ANCHOR KOBE

What ANCHOR KOBE does

ANCHOR KOBE (アンカー神戸) is a member-based business hub and innovation community located on the 15th floor of Kobe Sannomiya Hankyu Building in Kobe, Japan. Founded in April 2021 as a joint venture between Kobe Shimbun Shinsha (Kobe Shinbun), a regional media company, and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC, the facility operates as a coworking space, event venue, and innovation program platform for startups, entrepreneurs, corporate innovation teams, students, and government entities. As of June 2026, the hub had 275 members spanning corporate, startup, individual, and student tiers, with a service portfolio that includes five meeting rooms (7.4–20㎡), two event spaces (150㎡ and 200㎡), coworking areas, a live streaming booth, and structured programs such as the Akita Seminar (Akita Seminar), the 0→1 Challenge, Coffee Break Time, Innovation Lounge, and mentor matching.

The company monetizes through four primary revenue streams: tiered recurring membership fees (corporate special, corporate regular, corporate startup, individual regular, student), pay-as-you-go meeting room rentals (¥1,000–¥3,000 per 30 minutes), event space rental (¥60,000–¥90,000 for 3–4 hour blocks), and transaction-based event/program fees (e.g., ¥11,000 for non-member innovation seminars, ¥550 for TeaTime勉強会). Distribution is primarily direct, supported by a national partner network of 8+ coworking facilities across Japan and emerging international partnerships with Seoul Business Agency and Startup Island Taiwan. The technology layer is minimal — the platform is a place-based service — though members can access AI/DX advisory services through a dedicated AI Technical Coordinator and a project collaboration platform (triven.app).

Backed by Kobe Shinbun's regional media reach and Deloitte's consulting expertise, ANCHOR KOBE positions itself as a quasi-official innovation hub for the Kansai region, with deepening ties to multiple Kobe City government departments. Its international strategy emphasizes inbound startup flow from Seoul and Taipei, and its recent product launches in AI/DX advisory and manufacturing digital transformation suggest a measured pivot from pure coworking into program- and consulting-based service lines, while the physical community and public-private partnership model remain the central differentiators.

Name

ANCHOR KOBE

Legal name

ビジネススクエア ANCHOR KOBE（アンカー神戸）

Website

https://anchorkobe.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Short description

ANCHOR KOBE is a member-based coworking and innovation hub in Kobe, Japan, operated as a joint venture of Kobe Shinbun and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, serving startups, corporate innovation teams, entrepreneurs, students, and government partners with workspace, events, and mentoring programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Coworking and Innovation Hub Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Temporary Structures (Truss Roofs, Tents, Barricades) (MPAGAKAK)

Keywords

• Coworking space services
• Startup incubation programs
• Innovation hub operations
• Business community events
• Meeting room rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Kobe

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Tiered membership plans including 法人特別会員 (corporate special), 法人正会員 (corporate regular), 法人スタートアップ会員 (startup), 个人正会員 (individual), and 学生会員 (student). Members gain access to coworking spaces, meeting rooms, programs, and networking opportunities.
2. Meeting Room Rental: Hourly rental of meeting rooms (5 rooms of varying sizes from 7.4㎡ to 20㎡) at 30-minute intervals. Meeting Room 1: ¥3,000/30min, Meeting Room 2: ¥1,500/30min, Meeting Room 4: ¥1,000/30min.
3. Event Space Rental: Rental of event spaces A (150㎡) and A+B (200㎡) for workshops, seminars, and corporate events. Space A: ¥60,000 for 3-4 hours; Space A+B: ¥90,000 for 3-4 hours. Members can book 12 months in advance, non-members 6 months.
4. Event and Program Fees: Various events and programs (イノベーション座談会, 個別相談会 with 高岡浩三 at ¥11,000 for non-members, TeaTime勉強会 at ¥550 with sweets, etc.). Some programs are free for members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ANCHOR KOBE operates a member-based business hub offering coworking space, five meeting rooms, two event spaces (Event Space A and Event Space A+B), and a live streaming booth (Live Booth). Beyond physical workspace, the hub delivers AI technical advisory services, mentor matching, free Japan Policy Finance Corporation startup consultations, and structured innovation programs such as the 0→1 Challenge Problem-Solving Project, Akita Seminar, and Korea Meet Kobe international networking event.

