Applications open for J-StarX Silicon Valley Extended Program (Japan)

The 11-week program, split between Tokyo and the US, focuses on global market validation, global VCs attraction, and strategic business growth through workshops and personalized mentoring.

The program is designed to help Pre-Seed to Series A startups in Japan (tech-driven and/or tech-enabled) accelerate their globalization.

Program Phases

• Phase 1:
  • Mindset Development & Pitch Preparation:
    • Startups will participate in an intensive 5-day bootcamp led by global mentors, pitch preparation through 1:1 and group mentoring, and a 3-minute pitch presentation to a selection panel to evaluate readiness for market expansion. Those startups demonstrating market expansion readiness will move on to Phase 2.
• Phase 2:
  • In-Depth Preparation:
    • Phase 2 builds mindset and tactical readiness through mentorship, goal-setting, outreach planning, social media visibility, and hands-on preparation for global validation.
    • Selected startups for Phase 2 will prepare for their upcoming travel to the US by honing in on key areas like sales, marketing, and product development, customized to each startup’s needs. Startups focus on creating an outreach list and a strategic plan for international expansion with guidance from dedicated growth coaches.
• Phase 3:
  • Global Market Validation:
    • During phase 3, startups will travel to Silicon Valley to deepen their learnings through various workshops, panel discussions, guest speakers, group activities, office hours, and 1:1 mentoring sessions to further support their international expansion efforts.
    • As part of Phase 3, startups will participate in an in-person event, where startups will demo their products and build their networks with stakeholders in the ecosystem to build traction.
    • They will also be filming for the Virtual Demo Day where startups will present their company to a global network of audiences including local and international partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.
    • This phase is crucial as it validates the suitability of startups’ products for a global audience.
• Phase 4:
  • Follow Up Support:
    • Support continues after the US-leg of the Program with a debrief and roadmap for next steps. Furthermore, startups will continue to check-in to discuss progress, participate in community events and receive coaching support as needed to help sustain momentum for outcomes in their market expansion efforts.

Benefits

• The program offers founders:
  • Global Mindset & Fundraising Strategies:
    • Gain insights through tailored workshops and mentoring sessions led by local experts, focusing on global scalability. Learn about global fundraising including investment criteria and language to meet global standards, and attract international VCs.
  • Accelerate Global Expansion & Global Market Validation:
    • Access tools, frameworks, and participate in an in-person event and Virtual Demo Day to build global networks, and fine-tune your product/service to facilitate global growth.
  • Access to Global Networks:
    • Tap into 500 Global’s extensive network of experts, mentors, VCs, and startups who have deep knowledge and experience in global market expansion. Leverage this network to gain valuable insights and strategic guidance, helping you navigate international markets more effectively.
  • On-Ground Support:
    • Receive in-person guidance to craft a robust product growth strategy through lectures, workshops, and user feedback sessions to ensure your product evolves in alignment with global standards, positioning your startup for sustained growth in international markets.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ideal Candidates:
  • Japan-based startups incorporated in Japan
  • Startups with a working product and demonstrated traction
  • Have an established and solid team
  • Proficient in written and spoken English (program is delivered in English)
  • Able to commit at least 50% of 1 executive’s time for the entire duration of the program.

For more information, visit 500 Global.