What Routex Inc. does

RouteX Inc. is a Tokyo-headquartered startup ecosystem think tank and cross-border consulting firm founded in July 2018 by Takayuki Omori. The company addresses information asymmetry in the global startup ecosystem by conducting parallel analyses of ecosystems across 114+ countries and translating that research into consulting, advisory, and program services for Japanese corporations, Japanese government and public institutions, Japanese startups and investors, European DeepTech startups, and international corporations and organizations seeking Japan-market access. Its mission is articulated as the elimination of information asymmetry ("情報の非対称性が無い世界へ") across startup ecosystem players globally.

RouteX's product portfolio comprises professional services including New Business Development Support, Overseas Expansion Support, Cross-border M&A Support, Startup Support, an Innovation Training Program launched in September 2024, VR Consulting, Conference Research, and a co-publishing line that produced the first-ever Japanese edition of the Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2022. The company also operates GLOBE-X, a DeepTech accelerator program launched in April 2024 under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's TOKYO SUTEAM initiative to support European expansion of Japanese DeepTech startups. RouteX distributes insights through its owned-media RouteX Insights platform and runs 50+ events annually. Underlying technology is not a software product but rather proprietary research methodology and accumulated cross-border domain expertise.

The revenue model is exclusively professional services: project-based consulting engagements with Japanese corporations (e.g., Seiko Epson, NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Daiichi Sankyo, IBM Japan, Mercari), government contracts (Tokyo Metropolitan Government via TOKYO SUTEAM, Yokohama City, JETRO), event commissions, program participation fees, and partnership-derived co-publishing revenue. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company operates a Tokyo headquarters (Marunouchi Garden Tower) and a Paris, France office established in January 2023 as its European hub following the exit of a Russia entity due to geopolitical circumstances. RouteX is founder-owned, privately held, and bootstrapped with no disclosed institutional funding.

Name

Routex Inc.

Legal name

ルをリック株式会社 / RouteX Inc.

Website

https://routexstartups.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

RouteX Inc. is a Tokyo-based think tank and cross-border consulting firm that analyzes startup ecosystems across 114+ countries and delivers research, consulting, accelerator programs, and events to Japanese corporations, government institutions, and international startups and firms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Marunouchi

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Consulting Services: RouteX provides consulting services to corporations (事業会社) and local governments (自治体) for new business creation support, overseas expansion, cross-border M&A, open innovation program design, and startup ecosystem co-building. Services are delivered through direct sales engagement.
2. Event Services: RouteX organizes and co-hosts events including hackathons, seminars, workshops, and meetups. Services include planning, promotion, participant recruitment, on-site operations, and post-event feedback reporting. Revenue is generated through client commissions for event organization.
3. GLOBE-X Accelerator Program: RouteX operates GLOBE-X, an accelerator program for DeepTech startups seeking European expansion, launched under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's TOKYO SUTEAM initiative. Revenue is derived from government contracts and program participation fees.
4. Media & Publishing: RouteX publishes extensive Insights content (articles, reports, event reports) covering global startup ecosystem trends across the globe. Revenue is generated indirectly through thought leadership, inbound leads for consulting, and partnership arrangements.
5. Partnership Reports & Co-publishing: RouteX co-publishes translated ecosystem reports (e.g., GSER Japanese edition with Startup Genome) and produces custom research reports for clients, generating revenue through partnership fees and commissioned research.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

RouteX is a think tank and consulting firm that conducts parallel comparative analyses of startup ecosystems worldwide, providing corporate and government clients with new business development support, overseas expansion advisory, cross-border M&A support, startup growth support, innovation training, and event/community services. The company also operates the GLOBE-X accelerator program for DeepTech startups under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's TOKYO SUTEAM initiative and publishes proprietary ecosystem intelligence through its RouteX Insights media platform.