Product overview

ANCHOR KOBE is a coworking and innovation community space located on the 15th floor of Kobe Sannomiya Hankyu Building, operated by Kobe Shinbun Company and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. The facility provides physical workspace solutions (meeting rooms, event spaces, coworking areas) alongside a comprehensive ecosystem of innovation support programs including mentor matching, the Akita Seminar dialogue series, the 0→1 Challenge problem-solving project, and international exchange events. The service portfolio includes tiered membership plans, rental spaces ranging from compact 7.4㎡ meeting rooms to 200㎡ event areas, AI advisory services through a dedicated technical coordinator, and various networking programs like Coffee Break Time sessions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Coworking Space Shared coworking workspace on the 6th floor of Kobe Shimbun Building with panoramic Kobe Port views, available at ¥3,000/month (¥2,000/month for members). Designed for startups, individual members, and remote workers seeking flexible workspace in Kobe.
• Meeting Rooms (5 rooms) Five bookable meeting rooms (Meeting Room 1 through 5) for member and non-member use, rented at ¥2,000/hour (¥1,500/hour for members). Suitable for client meetings, team discussions, and small group sessions.
• Event Space A Mid-sized event venue available for booking at ¥5,000/half-day (¥3,000/half-day for members), used for workshops, seminars, networking events, and member-hosted gatherings.
• Event Space A+B Combined larger event venue combining Event Space A and B for larger-scale events, conferences, and programs requiring expanded capacity.
• Live Booth Dedicated live streaming booth for content creation, webinars, and online event broadcasting, available at ¥2,000/hour (¥1,500/hour for members). Designed for startups and members hosting remote presentations or producing digital content.
• AI Technical Coordinator Advisory Service One-on-one advisory sessions with ANCHOR KOBE's dedicated AI Technical Coordinator covering AI implementation strategy, AI product development, and emerging technology adoption for startups and corporate members.
• Mentor Matching Service Curated matching service connecting members with experienced mentors across business strategy, technology, and international markets, supporting startup growth through structured mentor relationships.
• Startup Consultation (Japan Policy Finance Corporation) Free one-on-one startup consultations provided in partnership with Japan Policy Finance Corporation, covering financing, business planning, and government support program navigation for startups.
• 0→1 Challenge Problem-Solving Project Structured innovation program designed to take participants from problem identification to initial solution concept (0→1), supporting early-stage founders through guided problem-solving frameworks and expert feedback.
• Korea Meet Kobe International Networking Event International networking event connecting Korean and Kobe-based startups, investors, and innovation stakeholders to facilitate cross-border partnerships and market entry opportunities.
• Akita Seminar Workshop-style seminar series providing targeted training for members and students on entrepreneurship, business development, and innovation topics.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SBA (Seoul Business Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2026KOREA MEET KOBE - SBA, Seoul City's startup support organization, selects 10 Korean startups for pitch events at ANCHOR KOBE. SBA has invested in 70+ startups and operates 6 coworking spaces including Seoul Startup Hub. Previous collaboration led to Baycon's solutions being adopted by Kobe City.
• Startup Island TaiwancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2026MOU SIGNING - Startup Island Taiwan signed MOU with ANCHOR KOBE during 5th anniversary event. Enables Taiwanese startups to access Kobe innovation ecosystem and facilitates cross-border collaboration.
• 神戸市 (Kobe City Government)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2026CO-HOST AND REGIONAL PARTNER - Kobe City co-hosts major events (5th anniversary, KOREA MEET KOBE) and supports facility as part of regional innovation ecosystem development strategy. Multiple city departments (医療産業都市部, 経済観光局, 企画調整局) collaborate on programs.
• JPass株式会社minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026TAIWAN AI STARTUP PITCH - Co-hosting Taiwan AI-related startup pitch event with JPass to promote Japan-Taiwan business exchange. Part of ongoing collaboration with Taipei City (DoED).
• FUTRWORKS (フューチャーワークス)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 November 2025GLOBAL COWORKING ACCESS - Corporate startup members can use FUTRWORKS in Osaka Umeda once per month (9:00-18:00, 2 people max when有空位). Located in Hankyu Grand Building 26F. Requires 2-day advance reservation.
• QUINTBRIDGE (クイントブリッジ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 January 2023EVENT AND PROGRAM ACCESS - ANCHOR KOBE members can participate in events and programs co-hosted by QUINTBRIDGE in Osaka Kyobashi area. QUINTBRIDGE focuses on solving regional industry challenges and creating future society through open innovation.
• びぷれすイノベーションスタジオminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 July 2022DROP-IN DISCOUNT - ANCHOR KOBE members (corporate special, corporate regular, corporate startup, individual regular, student) can use the Kumamoto facility at ¥1,100/day (tax included). Operated by Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun.
• NAGOYA INNOVATOR'S GARAGE (ナゴヤイノベーターズガレージ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 July 2022EVENT AND PROGRAM INTEGRATION - ANCHOR KOBE members can participate in programs and events held at the Nagoya facility. Established by Chubu Economic Federation and Nagoya City to foster cross-industry innovation in the Chubu region.
• KRP BIZ NEXTminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2021BUSINESS LOUNGE ACCESS - Corporate regular and special members can use the business lounge once per month on weekdays (9:00-18:00). Located in Kyoto's KRP (Kyoto Research Park).
• SHIBUYA QWS (渋谷キューズ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 April 2021DROP-IN TICKET BENEFITS - ANCHOR KOBE members can purchase drop-in tickets at ¥2,200/day (tax included, paid on-site). Enables cross-community networking within QWS facilities in Tokyo's Shibuya Scramble Square.
• 株式会社神戸新聞社 (Kobe Shinbun)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2021CO-OPERATOR AND PARENT COMPANY - Kobe Shinbun is one of the two operators of ANCHOR KOBE (joint venture with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu). Provides media coverage, event support, and connects facility with regional business community.
• 有限責任監査法人トーマツ (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2021CO-OPERATOR AND PARENT COMPANY - Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is one of the two operators of ANCHOR KOBE (joint venture with Kobe Shinbun). Provides business expertise, event programming support (e.g., 出向起業/客員起業家制度 seminars), and connects with corporate innovation network.
• 120 WORKPLACE KOBEcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2021ADDRESS COWORKING MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT - ANCHOR KOBE members receive ¥5,500 discount on 120 WORKPLACE KOBE address coworking membership (¥22,000 → ¥16,500/month). Both facilities operated by Kobe Shinbun in Kobe area. Also offers free backup workspace when ANCHOR has facility closures.
• ROKKONOMAD (ロコノマド)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2021FULL-TIME USE AND CAMPING BENEFITS - Corporate regular, corporate special, and individual regular members can use ROKKONOMAD once per month for full-time workation (空席がある場合). Also offers member pricing for camping packages including cottage accommodation, meeting rooms, and meals. Located in Mt. Rokko forest area.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• blue city innovation KOBE: Local Kobe open-innovation initiative connected to Kobe City and Kobe University, providing workspace and programming for startups. Comparable as another publicly backed Kobe innovation hub potentially competing for the same member pool.

