders Tokyo | Not published | Register on Luma |
| Founders Running Club Tokyo | Not published | RSVP on Meetup |
| Google for Startups Campus Tokyo | Not published | Request to join each event on Luma |
| HerRise (Startup Lady Japan) | Free (pre-registration, limited seats) | Register on Luma; host approval required |
| Open Network Lab (Onlab) | Equity investment required for selected startups | Apply online for each batch |
| Shibuya Startup Support | Not published | Register on Luma |
Compare all 498 founder communities, each row dated.
Questions about HN Tokyo
- How much does HN Tokyo cost?
- The latest meetup charged ¥1,500 at the door, paid in cash, which included one drink ticket.
- Are there talks?
- No. It's a social event without formal presentations, but there is a moment about halfway through to pitch your idea or startup.
- Where is it held?
- Recent meetups, including #128 on 19 October 2026, were at TENCUPS in Shibuya.
- Can recruiters come?
- As a general rule, no. Recruiters have to ask the organisers for permission first.
- Website
- hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp
- Price
- ¥1,500 at the door, includes one drink
- Entry rule
- Register free on Doorkeeper, pay cash at the door
- Format
- Evening social meetups in Shibuya with an open pitch slot halfway through
- Checked
HN Tokyo isn't connected to Remote Builders. Prices and entry rules change, so check hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.