Shibuya Startup Support: A Gateway for Global Entrepreneurs
Overview of the Initiative
Shibuya Startup Support is an initiative launched by the Shibuya City Office with the aim of welcoming startups from Japan and around the world and providing them with an environment in which they can establish and scale their businesses smoothly. Shibuya has long been recognized as a hub where culture, technology, and business intersect, and many creative and technology-driven companies have chosen the district as their base. Leveraging this unique local ecosystem, Shibuya Startup Support seeks to enhance the district's role as a gateway for entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand their ventures in Japan.
Shibuya’s Position as a Startup Hub
The program was established in response to Shibuya’s growing significance within Tokyo, which is increasingly becoming one of Asia’s major startup hubs. As a district known for its vibrant youth culture, global corporate presence, and dense concentration of technology and creative industries, Shibuya provides an environment where new ideas and business models can flourish. Shibuya Startup Support was formed to enable entrepreneurs to fully harness this environment, removing procedural hurdles and creating a supportive framework that allows both domestic and international startups to operate with confidence.
Support Services for International and Domestic Startups
Shibuya Startup Support offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of emerging companies. For international entrepreneurs, navigating Japan’s administrative procedures, legal structures, and cultural norms can pose significant challenges. To address this, the program provides English-language business support, guidance on administrative processes, assistance with company registration, and access to consultation services. Startups are also connected to Shibuya’s extensive network of companies, universities, accelerators, and coworking spaces, enabling them to integrate quickly into the district’s ecosystem and establish critical connections.
Fundraising, Mentorship, and Business Growth
To further support the growth of startups, the program facilitates opportunities for fundraising and mentorship. By introducing startups to investors, venture capital firms, and industry experts, Shibuya Startup Support helps founders acquire the resources, funding, and strategic knowledge necessary for scaling their businesses. The program also collaborates with local enterprises and public institutions to create opportunities for joint projects, promotional activities, and community engagement, offering a supportive framework throughout the various stages of company development.
Shibuya as a Catalyst for Innovation
Shibuya’s dynamic character, shaped by constant innovation and cultural exchange, makes it an ideal location for entrepreneurs seeking a space to experiment and grow. The district’s mix of global business presence, creative industries, and community-driven initiatives creates an environment where diverse ideas can take shape. Shibuya Startup Support amplifies this environment by providing a structured support system backed by local government, ensuring that startups have the tools they need to build sustainable and globally competitive businesses.
Contribution to Shibuya’s Global Expansion
By fostering collaboration, providing access to resources, and supporting both early-stage and expanding companies, Shibuya Startup Support is contributing to the district’s evolution as an international innovation hub. As the global startup ecosystem continues to expand, the program stands as a vital link between Shibuya and the world, supporting entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business, technology, and culture.
Shibuya Startup Support is an initiative launched by Shibuya City Office to invite startup businesses (whether in Japan or from abroad) to Shibuya. Think of Shibuya as a gateway to help people establish and expand their business in Shibuya as smoothly as possible.
