Innovation Course
@Los Angeles / Silicon Valley

FY2024 Activity Report

2024年度の応募はこちら

Accomplishments

OUTPUT
19
Activities per startup

Average number of startup activities conducted during the program period, such as market research and meetings with potential partners/investors.

※Excluding seminars and one-on-one sessions provided by the Beyond Japan Program

OUTCOME
13

The number of achieved outcomes post-program such as various contract signings, personnel recruitments and establishment of bases outside of Japan

1 successful fundraising achievement, 7 successfully signed contracts (New business / partnerships), 2 new US offices established / opened, 1 US local hires recruited in the US, and 2 Other Acceleralators Programs outside of Japan

Satisfaction
4.2

/5

Number of Participants: 14 people from 13 startups
Training Programs in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley
Pitch event for local investors held at the official residence of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Matching support in cooperation with LAEDC (Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation)
Some participating startups have been able to conclude various contracts with US companies and establish an office in the US, mainly in California

Program Schedule
(PST)

01. Selection / Interview

6/1~7/31

Individual online interviews in English (5-minute pitch and 10-minute Q&A) were conducted by Plug and Play and LaunchStarz those who passed the document screening stage

02. Domestic program (Online)

8/19~9/20

Provided 1 on 1 mentoring and workshops (3 times each) by local professionals
Eliminated any doubts about entering the American market and helped startups check in advance for any possible barriers or points of contention
Held "Design Thinking" Sessions such as practical methods for customer acquisition, problem solving, and idea verification

03. Local program

2 week course: 9/30~10/11

4 week course: 10/14~10/25

Startups had the option to choose the length of their stay in the US from 2 weeks or 4 weeks
This program was held in two cities: Los Angeles, where many potential customers and partners for business expansion are located, and Silicon Valley, where investors are located
In addition to the two course options above, LaunchStarz provided a special one-week program to a group of young entrepreneurs selected based on their business potential. All startups showed rapid growth and development after just one week of training
2024度現地プログラムの様子

01. Individual 1on1 mentoring

Participants selected one mentor from a wide variety of mentors according to their needs
Individual mentoring was provided twice a week in one hour sessions

Beyond Japan 01. 個別1on1 メンタリングの参加者集合写真

02. Various sessions

In addition to the necessities for business development in the United States through workshops, Expert advice sessions on law, taxes, HR and more wre set up and provided through LaunchStarz' netowrk and ecosystem

Beyond Japanのワークショップの実際の様子

03. Event

Provided pitch events to the startups which gave them an opportunity to networking with investors and local companies in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley
These events and introduction of investors and local companies were provided by Plug and Play and LaunchStarz

Beyond Japan でシリコンバレーにて行われたイベントの様子
Beyond Japan Innovation プログラムに参加した方々の集合写真Beyond Japanが現地プログラムで実施したワークショップの様子Beyond JapanのInnovationプログラムで実施したワークショップの受講生の様子Beyond JapanのInnovationプログラムで実施した交流会の様子Beyond JapanのInnovationプログラムで実施したメンターからのセミナーイベントの様子Beyond JapanのInnovationプログラムで実施した屋外ネットワーキングイベントの様子
※Schedule and content are based on the 2024 program. Please note this year may be different.
※Unless otherwise specified, all programs will be conducted in English.
JP / EN