Product overview

RouteX Inc. is a think tank and consulting firm providing a portfolio of services centered on startup ecosystem research and cross-border business development. Core offerings include New Business Development Support (新規事業創出支援) leveraging global startup case analysis, Overseas Expansion Support (海外進出支援), Cross-border M&A Support (クロスボーダーM&A支援), Startup Support (スタートアップ支援), and an Innovation Training Program (イノベーション研修プログラム) launched in 2024. Additional services include VR Consulting (VR関連事業) and Conference Research (カンファレンス調査). RouteX also operates RouteX Insights, a media platform publishing proprietary research on global startup ecosystems. The company organizes over 50 events annually, including hackathons and workshops, serving corporations, local governments, and startup ecosystem stakeholders.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• New Business Development Support (新規事業創出支援) Consulting service for corporations supporting new business creation by analyzing global startup business models and supporting their implementation in the Japanese market. Specializes in proposal-stage support.
• Overseas Expansion Support (海外進出支援) Support services for Japanese companies expanding overseas and foreign companies entering the Japanese market, leveraging RouteX's international network across 114+ countries.
• Cross-border M&A Support (クロスボーダーM&A支援) Support services for cross-border M&A activities, including overseas research and negotiation assistance for companies seeking international partnerships or acquisitions. Positions itself as a trusted partner in overseas research and negotiation.
• Startup Support (スタートアップ支援) Comprehensive support services for startups including growth acceleration, networking, and ecosystem connection through RouteX's international network.
• Innovation Training Program (イノベーション研修プログラム) Training program launched in September 2024 providing innovation methodology and ecosystem knowledge to corporations and government entities seeking to develop innovation capabilities.
• VR Consulting (VR関連事業) Consulting services for VR technology implementation in new business creation, leveraging overseas VR success cases and international networks.
• Conference Research (カンファレンス調査) Research and analysis services for international startup conferences and events, providing market intelligence and trend reports to clients.
• GLOBE-X Accelerator Program Accelerator program supporting European expansion for Japanese DeepTech startups, operated as part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's TOKYO SUTEAM (diverse entity startup support expansion project). Includes cohort selection and European market entry support.
• Event and Community Services (イベント・コミュニティサービス) Organization of meetups, seminars, workshops, and hackathons for client companies. Services include event planning, promotion, execution support, and post-event feedback reporting. Over 50 events organized annually including Epson Hack Trek and VR-focused events.

