What X-HUB TOKYO does

X-HUB TOKYO is a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-funded innovation acceleration platform established in 2017 to connect Tokyo's startup ecosystem with global markets. It operates three core programs: OUTBOUND (for Tokyo-based startups seeking overseas expansion), INBOUND (for overseas startups seeking to enter the Tokyo market), and SCRUM (for early-stage startups needing marketing knowledge and business hypothesis validation for international expansion). The platform functions as a program coordination layer rather than a technology product company, using digital tools — including its website, email communications, online seminar delivery, and virtual events — to administer programs. There are no proprietary technology products, APIs, or software offerings.

The OUTBOUND PROGRAM covers six regional courses (Boston, Austin, UK, Germany, Singapore, Korea) and is operated by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). The INBOUND PROGRAM offers two thematic tracks (Mobility and CleanTech) and is operated by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC (合同会社デロイト トーマツ). The SCRUM PROGRAM is also operated by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC. Each program combines bootcamps, mentoring, lectures, business matchmaking, networking, and pitch events to deliver structured support to participating startups.

The platform's revenue model is entirely government-funded: all programs are provided free of charge to participating startups, and the platform is sustained by Tokyo Metropolitan Government budget allocations. There is no commercial product, no pricing tiers, and no participant fees. Recruitment is conducted through open applications via the website, with awareness built through email newsletters, a Facebook page, events, and published interviews and reports. The legal entity is a government state entity (Tokyo Metropolitan Government), and full ownership and direction sit with the public sector.

Name

X-HUB TOKYO

Legal name

X-HUB TOKYO (東京都主催 海外進出支援プラットフォーム)

Website

https://x-hub.tokyo

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Short description

X-HUB TOKYO is a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-funded innovation acceleration platform connecting Tokyo startups with global markets through OUTBOUND, INBOUND, and SCRUM programs, operated by JETRO and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-funded program operations: X-HUB TOKYO is a publicly funded initiative commissioned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The programs are provided free of charge to participating startups. Revenue is derived from government budget allocations rather than commercial sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

X-HUB TOKYO operates a publicly funded overseas expansion support platform organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, delivering three programs: OUTBOUND (Tokyo startups expanding overseas, operated by JETRO across six destinations), INBOUND (overseas startups entering Tokyo, operated by Deloitte with Mobility and CleanTech tracks), and SCRUM (early-stage international expansion support, operated by Deloitte). The platform connects Tokyo-based startups with global markets and brings international startups into Tokyo's innovation ecosystem through bootcamps, mentoring, and partner introductions.

Product overview

X-HUB TOKYO is a startup acceleration platform organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government that connects Tokyo's innovation ecosystem with global markets. The platform operates three distinct programs: OUTBOUND PROGRAM (six regional courses supporting Tokyo startups in expanding overseas), INBOUND PROGRAM (supporting overseas startups entering Tokyo with two sector tracks), and SCRUM PROGRAM (early-stage support for marketing knowledge and business hypothesis validation). OUTBOUND is operated by JETRO, while INBOUND and SCRUM are operated by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OUTBOUND PROGRAM: Overseas expansion support program for Tokyo startups, operated by JETRO. Includes courses for Boston, Austin, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Korea.
• INBOUND PROGRAM
• SCRUM PROGRAM

Products and services

• OUTBOUND Program Program operated by JETRO that supports Tokyo-based startups in expanding overseas, covering six destinations: Boston, Austin, the UK, Germany, Singapore, and Korea. Provides bootcamps, mentoring, and introductions to international partners and investors.
• INBOUND Program Program operated by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC that supports overseas startups entering Tokyo, with dedicated tracks for Mobility and CleanTech verticals. Provides introductions to Japanese corporates, market entry support, and government-backed credibility.
• SCRUM Program Program operated by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC providing early-stage international expansion support for startups exploring Tokyo as a launch base or pursuing cross-border growth from an early stage.

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) / 独立行政法人日本貿易振興機構coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2017JETRO operates the OUTBOUND PROGRAM under contract from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. JETRO leverages its global trade and investment infrastructure to connect Tokyo-based startups with business partners, investors, and accelerator networks in Boston, Austin, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Korea.
• 合同会社デロイト トーマツ (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2017Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC operates the INBOUND PROGRAM and SCRUM PROGRAM under commission from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The firm provides experienced business professionals as mentors and connects participating startups with Japanese corporations, VCs, and startups for matchmaking and networking purposes.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Station F: World's largest startup campus, government-backed by the French government and located in Paris. Comparable as a publicly-funded innovation hub, though Station F is a physical campus operator rather than a programmatic accelerator.
• MassChallenge: Non-profit global accelerator network offering equity-free programs to early-stage startups across multiple sectors and geographies. Most structurally similar to X-HUB TOKYO as a non-dilutive, multi-track accelerator, though privately rather than government funded.
• JETRO Startup: Japan External Trade Organization's startup division supports Japanese startups expanding internationally. Directly comparable to X-HUB TOKYO's OUTBOUND program — JETRO actually operates X-HUB TOKYO's OUTBOUND track, and both serve the same mission of Japanese startup internationalization.

Broad incumbents

• Techstars: Global accelerator network operating in dozens of countries with sector-specific and geographic programs. Comparable international reach and structured mentor-driven model, but takes equity and operates commercially.
• CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center): Global innovation campus operator providing workspace, programming, and corporate connections to startups. Comparable ecosystem-coordination role, though primarily a real-estate-driven model rather than a programmatic accelerator.
• Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP): Government-established innovation and technology park supporting startups in Hong Kong with incubation, acceleration, and corporate matching services. Comparable as a publicly-funded, multi-track Asia innovation platform.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: Global corporate-backed accelerator with programs in multiple verticals including Mobility and CleanTech/Sustainability. Comparable in scope and corporate-partnership-driven model, but operates with venture/equity backing rather than government funding.
• 500 Global: Global venture firm and accelerator with strong presence in emerging markets and Southeast Asia. Comparable geographic reach and structured accelerator model, though equity-backed and commercially operated.

Emerging players

• Startupbootcamp: Global accelerator operating industry-focused programs (including Mobility and CleanTech/Energy) across multiple geographies. Comparable sector specialization and geographic program structure, but equity-backed and privately operated.

Regional players

• Block71 (Singapore): Singapore government-supported startup hub operated by NUS Enterprise, focused on connecting Asian founders to global markets. Comparable as a publicly-funded, Asia-focused startup platform with international expansion mission.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/xhub.tokyo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about X-HUB TOKYO