This program helps international investors back Japanese startups in Food Tech, AI/Robotics and Climate Tech. Investors pitch their fund to curated startups, set up a base at CIC Tokyo, and receive deal flow and co-investor introductions.
1. Program purpose
The program is sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and run by CIC Tokyo. It supports overseas investors with no presence in Japan yet: they set up a base in Tokyo, meet Japanese startups and connect with local co-investors.
Your base in Tokyo: a dedicated community room with flexible coworking access inside CIC Tokyo.
The living room at CIC Tokyo.
2. Program overview
| Support | Details | ||||||
| ① Reverse pitch | Pitch your fund to curated Japanese startups. | ||||||
| ② Tokyo base | A private room at CIC Tokyo for up to 3 months, with coworking access and free advisory sessions. | ||||||
| ③ Deal flow | A startup shortlist matched to your investment focus. | ||||||
| ④ Co-investors | Introductions to Japanese LPs, CVCs and VCs. | ||||||
Meet co-investors and founders at Venture Café gatherings.
3. Focus sectors and events
Pitch your fund to curated Japanese startups at a reverse pitch, then meet founders in person.
| Sector | Date | Location | Content | ||||
| Food Tech | Nov 5, 2026 (Thu) 19:00 |
Otemon Tower, Otemachi, Tokyo + Online | Reverse pitch Networking with founders Register here (link: https://peatix.com/event/5199114)) |
||||
| AI/Robotics | May 2027 (TBA) | TBA | Reverse pitch Networking with founders |
||||
| Climate Tech | May 2027 (TBA) | TBA | Reverse pitch Networking with founders |
Founders and investors on stage at a CIC Tokyo event.
Hybrid events, in person and streamed online.
4. Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- VC, CVC or other active investor interested in Japanese startups
- No legal entity or presence in Japan yet
- Investing in Food Tech, AI/Robotics or Climate Tech
5. FAQ
Q. Is there a fee?
A. No. The pitch slot, up to 3 months of coworking, startup introductions and advisory sessions are free. Travel and other costs outside the program are paid by the participant.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. VCs, CVCs and other active investors focused on Food Tech, AI/Robotics or Climate Tech, with no legal entity in Japan yet.
Q. Do I need to be in Tokyo?
A. Not for the reverse pitch. Events are hybrid, in person and streamed online.
Q. How long does support last?
A. Up to 3 months, with flexible timing through the end of 2027.
Q. How many spots are there?
A. 3 to 5 investors per reverse pitch. Up to 4 investors receive market-entry support.
Let’s talk
Sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Operated by CIC Tokyo.
