Alchemist Japan

About this scheme

Alchemist Japan is a leading Tokyo-based accelerator program specifically tailored for promising early-stage enterprise technology startups with significant global potential. The program is an initiative of Alchemist Accelerator, a globally recognized entity with a strong track record in nurturing B2B startups. Alchemist Accelerator leverages its extensive network across Silicon Valley and international markets to connect entrepreneurs with crucial resources, strategic partners, and investors, significantly enhancing their market reach and growth opportunities. The Japan program is designed for distinctive, deeply technical, B2B-focused founding teams committed to building companies that can achieve global scale.

The program provides a direct investment, typically up to $100,000 USD, with standard terms offering a net $70,000 USD in exchange for 8% equity. These investment terms are flexible and are customized based on the startup's current stage and specific needs. The funding structure often combines common stock with a capped J-KISS for Japanese-incorporated companies or a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) for US-incorporated entities. This arrangement also includes Alchemist's right to participate in subsequent funding rounds, ensuring ongoing partnership. This capital injection is strategically aimed at accelerating product development, market penetration, and overall operational scaling for the participating startups.

Beyond financial investment, Alchemist Japan delivers extensive non-monetary support. This encompasses a structured curriculum featuring intensive coaching sessions, personalized mentorship from a diverse global network of seasoned experts from both Japan and Silicon Valley, and practical workshops. These workshops cover critical areas such as customer development, effective business model creation, and advanced techniques for pitching to venture capitalists. Participants gain perpetual access to Alchemist's exclusive alumni and mentor network, receive complimentary access to modern co-working facilities in Tokyo during the initial program phase, and benefit from dedicated fundraising assistance. A key advantage for successful graduates is automatic admission to Alchemist's prestigious six-month San Francisco-based flagship program, facilitating continued international expansion and access to the US market.

Who can apply

• : Startups must be early-stage, typically with initial traction or a well-defined prototype, and exclusively focused on the enterprise market (Business-to-Business, B2B, or Business-to-Business-to-Consumer, B2B2C). This focus ensures alignment with Alchemist's expertise and network in the B2B ecosystem.
• : Founding teams are expected to be distinctive, possessing deep technical expertise relevant to their chosen enterprise technology. This technical depth is crucial for developing innovative solutions that address complex B2B challenges.
• : Each founding team must include individuals with strong business acumen, whether as dedicated business co-founders or experienced advisors. This ensures a balanced approach to product development and market strategy.
• : Applicants must demonstrate clear aspirations and a strategic vision to build a global-scale company. The program specifically targets startups with international ambition, offering pathways to expand beyond Japan.
• : Active and mandatory participation in the entire three-month in-person acceleration program in Tokyo, Japan, is a core requirement. This ensures founders fully leverage the immersive learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided.

Benefits & funding

• Up to $100,000 USD direct investment ($70,000 net for 8% equity), flexible terms (J-KISS/SAFE).
• Benefits include intensive coaching, personalized mentorship from global experts, workshops (customer development, business models, pitching), perpetual access to alumni and mentor networks, co-working facilities in Tokyo, dedicated fundraising assistance, and automatic admission to the San Francisco flagship program for US market access.

Frequently asked questions