1-3 Application Guideline Market Entry

Application Guidelines for the “Global Startup Acceleration Program”
“Market Entry Program (All sector)”
1. Description
The purpose of the Global Startup Acceleration Program (hereinafter “Program”) is to
accelerate the globalization of Japanese startups to formulate strategies for overseas
expansion (Go-to-Market Strategy), overseas market development, and fundraising from
overseas investors.
This “Market Entry Program” is designed to provide startups with insights and analysis to
assess potential market opportunities and reduce risks before business expansion.
Participants will be supported in strategic decision-making through market research,
competitive analysis, and customer needs assessment. In the end of the program,
participants can demonstrate PMF, obtain repeatable partnership, and customer
development. This consequently leads to build a strong global ecosystem in Japan with top-
level overseas accelerators, angel networks, venture capitalists, and other startup ecosystem
builders (hereinafter "Accelerator(s)") The goal is to mainly aim POCs/ LOIs, and
commercial traction.
The Japan External Trade Organization (hereinafter “JETRO”) will sponsor 24 weeks of the
program to be provided by Accelerator.
2. Program Outline
JETRO will provide 24 weeks of acceleration program up to 20 startups in cooperation with
the Accelerator partner(s). The program structure and schedule may be flexibly adjusted
based on the wishes of the Accelerator(s).
Main Program: 24 weeks

Demo Day: 1-2 days
Two in-person Programs: 5-10 business days (1-2 free days* may be included)
* The definition of "free day" is intended for self-directed activities, based on concerns from
planning the BS Silicon Valley project.
a. Location
Main Program: Mainly online. About 5-10 day in-person program in Bay Area or the
location the applicant proposes (1-2 free days may be included). The schedule will be
determined by the Accelerator. However, note that not all Japanese companies
participating in the program will be able to travel. Whenever possible, the content of the
program should be provided to online participants. In case of online participation, the
schedule will consider the time difference with Japan.
b. Language
English
c. Participants
JETRO will make an open call for this program and will accept applications from startup
companies. Accelerator(s) will be involved in selecting suitable startups to participate in
the program together with JETRO. The participants' verticals are primarily B2B, B2B2C,
and SaaS. Accelerator will be required to customize the Program based on the qualified
startups’ products, services, and needs. The eligible companies will be Pre-Seed to Series
B*, who has already launched product with some traction in Japan, also ready to invest
at least 50% of 1 executive’s time for duration of program. This may include past Global
Startup Acceleration Program alumnus.
*Note: Pre-Seed to Series B is based on funding received in Japan by mostly Japanese

investors. As such, these rounds tend to be much less than Silicon Valley startups.
d. Budget
US$1,800,000 –
Please specify the pricing for each program in the proposal.
①Main Program (up to 20 startups) Minimum 10 startups US$---

*Plus US$--- per each additional startup, up to 20 startups in total.
*The cost for the additional startups will be calculated based on the 3-month
period.
②Two 5-10day in-person programs in Bay Area or the location the applicant proposes
US$--- (minimum 10 startups, up to 20 startups)
3. Program Contents
Program should include the following contents:
i. Seminar and interactive group coaching sessions

2 seminars or interactive group coaching sessions should be included each week.
Assignments will be assigned to startups for advanced efforts. The session length is
about 120 minutes including discussions.
ii. One-to-one mentoring session

Bi-weekly one-to-one mentoring sessions with industry experts should be provided
to each startup individually. More mentoring should be provided to startups who
request it or seemingly need it.
It is preferred that each startup is assigned one key mentor who is knowledgeable in
their respective fields. It would be beneficial if mentors could focus on business
strategies for overseas expansion, providing necessary advisory for in-person
programs and business arrangements.
*ⅰ and ⅱ may cover the following items:

Assessment & Business Model refinement, Value Proposition refinement, Customer
Discovery & Development, Building Go-To-Market Strategy, Business Development
& Pipeline Development, Enterprise Tech Growth Strategy.
iii. Business meetings / VC speed dating

Meetings which provide access to potential investors and partners. Arranging
business meetings with potential investors including angel investors, venture
capitalists, corporate venture capitalists and/or potential partners/clients such as
Fortune 500 companies. At least 3~5 valuable introductions per startup should be
delivered during the program. The proposal should include specific methods on how
such business arrangements will be conducted. All startups have ongoing
discussions with potential clients after the end of the program.
iv. Tactical Market Validation Efforts

