500 Global’s Japan initiative invites startups worldwide for landing pad program

500 Global‘s joint initiative with the Aichi prefecture in Japan has opened up applications for international startups to join its landing pad program.

Photo credit: 500 Startups

Through the Accelerate Aichi initiative, the program will help participating startups fine-tune their marketing strategies for Japan, network with business partners in the country, and pitch to potential clients in the Aichi prefecture.

The 10-week program is designed for growth-stage firms looking to expand their footprint in Japan and promote collaborations with businesses in the prefecture, known to be a manufacturing hub in the country.

Selected firms will get to know the local market and refine their go-to-market strategy by engaging in activities. The final two weeks of the landing pad program will focus on capital growth strategy and preparing pitches, which will then be presented to industry stakeholders and prospective clients during a demo day.

Applications for the landing pad program are open until October 22, 2021.

The announcement comes after 500 Global, previously 500 Startups, named 20 Japanese startups to be part of its first Accelerate Aichi growth program cohort earlier this month.

Besides this, Accelerate Aichi also offers a four-day corporate innovation program, designed for executives and innovation teams to partner with startups and drive collaboration.

500 Global announced its rebranding earlier this month, which was tied to the closing of its new US$140 million flagship fund.