Japan's top startups and unicorns to look forward to in 2025

Japan’s startup scene is well known for its conservative environment for raising a successful startup. Nevertheless, the Japanese startup ecosystem is undergoing a transformation. While historically overshadowed by global leaders like Silicon Valley and Shenzhen, Japan is now stepping up with a unique blend of technological innovation and cultural heritage. Despite systemic challenges, the past few years have witnessed a surge in entrepreneurial ventures addressing critical societal and global issues.

This article will showcase the 4 recent startups founded after 2020 that managed to get through this big boundary and made it possible to stand out within the competitive and strict startup developing environment.

First of all, how is the startup ecosystem even like in Japan, and why is this so emphasized?

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Japan's Startup Ecosystem

Japan’s startup ecosystem is characterized by significant growth, but it faces unique challenges. While the country is home to global giants like Sony, Toyota, and Nintendo, the startup scene has historically lagged behind compared to other countries like the U.S. and China. 

However, this is starting to change.

The government has been implementing various reforms to support startup growth. For example, they are offering incentives for young founders, enhancing tax breaks for investors, and simplifying regulatory hurdles to make it easier to start a business. Additionally, Tokyo and other major cities in Japan have become hubs for venture capitalists looking to invest in promising startups, especially those addressing new technologies and digital transformation. 

Despite these positive developments, Japan's startup ecosystem remains relatively young compared to its global counterparts. The country has not yet achieved the level of startup culture seen in Silicon Valley, which means Japan still has a lot of catching up to do. The government has committed to making Japan a more attractive place for entrepreneurs, but challenges such as a risk-averse culture, limited funding, and a slow pace of regulatory change remain obstacles.

‍Challenges Faced by Startups in Japan

Startups in Japan face several challenges that hinder their growth. One of the key factors is the risk-averse culture. The traditional Japanese business environment places a premium on job security, which makes it harder for individuals to take the leap into entrepreneurship. 

Another significant challenge is economic constraints. While there is increasing interest in investing in startups, venture capital in Japan is still not as abundant as in Silicon Valley or other Western markets. Many Japanese investors are more conservative and often prefer to invest in more stable, established companies. This can result in limited access to capital for new startups, especially in their early stages when funding is critical.

Moreover, Japan's government support for startups has traditionally been minimal compared to countries like the U.S. or China, which have robust programs to encourage innovation. Japan has been taking steps to increase funding opportunities and provide tax incentives for investors and yet, the support still lags behind in comparison to startup ecosystems in other nations.

The cultural emphasis on consensus and hierarchy can also be a challenge in Japanese startups. Many entrepreneurs may face difficulties when attempting to establish an agile, fast-moving company, as traditional hierarchical structures are deeply ingrained in the culture.

Now, let’s get into the 4 strong players that we can look forward to in 2025 for further growth and large milestones.

• SakanaAI
• SimpleForm
• Sustainable Food Asia
• Tokyo Food Institute

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SakanaAI: Revolutionizing Aquaculture with AI

SakanaAI has been making headlines in Japan this whole year due to its surprising advancement as a startup in such a short period of time. 

Founded in 2021, SakanaAI has positioned itself at the forefront of the aquaculture revolution. By leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence, the company offers innovative solutions to optimize fish farming processes. Their AI-powered monitoring systems provide real-time insights into fish health, feeding efficiency, and environmental conditions. This allows fish farms to significantly reduce costs, improve yields, and minimize environmental impact.

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What sets SakanaAI apart is their ability to tackle the complex challenges faced by the global seafood industry, particularly in a country like Japan, where fisheries are a vital yet declining industry. Despite the cultural and regulatory hurdles that often stifle innovation, SakanaAI has managed to gain support from key stakeholders, including government agencies and local fishery associations.

Their rapid adoption across Japan and partnerships with international aquaculture firms hint at their global potential. With sustainability becoming a core focus in food production, SakanaAI’s solutions could soon be indispensable worldwide, making them a strong contender for unicorn status by 2025.

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SimpleForm: Simplifying Bureaucracy for Businesses

SimpleForm, established in 2020, has emerged as a hero for businesses struggling with Japan's notoriously complex bureaucratic procedures. The company provides a streamlined digital platform for managing administrative tasks, such as corporate registration, tax filings, and compliance checks.