Tacitical support that is designed to enhance the operational efficiency of startups
across various industries by engaging local professional support. These professionals
provide strategic assistance with tasks such as building contact databases,
developing ideal project profiles, optimizing online profiles, setting up management
systems, editing promotional materials, and preparing for major industry events.
Startups will access this support 1-2 hours weekly accumulating up to 48 hours. The
program includes monthly reports tracking the completion and impact of the
support provided, ensuring tailored and effective assistance.
v. Demo Day
An online / hybrid Demo Day at the final stage of the acceleration program.
Accelerator will include the information below in the proposal:
- Expected Number of participants
- Invited VIP including top-tier VCs, key opinion leaders, influencers, media
- Private (invitation only) or public
- With judges or without judges
- Pre-recorded or Live
- Online or hybrid (online/offline)
All startup pitches should be recorded and archived with their pitch deck after the
event. The archived link should be distributed to Accelerator’s investor network after
the event if the startups opt in to share their pitch videos.
vi. In-person Program

The in-person program structured to encompass introductions and pitching,
workshops on networking and market validation tactics, interactive discussions with
VCs, and a session highlighting direct feedback sessions, refine their pitches, and
prepare for a final showcase with enterprise buyers.
vii. PR & Marketing

Building a PR brand for the program and participating companies and developing
communications that resonate across investors, potential customers and business
partners. (Ex. Perfecting pitch deck, marketing materials for global audiences,
advertising materials). Materials to be distributed to Accelerator(s) networks via
newsletter, social media, etc.
4. Conditions for the Contractor(s) engaged in the project
a. Has an established organizational structure and capabilities to manage and complete the
project properly. Has a global network, and knowledge necessary for the implementation
of the project.
b. Can promptly share any changes or updates that might impact the arrangement process.
c. Will conduct regular internal meetings with JETRO to report on the business progress
of each participating company.
d. Has broad and effective experience of implementation of acceleration programs in the
world. Has experience of building up unicorns in the past five years(desirable).
e. Has investment arms and has close connections with world top tier VCs.
f. Can adhere to JETRO’s requests, as well as report to, communicate with, and consult
with JETRO in an adequate manner. Can present efficient data for the program
evaluation.
g. Has knowledge and systems/tools for handling confidential and/or personal information
accordingly.
h. Can comply with applicable laws and regulations, especially the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act and state unfair competition laws.
i. Is willing to invest in Japan and establish an entity in Japan(desirable). * Contact JETRO
SF, if considering investing in Japan, forming a fund, or partnering with a Japanese
company. JETRO is considering Equity Model acceleration programs.
5. Term of contract
The term of the contract is from the contract start date through March 19, 2025.
6. Payment
In compensation for the services to be provided by Accelerator(s) to JETRO, JETRO shall
pay a total amount to Accelerator(s) in two payments.
The first half payment will be made by JETRO to Accelerator(s) upon execution of this
agreement. This will be half the amount of the maximum possible value of the contract.
The second half payment will be made by JETRO to Accelerator(s) upon the completion of
program and receipt of final report and invoice from Accelerator(s) and will be the actual
value minus the first amount JETRO paid to Accelerator(s). Payment will be made by wire
transfer to Accelerator(s) bank account designated by Accelerator(s) in writing.
Necessary adjustments will be made according to the number of participants and in-person
program in Bay Area.
<For reference>
About the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

The Cabinet Office is enhancing Japan’s Innovation and formulated "Beyond Limits. Unlock Our
Potential. -Strategies for creation of startup ecosystem to compete with the world top
ecosystems-" (https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/openinnovation/ecosystem/).
In line with this strategy, the cabinet office has selected eight areas (Hokkaido, Sendai, Tokyo
region, Nagoya region, Kansai region, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka), as Startup cities and providing
startup support the programs vigorously. (https://www.j-startup-city.go.jp/)
About JETRO
JETRO is a government organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment
between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese
exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign
direct investment into Japan and helping Japanese startups and scaleups maximize their global
potential.

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Application Guidelines for the “Global Startup Acceleration Program”

“Market Entry Program (All sector)”

Main Program: 24 weeks

*Note: Pre-Seed to Series B is based on funding received in Japan by mostly Japanese

Please specify the pricing for each program in the proposal.

①Main Program (up to 20 startups) Minimum 10 startups US$---

i. Seminar and interactive group coaching sessions

ii. One-to-one mentoring session

*ⅰ and ⅱ may cover the following items:

iii. Business meetings / VC speed dating

iv. Tactical Market Validation Efforts

vi. In-person Program

vii. PR & Marketing

4. Conditions for the Contractor(s) engaged in the project

About the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

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