As Southeast Asia’s (SEA) startup ecosystem continues to mature, Japan is emerging as a valuable and strategic partner in the region’s innovation economy. With its capital resources, corporate maturity, and increasing appetite for international collaboration, Japan’s engagement with Southeast Asian startups is gaining traction—offering opportunities for funding, technology transfer, and market access.
Japanese investors have historically maintained a cautious approach to risk, but recent years have seen a shift towards more active participation in global startup markets, particularly in Asia. A report by Startup Genome highlights Japan as one of the top five Asian countries investing in startups beyond its borders, with SEA standing out as a priority region due to its demographic advantages, digital growth, and dynamic consumer markets.
Japan’s presence in the region is driven in part by the country’s need to counterbalance its domestic challenges—namely an ageing population, a shrinking workforce, and stagnating internal demand. In contrast, SEA offers youthful populations, increasing mobile penetration, and high rates of digital adoption. For Japanese firms, partnering with SEA startups presents an opportunity to access fast-growing markets while contributing capital and experience.
NTT, one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies, exemplifies this approach. Through its venture arm and corporate innovation initiatives, NTT has actively sought collaborations across the region, not only by investing in startups but also by co-developing solutions in areas such as smart cities, fintech, and AI.
Beyond individual corporations, institutional initiatives also support deeper ties between Japan and SEA. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has been instrumental in promoting cross-border partnerships through programmes such as the Japan Innovation Bridge (J-Bridge), which facilitates open innovation between Japanese companies and overseas startups. According to JETRO’s 2023 report, SEA accounted for more than 30 per cent of all startup collaboration projects involving Japanese corporates—a clear indication of growing interest in the region.
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Japanese venture capital firms are also expanding their presence in SEA. Funds such as GREE Ventures (now STRIVE), Spiral Ventures, and Genesia Ventures have established local offices or dedicated funds targeting startups in Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and beyond. These VCs are not just investing capital but also bringing a long-term, partnership-oriented mindset, which aligns well with founders seeking sustainable scaling strategies.
Despite the growing momentum, cultural and operational differences remain key challenges. Japanese investors often take a longer time to make decisions and place a strong emphasis on due diligence and relationship-building. For SEA founders, understanding and navigating these expectations is critical to building lasting partnerships. Conversely, Japanese corporates must be prepared to adapt to the faster pace and flexible structures typical of startups in emerging markets.
There are also sectoral synergies that make collaboration attractive. Areas such as fintech, agritech, mobility, and deep tech offer significant room for cooperation. Japan’s strength in hardware and engineering complements SEA’s digital-native startups, many of which excel in mobile-first platforms and service delivery. Together, they can co-create solutions tailored for both developed and developing markets.
Looking forward, the deepening ties between Japan and SEA’s startup ecosystems are likely to accelerate. Regional governments are increasingly supportive of international cooperation, and bilateral frameworks are being designed to encourage tech partnerships. As cross-border travel and business engagement return to pre-pandemic levels, there is optimism that these connections will translate into a more robust and integrated Asian innovation landscape.
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To learn more about opportunities for SEA startups in Japan, join us at the Future Stage on Tuesday, June 10, from 11:05 AM to 11:30 AM for the keynote speech “Beyond Borders: How Southeast Asia’s Startup Ecosystem Can Win with Japan.”
This free session will feature Ken Katsuyama, SVP and Head of Global Business at NTT, who will share expert insights on how SEA startups can tap into opportunities for collaboration, investment, and expansion with Japan’s tech and corporate ecosystem.
As regional markets become increasingly interconnected, this keynote offers valuable perspectives on building cross-border partnerships and driving innovation across Asia. Don’t miss this chance to explore new frontiers in regional tech growth.
Get your passes here.
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