Navigating the New Normal: Japan’s Startups Thrive Amid Global Financial Shifts

The Resilience of Japanese Startups in a Post-Pandemic World

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global startup ecosystem has encountered a mixed bag of fortunes. While Europe and America see a decline in funding, Japan’s startup scene tells a different story of relative stability. A notable factor behind this resilience is the active involvement of Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) from Japan’s stable and cash-rich conglomerates. Post the 2008 financial crisis, Japanese corporations adopted a cautious stance towards investments, missing out on growth opportunities. This time around, they’re more inclined to dip into their reserves to boost domestic startups onto a growth trajectory.

Fields of Innovation: Space and Robotics

Japanese startups shine particularly bright in sectors like aerospace and robotics. AxelSpace, established in 2008, stands out with its custom Earth observation service “AxelGlobe,” utilizing five satellites to provide global imaging services. This proves especially beneficial for agricultural cultivation and disaster management strategies, with recent involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts highlighting its global impact.