#015 - Pay Close Attention to these Tech Startups

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WHAT IS
Japan’s Startup Scene Looking Like?

Navigating the bustling tech startup scene in Japan can be as exhilarating as it is challenging.

Just like finding the right job boards or understanding the unique recruiting culture in Japan, diving into the startup ecosystem requires a keen eye for innovation and trends.

Today, we're spotlighting some of the freshest faces on the block, showcasing how they're making waves across various sectors.

Don’t sleep on these new exciting startups in Tokyo.

GO: Japan's Favorite Taxi App

Launched in 2020, GO has quickly risen to become Japan's go-to taxi application, simplifying how residents and tourists alike navigate the country's complex urban landscapes.

Their innovative approach to matching riders with the ideal taxi options and ensuring the shortest, least disruptive routes has resonated widely, securing a significant $72.1 million in funding as of May 2023 to fuel further expansion.

For some extra context, taxi’s have been a huge lobby force in Japan, which made it extremely difficult for Uber to find their hold on the Japanese market.

The fact that GO is quickly making waves and rapidly growing in Japan shows their understanding of the Japanese market and appeals to their distinct culture around ridesharing.

Playco: Pioneers of Instant Gaming

Another standout from 2020, Playco, is redefining mobile gaming by eliminating the need for external downloads.

Their focus on instant gaming experiences has not only attracted gamers but also caught the attention of investors, helping the company secure a whopping $100 million in funding to support its vision.

They have already hit over 100 million users. their growth is insane!

FinTech Innovations with PayPay

In the realm of FinTech, PayPay has become a success story, showcasing the potential of digital payments in Japan.

Their mobile payment platform has seen rapid adoption, and their support for startups through an acceleration program demonstrates a commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for financial technology innovations.

Considering that PayPay is a co-founded venture between Yahoo! Japan and Softbank, it doesn’t take much understanding to see how they have grown so quickly.

It has always been hard for Japan to move to cashless payment options and PayPay seems to have completely flopped that on its head.

Even in the countryside you will see family owned stores leveraging PayPay!

Emerging Stars in Diverse Fields

A few other startups making headlines include Spiral.AI, a company revolutionizing business operations with customized Chat GPT platforms founded in 2023, and Minto, established in 2022, which supports manga and anime creators with marketing and intellectual property solutions.

Then there's FactBase, which, since its inception in 2022, has been providing localized marketing knowledge essential for penetrating the Japanese market .

These startups represent just a glimpse into Japan's dynamic tech scene, which is increasingly characterized by its diversity in innovation across sectors such as AI, gaming, FinTech, and beyond.

Each is a testament to the country's growing reputation as a hub for technological advancement and startup culture.

As always, navigating the startup ecosystem, much like finding the perfect job opportunity, requires diligence, the right connections, and a deep understanding of the market's nuances.

Japan's tech startups are not just reshaping industries domestically; they're setting the stage for global impact.

Keep an eye on these emerging names as they grow, innovate, and challenge the status quo.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
10X - Fulfillment for Super Markets

Company Mission
“Find the issue that one person in front of you is facing,

and continue to deeply question the essence of the problem.

Not for improvement, but for fundamental solutions

We will bring a market impact that will change the structure of society.

An issue within a one-meter radius and a huge market.

We create products at the intersection of the two,

and deliver 10x, a discontinuous growth, to the society.”

Notes
Their main product is called Stailer, which helps local supermarkets find an easier way to fulfill and organize.

Useful links

• 10X Website

• 10X Blog

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