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

A fund for distinctive tech entrepreneurs in emerging markets

Details

Alchemist Doha supports enterprise tech startups across Qatar, the MENA region, and emerging markets worldwide—helping founders use Doha as a launch pad while tapping Alchemist’s global network.

Startups gain investment, customer development support, business model coaching, and access to global mentors and operators through Alchemist’s network and QRDI Council’s Innolight platform.
Alchemist Doha brings together Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and Silicon Valley expertise to help founders accelerate traction and expansion.
The program is designed for startups aiming to build global-scale companies, with opportunities to engage Alchemist’s global programs and networks.
Doha serves as a gateway for MENA startups to scale across the Gulf, supported by Qatar’s RDI infrastructure and commercialization pathways.

Benefits

Founder-friendly investment to accelerate early milestones.
Permanent access to Alchemist’s global network of mentors, investors, and alumni.
Deep integration with Qatar’s innovation ecosystem through QRDI Council and Innolight.
A regional launchpad for MENA founders seeking to scale across the Gulf.
Co-working and community programming in Doha to support collaboration and growth.

Meet the Team

The Global Alchemist Team

With over 10 years of global investment experience, Ghadir works closely with founders, local and global investors, and Qatar’s innovation ecosystem to support the growth and localization of high-potential technology startups.

Ghadir Mahgoub

Director of Investments

Director of Ecosystem Integration at Alchemist Doha, Majed leads investment and startup relocation efforts in Qatar. A three-time entrepreneur with a successful exit, he brings over a decade of experience connecting founders, investors, and institutions across emerging tech sectors.

Majed Lababidi

Director of Ecosystem Integration

Muhannad builds and manages relationships with regional and global investors and ecosystem partners, and brings founder, CEO, board, and exit experience to support the growth of high-potential technology startups across MENA and emerging markets.

Muhannad Taslaq

Director of Investments

Key Offering

Fueling Qatar’s breakthrough founders with the mentorship, capital pathways, and regional momentum to transform innovation into global impact.

Global Network

Founders gain enduring connections through Alchemist’s global network, access to Qatar’s innovation ecosystem via QRDI and Innolight, and relationships that support scaling across MENA.

Investor Access

Alchemist Doha provides structured fundraising support, networking events, and founder-friendly investment.

How it works

Apply with your vision

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

Join the Network

Events, expert talks, personalized mentoring, and curated introductions through QRDI and Innolight create a rich environment for feedback, learning, and commercial opportunities across MENA.

Fundraise & Scale

Alchemist Doha is built for sustained momentum, offering founders ongoing investor access and strategic support through Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and Alchemist’s global network.

Mentors & Partners

Mark Sullivan

"Human progress has always been driven by scientists and their believers investing in ideas before they are obvious. Alchemist Doha embodies this philosophy. Rather than focusing on short-term signals, they support first-principles thinking, long-term vision, and rigorous scientific execution. We consider them true believers in science and technology, and a partner who helps us to build breakthrough platforms with global impact."

Hovakim Zakaryan

CEO & CO-Founder, Denovo Sciences

"We recently raised $1M from Alchemist Doha, and the experience has been truly exceptional. Their professionalism, empathy, and deep expertise in advanced technologies — combined with a strong understanding of both the MENA and North American markets — clearly set them apart. The team took the time to deeply understand not only our product and market strategy, but also the people behind it"

Sanzhar Rakhmetzhanov

Co-Founder, Armeta AI

"Alchemist Doha has been a highly impactful partner in Werover’s regional expansion. Beyond investment, their team provided hands-on strategic support, meaningful introductions, and continuous guidance that helped us scale with clarity and confidence. Their involvement went well beyond capital, making them a truly value-adding partner across the MENA region."

Balca Yılmaz

CEO & Co-Founder, WeRover

"From day one, the entire team made me feel welcome and supported. Everyone was there for me throughout this journey, and their encouragement made all the difference. It's been such a positive experience, and honestly, it felt like a family here. Thank you for making this happen and for being more than just a team – you truly made me feel like I belong."

Ashkan Yousefi

CEO, FelixFusion

Alchemist Doha

Alchemist Doha is uniquely positioned to deeply integrate founders with Qatar's local innovation ecosystem, including providing a launchpad to global expansion.