At Techstars, we believe that great founders exist everywhere. We always make sure they have access to the capital, networks, and support they need to succeed on a global stage. 

We are proud to announce a strategic partnership with Global Brain, Japan's leading independent venture capital firm. This collaboration brings together two organizations that have long admired each other's work and, as it turns out, share a remarkably similar philosophy and approach to helping founders succeed.

The partnership means that Global Brain and Techstars will explore opportunities to collaborate on future investment vehicles and investment opportunities within the Techstars portfolio and broader network of founders, mentors and alumni. 

The Techtars Tokyo Accelerator has been operating since 2024. Global Brain aims to help Techstars establish additional Accelerator and Founder Catalyst programs in partnership with corporations, cities, and universities across Japan and throughout Asia. Techstars will also leverage its global network to connect partners to Global Brain’s specialized CVC management platform, which today manages funds for dozens of Japan's most recognized corporations, such as KDDI, Epson, Mitsubishi, and Sony.

Shared Values at the Core

What makes this partnership so exciting to us is how much the two organizations have in common beyond business strategy. Techstars is built on a "Give First" ethos. Global Brain calls it the “spirit of altruism”. Different words, same conviction: that the best way to build an amazing portfolio and help startup communities thrive is to show up for founders every single day in non-transactional ways. That shared foundation made every conversation easier and gave both teams confidence that this is a partnership built to last. 

Why This Matters for Founders

Global Brain manages approximately $3 billion and is recognized as the most active CVC partner in Japan. Their network spans more than 300 major Japanese corporations and 10 offices worldwide, including Silicon Valley and New York. For Techstars founders looking to expand into Asia, this is a significant new pathway.

For Japanese founders and corporations looking to connect globally, Techstars brings a 19-year track record, a network of more than 5,000 portfolio companies and more than 1,500 active mentors, with accelerator programs operating across the globe.

"This partnership represents a significant step in connecting the Japanese startup community with the global stage," said David Cohen, founder and CEO of Techstars. "By combining Global Brain's leadership, capital, and CVC expertise with our global accelerator model, we are creating exciting new ways to help founders succeed."

Yasuhiko Yurimoto, CEO of Global Brain, echoed that enthusiasm: "I expect that our collaboration will create immense value for startups, investors, and partners across both of our networks."

Looking Ahead

This is the beginning of something we believe will grow into one of the most impactful global startup partnerships in the venture industry. We are excited to introduce Global Brain more formally to our network in the months ahead and to see what founders on both sides of the world will build with this new support behind them.

Stay tuned.

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