LaunchStarz Inc.

Name

LaunchStarz Inc.

Legal name

LaunchStarz Inc.

Website

https://launchstarz.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Acceleration Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Educational Support Services (61171), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB), Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD), Product & Innovation Summits (Roadmap, Launch Readiness, Innovation Days) (THAHAMAG)

Keywords

• Startup acceleration services
• Founder mentorship programs
• Market entry support
• Government-sponsored accelerators
• Cross-border entrepreneurship

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Acceleration Program Operations: LaunchStarz operates government-sponsored acceleration programs including Ryukyu Launchpad (Okinawa Prefecture), Beyond JAPAN, and Global Acceleration Hub (JETRO). These programs provide mentorship, networking, and support services to Japanese startups seeking US market entry. Services are primarily offered at no cost to startups as they are funded by government partnerships.
2. Corporate Training and Educational Programs: LaunchStarz leverages their founders' expertise in developing and delivering training programs for students, organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Kenny and Satoshi have extensive experience in developing educational initiatives.
3. Incubation and Mentorship Services: Customized white-glove startup support services including personal founder coaching, pitch deck creation, market research, go-to-market support, fundraising strategies, and US compliance guidance. Services support startups from ideation through Series A and beyond.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

LaunchStarz Inc. operates as a startup accelerator and mentorship services company that helps Japanese founders launch and expand their businesses in the US market. The company delivers customized white-glove founder coaching, pitch deck creation, market research, go-to-market strategies, fundraising support, and US compliance guidance through several flagship programs: the LaunchStarz Program, Global Acceleration Hub (sponsored by JETRO), Beyond JAPAN Zero to X, and Ryukyu Launchpad (Okinawa Prefecture partnership).

Product overview

LaunchStarz Inc. operates as a startup accelerator focused on supporting Japanese entrepreneurs entering the US market. The company offers a unified platform combining its own LaunchStarz Program accelerator alongside partnership programs including the Global Acceleration Hub (JETRO-sponsored), Beyond JAPAN Zero to X, and Ryukyu Launchpad. Core services include personalized founder coaching, white-glove mentorship, market entry support, pitch deck creation, fundraising strategy, and US compliance guidance. The organization leverages over 40 years of combined expertise across Japan and North America to provide customized support from ideation through Series A and beyond.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LaunchStarz Program An accelerator program exclusively for top Japanese startups eager to launch in the US market, offering mentorship, strategic partnerships, and essential market insights. Designed for founders at every stage from inception to later development.
• Global Acceleration Hub (GAH) A JETRO-sponsored program that accelerates Japan's top startups into Southern California's tech, entertainment, and life sciences ecosystem through targeted mentorship, strategic partnerships, market insights, and local networking. Free mentorship for Japanese startups in Los Angeles and San Diego.
• Beyond JAPAN Zero to X A comprehensive startup support program that propels promising Japanese startups into the U.S. market through tailored mentorship, a curated curriculum, strategic networking, and immersive entrepreneurial experiences in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Austin.
• Ryukyu Launchpad A program empowering Okinawan startups with tailored mentorship and strategic partnerships, selecting participants to attend an in-person program in Los Angeles and Southeast Asia to introduce innovations onto the global stage.
• Personal Founder & Startup Coaching Customized, white-glove service providing personal coaching for founders at every stage, from ideation to Series A funding and beyond.
• US Market Entry Support Comprehensive support services including communication and pitch deck creation for product localization, go-to-market support for idea validation, market research, fundraising strategies, and 360-degree operational guidance on U.S. compliance and organizational setup.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400+ Japanese startups supported
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 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

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, important and supporting.

