StartNLJapan - Japan-en

StartNLJapan

News item | 30-05-2024 | 08:24

The Embassy of the Kingdom in the Netherlands in Tokyo has launched the StartNLJapan network and website for Dutch startups and scale-ups interested to enter the Japanese market. Via the network, they can learn about visa programs, industry-specific opportunities, cross-sectoral startup events, support partners and information about business etiquettes. Founders from the Netherlands and mentors & support partners established in Japan can join the network by applying via the website. They will be linked with each other through networking events, trainings, and trade missions.

Visit the website here: StartNLJapan

Japan’s mission to attract global pioneers

The Japanese government is aiming to increase the country’s innovative power by attracting innovative startups and scale-ups from abroad. This is because Japan grapples with urgent societal challenges, such as growing labour shortages due to an aging & declining population, a digital lag, and climate change and carbon emission issues.

The Netherlands has heavily invested in innovation ecosystems, sustainable practices, and digital infrastructure & education to solve similar challenges as Japan. That is why Dutch expertise, could help to tackle Japan’s challenges and to realise a digital- and green transformation.


There is newly emerged traction for foreign startups and the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka where the Netherlands will be exhibiting. So now is a great momentum to start collaboration. Specifically in the following industries, Dutch startups have an added value for Japan’s ambitions:

  1. Digitalisation
  2. Energy transition
  3. Circular economy
  4. Deeptech
  5. Agrifood & horticulture
  6. Healthcare
  7. Infrastructure
  8. Creative industries
  9. Mobility & EV

Become part of the StartNLJapan network! ​​​​​​​

To foster collaboration, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has created the StartNL Japan network: a community through which Dutch startup and scale-up founders are connected with support partners and mentors in Japan i.e. VCs and entrepreneurs who have a business in Japan, willing to share their know-how, expertise and network to make Dutch entrepreneurs successful in the Japanese startup-ecosystem.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is now inviting relevant parties to become part of the StartNLJapan community. If you are a (1) Dutch startup/scale-up founder interested in the Japanese market; (2) established company in Japan interested to become a mentor and to meet innovative Dutch pioneers or; (3) startup support partner in Japan, 
apply  via the website and be invited to our networking events, matchmaking sessions, trainings sessions, and pitch events!

For more information contact us via  tok-startnljapan@minbuza.nl