Techstars Tokyo Accelerator: price, who can join and alternatives
Techstars Tokyo is a three-month accelerator, powered by Mitsui Fudosan and JETRO Startup, that helps founders from Japan and abroad scale beyond borders. It is especially interested in deep tech, fintech, clean tech and climate tech, and offers a standard investment in exchange for equity. Its August 2026 class showcased in Shibuya on 30 October 2026, and it also runs founder and VC networking nights.
Techstars Tokyo Accelerator at a glance
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Ambitious founders who want to scale beyond borders | techstars.com |
| Backers | Powered by Mitsui Fudosan and JETRO Startup | techstars.com |
| Format | An intensive three-month programme | techstars.com |
| Focus | Especially deep tech, fintech, clean tech and climate tech | techstars.com |
| Investment | Invests $120,000 (currency not named) | techstars.com |
| Equity | Techstars takes 5% common stock plus the Safe's future value | techstars.com |
| Recent activity | Announced its Class of 2026 | techstars.com |
| Showcase | August 2026 class showcase in Shibuya on 30 October 2026 (date from Luma page code) | luma.com |
| Networking | Founder and VC networking night in Shibuya on 28 October 2026 (date from Luma page code) | luma.com |
Who it suits
- Founders in deep tech, fintech, clean tech or climate tech
- International founders expanding into Japan
- Teams ready to give up equity for investment and mentors
Who it doesn't suit
- Founders who don't want to give up equity
- Founders who can't commit to an intensive three-month programme
- Anyone looking for a casual social group
Alternatives to Techstars Tokyo Accelerator
| 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 |
| HN Tokyo | ¥1,500 at the door, includes one drink | Register free on Doorkeeper, pay cash at the door |
| Open Network Lab (Onlab) | Equity investment required for selected startups | Apply online for each batch |
Compare all 498 founder communities, each row dated.
Questions about Techstars Tokyo Accelerator
- How long is Techstars Tokyo?
- Three months.
- How much does it invest?
- The page lists $120,000 (currency not named), made up of a $100,000 uncapped MFN Safe or J-KISS and $20,000 via a Convertible Equity Agreement.
- How much equity does Techstars take?
- 5% of the company in common stock, plus the future value of the Safe.
- Does it run open events?
- Yes. A founder and VC networking night ran in Shibuya on 28 October 2026, and its August 2026 class showcased on 30 October 2026.
- Website
- techstars.com
- Price
- No fee published; invests $120,000 (currency not named) for equity
- Entry rule
- Apply online; selective
- Format
- Three-month mentorship-driven accelerator with investment, plus networking nights in Shibuya
- Checked
Techstars Tokyo Accelerator isn't connected to Remote Builders. Prices and entry rules change, so check techstars.com before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.