How it started
In Spring 2023 we noticed there are 6 companies in the world worth trillion dollars or more, but none yet that were started in East Asia or Japan. That’s why we set out to build a place for internationally ambitious entrepreneurship built here in Tokyo. In June 2023 we proudly hosted the first ever Takeoff Tokyo conference.
How we make it happen
The 2023 main event and side events attracted 800+ unique participants over 2 main days and several . We had over 100 volunteers helping us to make it happen and most of our current team started as volunteers. Our mission is to connect Japanese and global startup ecosystems and build global success stories from Tokyo. In short, we aspire to be an international terminal of startups.
Our Team
Great things are born when ambitious young minds combine with knowledge of veterans. That’s why we have a young 12-person team. Our team is internationally ambitious and Takeoff Tokyo 2023 attracted 100 volunteers from more than 40 universities in Japan.
Pitch contest
One of the great opportunities for startups in our event is the pitch contest. Before the event, we offer training sessions for startups and during the main event, you have a short slot to convince judges and the audience that your company will be the next big thing. The pitch contest is split between 2 days of qualifiers and semi-finals. Startups that fill the below criteria fit the pitch contest
- Startup founded in 2020 or later
- Have ownership in the company you are pitching
- Seeking early-stage funding
- Have a product prototype
If any of these sound like you, this is your moment.
Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for Takeoff
Is your startup looking for an investor? Or your fund an LP? Or planning to find a job at a startup? Maybe corporate partners? Our matchmaking system will allow you to meet the people you want to meet. Networking is something that we value and we want to be a place where you find your next partners.