Quantifiable outcome

• RouteX and Startup Genome jointly published the first-ever Japanese language edition of the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2022, a world-leading startup ecosystem analysis report.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• TOKYO SUTEAM / Tokyo Metropolitan GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025RouteX was selected as an agreement partner organization for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's TOKYO SUTEAM (diverse entity startup support expansion project) in FY2024. As part of this, RouteX launched GLOBE-X, an accelerator program supporting European expansion for Japanese DeepTech startups. The program includes the selection of cohort companies for European market entry support.
• SusHi Tech Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Government)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2023RouteX's representative (CEO Omori) has been appointed as an ambassador for SusHi Tech Tokyo, Asia's largest startup conference organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in both 2024 and 2025. RouteX promotes the event and facilitates participation in the global startup program.
• French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (CCIFJ)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2023RouteX joined the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (在日フランス工商会議所 / CCIFJ) as a member in July 2024, strengthening its France-focused ecosystem activities and cross-border network.
• Japan Research Institute (日本総研)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Mitsuru Omori, Senior Manager at Japan Research Institute (株式会社日本総合研究所), was appointed as RouteX's external advisor (外部顧問) in March 2023. The arrangement provides RouteX with strategic consulting industry expertise and corporate network access.
• STEP Conference (UAE/Dubai)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023RouteX has served as Media Partner for STEP Conference, the largest startup conference in the Middle East, since 2020. RouteX has participated in multiple STEP events including STEP Anywhere (2020, 2021, 2022), STEP Saudi (2020, 2021), STEP Dubai (2022, 2023, 2025) as the only Japanese media partner.
• NTT DOCOMO VenturesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023RouteX has co-hosted multiple events with NTT DOCOMO Ventures, including Startup Pitch series, Startup Academy webinars, and 'Advanced Seminars' featuring global technology trend reports (CES, Hello Tomorrow Global Summit). Collaboration includes joint event planning, speaker arrangement, and content co-creation.
• Startup GenomecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2022RouteX entered a formal partnership with Startup Genome (San Francisco-based world-leading startup ecosystem policy research institute) to jointly publish the Japanese edition of the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2022 (GSER2022). This was the first time since GSER's inception in 2013 that a Japanese language edition was produced. The partnership enables RouteX to provide Japanese clients with comprehensive ecosystem benchmarking data and methodologies.
• Hello Tomorrow JapancoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX has served as an Ecosystem Partner of Hello Tomorrow Japan since March 2020, participating in Hello Tomorrow Global Summit as a media partner and collaborating on ecosystem events. Hello Tomorrow is the world's largest Deep Tech conference, and RouteX supports its Japan activities and cross-border ecosystem connection.
• British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX is an Entrepreneur Member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), participating in UK-Japan business community events and leveraging the network for cross-border ecosystem activities.
• Japan-France Economic Exchange Committee (CEFJ)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX is a member of CEFJ (日仏経済交流委員会), participating in monthly meetings and collaborative events between Japanese and French business communities. RouteX has hosted joint events with CEFJ featuring La French Tech and other French ecosystem stakeholders.
• Seiko Epson CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRouteX co-organized the 'Epson Hack Trek' hackathon event using Epson's Connect API, serving as the operation lead. The event attracted ~50 engineers and featured Epson printer hardware integration with software solutions over a 24-hour hackathon format.
• VLEAPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX partnered with VLEAP, a VR development-focused startup, for event co-organization and VR technology promotion. RouteX supported VLEAP's community activities and provided VR experience sessions at RouteX events.
• GeekSalonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX entered a partnership with GeekSalon (大学生限定プログラミングコミュニティ) for collaboration on programming education and startup ecosystem community events. Joint programs have been conducted targeting student developers and entrepreneurs.
• Binarystar (区块链ビジネスハブ)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBinarystar (Coincheck Building, Ginza) served as the venue partner for RouteX-organized events including the Epson Hack Trek. As Japan's largest blockchain business hub, Binarystar provided the physical venue and co-promotion for RouteX's hackathon events.
• BinarystarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAs venue partner for RouteX events including the Epson Hack Trek, Binarystar provided the physical space for hackathon activities.
• SUNDRED Inc. ( сотоварный)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX was appointed as PR partner for Industry-Up Day, the largest new industry co-creation exchange event and cross-border talent festival organized by SUNDRED Inc., held in 2024.
• Startup Hub Tokyo (スタートアップハブ東京)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX PR Lead Nakamura was appointed as Startup Consultation Concierge at Startup Hub Tokyo, operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Government. RouteX provides startup consultation services through this public platform.
• Kawasaki-NEDO Innovation CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX representative was appointed as Startup Consultation Supporter at Kawasaki-NEDO Innovation Center, providing ecosystem consultation to early-stage startups in the Kawasaki area.
• i2.JP (AstraZeneca Open Innovation Initiative)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX joined as a partner of i2.JP, the open innovation initiative operated by AstraZeneca plc, participating in the open innovation ecosystem for healthcare and life sciences startups.
• Choose Paris RegionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX partnered with Choose Paris Region, an organization promoting Paris and Île-de-France as a startup destination, supporting French ecosystem promotion activities and cross-border connections.
• Impactech (Singapore)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX entered a partnership with Impactech, a Singapore-based accelerator, to facilitate cross-border startup connections between Singapore/Southeast Asia and Japan.
• LikePay (Russia)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX partnered with LikePay for Japan-Russia startup cooperation support, facilitating cross-border connections between Japanese and Russian startup ecosystems. (Note: Russia entity was later exited due to geopolitical circumstances.)
• i2.JPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner of AstraZeneca's i2.JP open innovation initiative.
• J-StarX (JETRO)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRouteX COO Tsukao participated as a speaker at JETRO's J-StarX pre-founding student mindset program, supporting entrepreneurship education and cross-border startup ecosystem development.
• Dawn Capital (Akatsuki CVC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRouteX supported research for Dawn Capital's report 'From Tech Backwater to Startup Powerhouse: The Transformation of France,' providing ecosystem analysis expertise for the French market research.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Startup Genome: San Francisco-based world-leading startup ecosystem policy research institute. RouteX is its exclusive Japanese-language GSER publishing partner and operates in the same niche of cross-border startup ecosystem research and benchmarking.
• MassChallenge: US-founded global startup accelerator operating programs across multiple continents. Both MassChallenge and RouteX operate accelerator programs and provide cross-border startup expansion support services to DeepTech and growth-stage startups.
• Dealroom.co: Amsterdam-based startup data and intelligence platform. Both RouteX and Dealroom monetize proprietary datasets and benchmarking reports on global startup ecosystems for corporate and government clients.
• Choose Paris Region: Paris Region's official investment promotion agency for startups. RouteX is an active partner and both organizations promote cross-border ecosystem connections between Paris/Europe and international markets including Japan.
• Techstars: US-founded global accelerator network running 50+ programs worldwide. Competes with RouteX in the cross-border accelerator and startup ecosystem support category for both startups and corporate partners.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: US-founded global startup accelerator and corporate innovation platform operating across multiple geographies. Operates accelerator programs and corporate-startup matching similar to RouteX's GLOBE-X and consulting practice.
• Hello Tomorrow: Paris-based global DeepTech conference and ecosystem organization. RouteX serves as Hello Tomorrow Japan Ecosystem Partner and co-promotes cross-border DeepTech ecosystem connections, operating in the same DeepTech/startup ecosystem space.
• Slush: Finland-founded global startup event platform that runs one of the world's largest startup conferences. Both Slush and RouteX run large-scale event-driven startup community platforms with strong cross-border ecosystem positioning.
• Creww: Tokyo-based open innovation platform connecting Japanese corporations with startups. RouteX competes in the same Japan open innovation and corporate-startup matching space, addressing overlapping Japanese enterprise clients.
• STATION F: Paris-based world's largest startup campus. RouteX has collaborated with STATION F's ecosystem through partnerships and both organizations serve as anchors for the French and broader European startup ecosystem connecting to international markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/RouteX_Startups
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCK4BoQhsF31MqtYT1oUgKKA
• Facebookfacebook.com/RouteXStartups
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/routex-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Routex Inc.