Are you interested in discovering some of the most exciting startups in Japan? If so, then get ready to be blown away as we explore the incredible innovation happening within this burgeoning startup scene.
From AI-powered robot companions to health tech solutions - innovative minds have been busy creating modern wonders. With bright and passionate people leading the way, we'll take a close look at what these ambitious entrepreneurs are doing to help shape our future.
Japan's startup ecosystem is ranked 18th in the world.- Source: StartupBlink
Read on for an inspiring list of top startups in Japan that are sure to catch your eye!
Top Startups in Japan (2024-List)
Here are the top startups in Japan:
1. Ubie
Founders: Abe Yoshinori, Kubo Kota
Total Funding Amount: $77.7M
Founded Year: 2017
Ubie, a Tokyo-based health-tech startup, is revolutionizing the way to access medical advice by providing AI-based healthcare products, hospital SaaS products, and AI-powered symptom checkers. With technology constantly advancing, Ubie is bridging the gap between patients and doctors by promoting more efficient and accurate solutions, improving patient outcomes, and shifting the focus toward proactive healthcare management.
2. PayPay
Total Funding Amount: ¥53.5B
Founded Year: 2018
PayPay has revolutionized the way people make payments online, offering a fast, secure, and easy solution for all your transaction needs. Whether you're buying groceries at the store or shopping online, PayPay makes it possible to pay with just a few taps of your phone.
3. LegalForce
Founders: Nozomu Tsunoda, Ogasawara Masataka
Total Funding Amount: ¥18.3B
Founded Year: 2017
LegalForce is transforming the way contracts are managed with its innovative technology. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, LegalForce provides top-of-the-line contract review support services that help organizations streamline their operations. The platform's cutting-edge software is capable of efficiently and accurately analyzing contracts, flagging any potential areas of risk and offering solutions.
4. oVice
Founders: Sae Hyung Jung
Total Funding Amount: $48.8M
Founded Year: 2020
oVice serves as a platform that enables individuals to gather and socialize in one place, all while moving and speaking as their avatars. The sense of immersion that oVice provides is unparalleled, giving people the opportunity to connect with others on a level that transcends the physical realm.
5. Terra Drone
Founders: Toru Tokushige
Total Funding Amount: $94.2M
Founded Year: 2016
Terra Drone is one of the industry's leading manufacturers for drones and software. Based in Japan's bustling city of Tokyo, Terra Drone has been able to create an impressive reputation for themselves with their revolutionary use of drones. Not only do they provide high-quality and efficient drones, but they also offer civil engineering surveying services to construction companies and analyze the data gathered.
6. CADDi
Founders: Daiki Yukimatsu, Kobashi Akifumi, Yushiro Kato
Total Funding Amount: ¥20.9B
Founded Year: 2017
CADDi is more than just an online ordering platform, it's a game-changer for the manufacturing industry. Their innovative Realize DX technology provides businesses with a complete solution for tracking industrial products throughout the supply chain. Not only does CADDi offer a wide range of goods, but they also provide software that enables businesses to reduce procurement expenses and improve quality, cost, and delivery (QCD).
7. Atonarp
Founders: Prakash Murthy, Tomoyoshi Sato
Total Funding Amount: $101.5M
Founded Year: 2010
Atonarp is revolutionizing the world of chemical composition analysis with its Smart Spectrometer. By combining electronics and data processing algorithms, they have created a solution that offers breakthrough improvements in cost, size, accuracy, and maintenance-free operation without requiring expensive carrier gases. This technology is especially exciting for manufacturers of gas-composition analysis instruments, such as field-based gas chromatography equipment.
8. Playco
Founders: Justin Waldron, Michael Carter, Takeshi Otsuka, Teddy Cross
Total Funding Amount: $143.5M
Founded Year: 2020
As the online gaming industry continues to grow at lightning speed, Playco has emerged as a cutting-edge instant-play gaming company that stands out from the crowd. Unlike many companies that focus on individual games, Playco takes a different approach by developing games that can be played by billions of people worldwide.
9. BitStar
Founders: Taku Watanabe
Total Funding Amount: ¥2.9B
Founded Year: 2014
BitStar is an EnterTech company that brings a refreshing approach to content creation and management. With their proprietary data and technology, BitStar has empowered video creators to take their content to new heights and reach a wider audience than ever before. They understand that engaging content is essential in today's digital world and they are committed to ensuring that their clients' creations stand out from the crowd.
10. Rapyuta Robotics
Founders: Arudchelvan Krishnamoorthy, Dominique Hunziker, Gajamohan Mohanarajah
Total Funding Amount: ¥10.3B
Founded Year: 2014
The world of robotics has evolved significantly in recent years, and Rapyuta Robotics is at the forefront of this advancement. As a global technology startup, they specialize in developing cloud robotics solutions that have the potential to revolutionize industries and change the way we work. Their innovative technologies and cutting-edge solutions demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the capabilities of robots and unlocking their full potential.
11. Tier IV
Founders: Shinpei Kato
Total Funding Amount: $309.3M
Founded Year: 2015
Tier IV focused on developing intelligent vehicles using advanced research and development techniques. Specifically, Tier IV is known for their cutting-edge open-source software called Autoware which they have successfully applied to last-mile driverless mobility and logistics.
Most Asked Questions
1. Is Japan good for startups in 2024?
With Japan being a land of innovation and cutting-edge technology, one might wonder if it's a good place to launch a startup. Well, the answer is a resounding yes! Japan, with its advanced technological infrastructure and thriving economy, is a hotbed of opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to launch their startups. The government is extending its support in terms of funding and facilities, and the business landscape is increasingly becoming friendly for startups. The nation's focus on technology and innovation is attracting investors, and the startup ecosystem in Japan is constantly growing.
The Japanese startup ecosystem has been steadily improving in recent years, thanks to the involvement of central and local governments, as well as the support of industry players.
2. What are the most successful startups in Japan?
In recent years, several startups have emerged in Japan that have quickly risen to the top of their respective industries, carving out a unique niche for themselves along the way. From the mobile payment app PayPay to the healthcare platform Ubie and the legal services provider LegalForce, these companies have all found a way to stand out from the pack and capture the attention of investors and consumers alike. It's clear that these dynamic startups are poised for continued success, and they serve as a reminder of the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Japan.
3. What are the advantages of starting a business in Japan?
With its bustling cities, innovative technology, and rich culture, Japan has a lot to offer entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses. But what specifically are the advantages of starting a business in Japan? For one, Japan's economy is consistently ranked as one of the largest in the world, providing a stable foundation for businesses to thrive. Additionally, the country boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce, as well as a strong focus on technological innovation. Japan also has a reputation for being business-friendly, with streamlined processes for registering a company and obtaining necessary licenses. And let's not forget the cultural appeal – Japan's unique aesthetic and style have proven popular both domestically and abroad, providing ample opportunities for businesses in the fields of fashion, design, and tourism. All in all, there are numerous advantages to starting a business in Japan – from a strong economy to a supportive environment – making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to build their dreams.