• Okinawa PrefecturecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025LaunchStarz operates Ryukyu Launchpad 2026 in partnership with Okinawa Prefecture. The program supports Okinawan startups with mentorship and global expansion support. Demo Day scheduled for February 2026 in Okinawa.
• API Law Office (API法学院)importantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 11 December 2024API Law Office provides immigration legal services for Japanese entrepreneurs seeking US visas and green cards. Co-founder Satoshi has personally experienced their outstanding legal expertise and support.
• City of TorranceimportantGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 November 2024LaunchStarz partnered with City of Torrance to support Japanese startups setting up in Torrance. The city has welcomed numerous Asian startups and offers a vibrant business community with excellent schools and family-friendly environment.
• GoGlobalimportantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2024GoGlobal provides global human resources solutions, helping businesses hire, manage, and pay talent anywhere in the world. Their expertise in international employment regulations complements LaunchStarz for startups expanding globally.
• M3 Global, LLCsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 November 2024Founder Jong Choi's company is partnered with the Korean government while LaunchStarz is partnered with the Japanese government. Shared goal of helping Asian startups go global creates overlap and potential for collaboration.
• ETIC (Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities)importantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 April 2024ETIC is a leading nonprofit based in Japan founded in 1993, known for its vast network of social change leaders. Both organizations share passion for fostering international ecosystems and supporting Japanese startups in the US.
• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024LaunchStarz partners with JETRO to operate the Global Acceleration Hub program for Los Angeles and San Diego. JETRO sponsors free mentorship for Japanese startups. LaunchStarz was also featured at JETRO's Japan Pavilion at CES 2024.
• Zero-01 Booster (株式会社ゼロワンブースター)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024LaunchStarz operates Ryukyu Launchpad in consortium with Zero-01 Booster. Zero-01 Booster serves as Japan domestic coordinator and Korea program operator. They promote open innovation between large companies and ventures.
• UC San Diego (IGE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunchStarz partners with UC San Diego's IGE (International Graduate Education) for the Beyond Japan program. Dean Albert P. Pisano and the IGE team actively support Japanese startups and have praised LaunchStarz's detailed programs.
• Global LAsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEcosystem partner for LA operations, supporting local networking and connections for Japanese startups.
• Japan House LAsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEcosystem partner providing connections to Japanese business community in Los Angeles.
• UpworksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEcosystem partner supporting startup operations and talent needs.
• Venture Cafe TokyosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEcosystem partner connecting Japanese startups with the broader Tokyo venture community.
• OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEcosystem partner for Okinawan startup ecosystem connections.
• Crimson EducationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation-focused ecosystem partner supporting entrepreneurship development.
• 500 GlobalsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMet at ecosystem events. Misaki Majima from 500 Global participates in LaunchStarz activities.
• Plug and PlaysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPlug and Play team attended Beyond Japan recruiting events.
• JSIP Pte. Ltd.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSingapore program operator for Ryukyu Launchpad. Supports Japanese companies' Southeast Asia expansion through co-creation community and cross-industry collaboration.
• Meet VenturessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndonesia program operator for Ryukyu Launchpad. Based in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, operating innovation consulting and VC programs for Southeast Asia market.
• InnoLab AsiasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVietnam program operator for Ryukyu Launchpad. Established in 2018 under NATEC leadership, promotes open innovation and supports technology and business development in Vietnam.
• Icon VenturessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCFO Takenori Sanami from Icon Ventures is a special guest for Beyond Japan Expert Talk Sessions. He is knowledgeable and passionate about helping Japanese startups go global.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Techstars: Global accelerator network running 50+ mentorship-driven programs worldwide, including tech-focused cohorts. Directly comparable as a founder-coaching accelerator delivering white-glove mentorship in exchange for equity or program fees, though Techstars operates at much larger global scale.
• ETIC (Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities): Japanese nonprofit founded in 1993 supporting social entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders. Directly comparable as a partner organization and adjacent operator in the Japanese entrepreneur-support space, sharing a stated mission of fostering international startup ecosystems.
• 500 Global: Global accelerator and venture fund operating programs across emerging markets and founder cohorts worldwide, with active Japan engagement (Misaki Majima from 500 Global participates in LaunchStarz events). Directly comparable as an accelerator targeting international founder cohorts.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: Global innovation platform running accelerator programs and corporate-startup matching initiatives. Directly comparable as an accelerator with corporate partnership model; Plug and Play team has attended LaunchStarz recruiting events in Japan.
• Zero-01 Booster: Japanese accelerator and corporate venture builder operating domestic and Korea programs; co-operator of the Ryukyu Launchpad with LaunchStarz. Directly comparable as a Japanese-focused accelerator with cross-border expansion offerings.
• MassChallenge: Global nonprofit accelerator supporting early-stage startups through mentorship-driven cohorts and corporate partnerships. Directly comparable as a white-glove, equity-free accelerator with government and corporate sponsor relationships.

Broad incumbents

• SOSV: Global accelerator operator running multiple vertical-specific programs (HAX for hardware, IndieBio for biotech, etc.). Comparable as a multi-program accelerator with international cohort models, though more venture-backed and broader in vertical scope than LaunchStarz.
• Y Combinator: Premier global startup accelerator offering seed funding, mentorship, and demo days for early-stage founders. Operates a broader, US-headquartered funnel than LaunchStarz but competes for the same Japan-to-US founder mindshare and has launched Japan-focused initiatives.
• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization): Japanese government trade-promotion body that sponsors and operates the Global Acceleration Hub program with LaunchStarz. Directly comparable as the parent channel for Japanese-to-US startup landings, though JETRO operates at much broader policy and trade scope while LaunchStarz executes the on-the-ground mentorship.

Regional players

• Coral Capital: Japan-focused seed venture capital firm supporting early-stage Japanese startups with US market ambitions. Comparable as a Japan-headquartered investor supporting the Japan-to-US founder pipeline, though Coral Capital is an investor while LaunchStarz is an accelerator/coach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/launchstarz
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@launchstarz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/launchstarz-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/launchstarz

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 LaunchStarz Inc.