Broad incumbents

• Impact Hub: Global network of impact-focused innovation hubs and coworking spaces with member programming and corporate partnerships. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the curated-membership innovation hub category.
• Plug and Play: Global innovation platform combining coworking/workspace, accelerator batches, and corporate-startup matchmaking. Comparable because it blends physical coworking with structured open-innovation programming.
• CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center): Large multi-venue innovation campus operator with venture-client programming, accelerator tie-ins, and corporate memberships. Represents the scaled version of ANCHOR KOBE's model outside Japan.
• Servcorp: Premium virtual-office, coworking, and meeting-room operator in Japan and globally with tiered memberships. Comparable on meeting-room rentals and corporate membership tiers, but positioned upstream as a workspace rather than innovation hub.
• IWG / Regus: World's largest flexible-workspace operator with HQ-style, coworking, and meeting-room products across Japan via Regus, Spaces, and HQ brands. Comparable on space rental and meeting-room monetization, but unspecialized in innovation programming.

Direct peers

• QUINTBRIDGE: Osaka Kyobashi open innovation hub focused on resolving regional industry challenges through corporate-startup collaboration. Closely comparable program-led open-innovation hub model.
• 120 WORKPLACE KOBE: Also-operated-by-Kobe-Shinbun coworking facility in the Kobe area with address coworking and shared workspace. Closest local peer and partner, competes for the same Kobe startup and SME member base.
• NAGOYA INNOVATOR'S GARAGE: Chubu-region innovation hub established by the Chubu Economic Federation and Nagoya City. Same public-private partnership, membership-based innovation hub, and structured program mix as ANCHOR KOBE.
• SHIBUYA QWS: Tokyo-based "cross-disciplinary" coworking and innovation community operated by Tokyu with curated programming and a paid membership. Most directly comparable operating model and partner profile to ANCHOR KOBE.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/anchorkobe
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCJtC6jRUKto9mYNICBBwphw?
• Facebookfacebook.com/Anchor_kobe-111962363969067
• Instagraminstagram.com/anchor_kobe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 ANCHOR KOBE