What makes SimpleForm remarkable is its user-friendly approach. By integrating machine learning and advanced algorithms, their platform adapts to various industries and automates traditionally time-consuming processes. This has been a game-changer for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the resources to navigate Japan’s red tape effectively. 

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SimpleForm addresses Japan’s bureaucratic challenges with innovative solutions like SimpleCheck and SimpleMonitor. SimpleCheck automates corporate verification, providing comprehensive reports on over 5 million entities in just 30 seconds, even covering small and emerging firms often overlooked. SimpleMonitor streamlines risk management by monitoring corporate changes in real-time, filtering out false positives to focus on actionable insights. Widely adopted by financial institutions, these tools reduce operational burdens and enhance decision-making, positioning SimpleForm as a transformative force in Japan's financial DX sector.

Breaking into Japan’s conservative market is no small feat, but SimpleForm’s emphasis on data security and compliance has earned them trust among businesses and government bodies alike. With their recent expansion into offering multilingual services, SimpleForm is also positioning itself as a key player for international firms entering Japan.

Given their steady growth, scalable technology, and ability to address a widespread pain point, SimpleForm is well-poised to achieve unicorn status in the next few years.

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Sustainable Food Asia: Redefining Alternative Proteins

In a world increasingly concerned about climate change and food security, Sustainable Food Asia (SFA) is leading the charge in Japan’s alternative protein sector. Founded in 2022, this startup focuses on developing plant-based and cultured meat products tailored to Asian palates. Unlike Western competitors, SFA incorporates regional flavors and culinary traditions, making their offerings highly appealing in local and neighboring markets.

SFA’s approach to product development is rooted in extensive R&D and partnerships with academic institutions, enabling them to innovate while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. Their cultured meat, in particular, has drawn attention for its ethical and environmental advantages, especially in a country that has long relied on imported livestock products.

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Sustainable Food Asia has also actively participated in international initiatives, such as the Japan Agri-Food Tech Tour hosted by Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. This event brought together executives from government agencies, major corporations, startups, and universities across Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. As a speaker, their representative shared insights on Japan’s agri-food research, development, and business ecosystems, emphasizing how such innovations can address challenges and foster collaborations across borders.

The company’s rise hasn’t been without challenges, as Japan’s conservative food regulations and high R&D costs posed significant barriers. Yet, SFA has successfully navigated these obstacles by securing funding from impact-driven investors and leveraging government subsidies aimed at sustainable innovation.

As the demand for alternative proteins surges globally, Sustainable Food Asia is well-positioned to expand its footprint across Asia and beyond, making them a strong candidate for future unicorn status.

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Tokyo Food Institute: Driving Innovations in Food Tech

Tokyo Food Institute (TFI), founded in 2023, is a relatively young startup, but it has already made waves in Japan’s food tech ecosystem. The company operates at the intersection of food science and technology, developing smart solutions to combat food waste and improve supply chain efficiency.

One of TFI’s flagship innovations is a predictive analytics tool that uses AI to forecast demand and reduce overproduction—a significant issue in Japan’s retail and foodservice sectors. Their solution has not only helped businesses cut costs but also aligns with Japan’s national targets for waste reduction.

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TFI’s rapid ascent in a competitive market can be attributed to its collaborative approach. The company works closely with retailers, logistics providers, and government bodies to integrate their technology into existing systems. Despite Japan’s risk-averse investment culture, TFI has managed to secure substantial venture capital funding, a testament to their vision and market potential.

With growing interest in sustainable food systems, Tokyo Food Institute is poised to scale its solutions internationally. Their innovative model and commitment to solving global challenges make them a startup to watch as they eye unicorn status in the near future.

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Looking Ahead

Japan’s startup ecosystem may be challenging, but companies like SakanaAI, SimpleForm, Sustainable Food Asia, and Tokyo Food Institute are proving that innovation and perseverance can overcome these hurdles. These rising stars demonstrate the potential to reshape industries, from AI-powered seafood solutions to revolutionary financial and food systems. As we look ahead to 2025, the future of Japanese startups appears brighter than ever, with these trailblazers poised to break barriers and capture global attention. With the right support and continued momentum, these companies could become the unicorns that redefine Japan’s place on the world innovation stage. Exciting times lie ahead!

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Written by Asiatomorrow

References:

https://www.ey.com/ja_jp/technical/library/contributed-articles/2024/jasve-2024-04-10

https://coralcap.co/2024/07/japan-startup-ecosystem/

https://globe.asahi.com/article/14953900 

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