Japan is one of the top science and technology clusters in the world, and we’ve seen so much potential in Japanese startups. By leveraging Alchemist's global network and support through our program, startups can tap into the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem, and VCs can access top-tier international networks in Japan and Silicon Valley.

What is Alchemist Japan?

Founders who join Alchemist Japan will participate in a three-month in-person pre-accelerator program in Tokyo, Japan, followed by a 6-month hybrid program based out of San Francisco, USA. Most weeks will alternate between lectures with Alchemist faculty and coaches, and founder work time and Weekly Gatherings. The idea is to have intensive, curriculum-heavy weeks followed by practical time to put learnings into practice. For founders who choose to relocate to or visit the Tokyo area during the program, Alchemist provides co-working space in Tokyo at no cost. Following the three-month pre-accelerator, founders will join the six-month Flagship program in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they have full access to the Flagship program perks. Relocating to the Bay Area is not required. All programming and events are designed for the best possible virtual and on-site experience.

What does it cost to join Alchemist Japan?

Alchemist invests cash into Alchemist Japan companies in return for equity ownership. The standard terms are net USD $70K for 8% equity, but terms are flexible based on stage of the startup. Equity is a mix of common stock and a capped J-KISS (for Japanese-incorporated companies) or SAFE (for US-incorporate companies) or equivalent. Alchemist also asks for the right to participate in follow-on rounds. Founders are responsible for all costs of living and travel associated with the programs. Alchemist does subsidize lodging at the Founders Retreat events in San Francisco, and may be able to refer to recommended lodging providers in some cases.

Who should join Alchemist Japan?

Founding teams building B2B tech who want an immersion into Silicon Valley-style company building, access to a global network, and a path to global markets should consider the Alchemist Japan program.

Alchemist Japan

The premier Tokyo-based program for promising enterprise tech startups.

Program Details

Alchemist Japan offers a three-month in-person accelerator program in Tokyo, focused on the particular needs of Enterprise tech startups with global potential.

The equity program for distinctive, technical, B2B-focused founding teams with global potential. Startups are selected mainly from Japan, but startups around the world, including Asia, are eligible.
Startups that participate in Alchemist Japan can receive investment and learn how to develop customers, build business models, and pitch to VCs through a curriculum of coaching, mentorship, and lectures.
Designed to bring the best of Japan and Silicon Valley together, with global mentors, lecturers, and operators from both regions supporting the startups along the way.
Uniquely designed for startups with the potential to build global-scale companies, with automatic admission to Alchemist’s six-month San Francisco-based program.

Eligibility

We invest in distinctive, technical founding teams who are building enterprise technology
Early-stage startups focused on the enterprise (B2B or B2B2C) space
Deeply technical teams with business co-founders or advisors
Teams with aspirations to build a global-scale company
Founders who can participate in the in-person three-month acceleration program in Tokyo, Japan

Timeline

2026 Applications Open: To be announced

2026 Application Deadline: To be announced

*Our application process is on a rolling basis. Interview time slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are ready, we recommend applying before the deadline.

2026 Program Starts: To be announced

2026 Demo Day: To be announced

News

Stay up to date with Alchemist Japan!

Alchemist Japan announces nine selected companies from around the world for its second cohort

Alchemist Announces the Launch of the Second Cohort of "Alchemist Japan" and Kickoff Event

Announcing Alchemist Japan, a new program investing in distinctive enterprise-focused founders in Japan

B2B分野に特化したグローバルシードアクセラレーター「Alchemist」が日本初進出～「Alchemist Japan」プログラムを開催し、世界を目指すスタートアップに出資～

Events

Click here to check out the Alchemist Japan events calendar.

Program
Portfolio Highlights

This program has supported a number of exceptional startups. Take a look at some of the companies to excel through this pre-accelerator program.

View Full Portfolio

Kimaru.ai is the decision Intelligence for the global supply chain, helping you stay ahead of disruptions with forward-looking recommendations on the right product, at the right place, at the right time.

Alchemist Japan Class I
Alchemist Class XL

XMap's AI-powered platform, built by a team with four spatial analytics patents from Rakuten, Mercari, and UTokyo, transforms geospatial data into real-time business intelligence.

Alchemist Japan Class I
Alchemist Class XXXIX

Glidely's agent scans the market, short-lists ideal solutions, and holds the first vendor meeting—all within 72 hours. Early pilots show a 40 % reduction in procurement cycle time across ten PoCs.

Alchemist Japan Class I
Alchemist Class XL

Key Features

Fueling the boldest innovators in Japan and around the world with mentorship, capital pathways, and worldwide momentum to transform breakthroughs into global impact.

Expert Mentorship

Permanent access to Alchemist’s exclusive network of mentors.

Personalized Growth

A personalized experience through coaching, mentorship, and expert talks.

Global Network

Gain global connections through permanent network access, community-building events, and participation in the Flagship program.

Investor Access

Get structured fundraising support, an investment of up to $100,000 USD (before offsetting the tuition of the program), $500,000+ in partner credits, and present to an invitation-only audience of global investors.

How it works

Apply with your vision

Alchemist offers a structured path to mentorship, traction, fundraising, and community for founders with ambitious aspirations.

Join the Cohort

Founders participate in the structured curriculum, supported by a limited cohort size to ensure personalized attention.

Accelerate With Mentors & Network

Weekly check-ins, expert talks, personalized mentoring, and optional community events create a rich environment for ongoing feedback, learning, and founder-to-founder connection.

Demo, Fundraise & Scale

Program culminates in a capstone event — Demo Day, Showcase, or similar — presenting to an invitation‑only group of global investors and corporates. Graduates then transition to the six‑month San Francisco program to continue scaling internationally.

Mentors & Partners

Mark Sullivan

"Three months went by really quickly; the name accelerator is absolutely correct. It sped us up about ten times. The coaching was excellent, and having such a structured program that we could build towards Demo Day really helped us."

Evan Burkosky

Co-Founder & CEO, Kimaru AI

"With such a small, curated cohort, it’s been highly bespoke to us, which is invaluable. The mentors have been really supportive, and anything we’ve asked, they’ve worked non-stop to support us."

Lis Evans

Co-Founder & CEO, Cyanotype Bio

"We had engaging discussions with global mentors visiting Japan. By sharing a room with cohort members, we exchanged various ideas – we were able to develop new technological advancements and ideas for future business opportunities."

Sachiko Kamiyama

Co-Founder & CEO, SHOSABI

Alchemist Japan

Leveraging Alchemist's global network and support programs, Alchemist Japan creates outsized opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors in Japan and around the world by connecting them with global resources and markets.