Shibuya Startup Support (SSS) conducted a visit to Singapore to gain insights into the local startup ecosystem and build relationships with key stakeholders.
This initiative is part of SSS’s broader effort to strengthen outreach to overseas startups and to create touchpoints with companies interested in expanding into the Japanese market. In parallel, the visit sought to better understand support mechanisms and ecosystem structures in Southeast Asia, while establishing connections with venture capital firms, academic institutions, and startup support organizations for future collaboration.
SSS visited several academic and research institutions, including Singapore Management University, NTUitive,Singapore University of Social Sciences, and CREATE（National Research Foundation, to learn about their approaches to supporting student and researcher entrepreneurship, as well as commercialization of research outcomes.
Across these institutions, structured programs such as entrepreneurship education, acceleration initiatives, and incubation support are in place, which contribute to pathways that connect research to real-world applications. Discussions also covered program design, opportunities for student internships, and potential areas for future collaboration, including joint events.
The delegation also visited key ecosystem hubs and support organizations, including Block71,Action Community for Entrepreneurship（ACE）,Enterprise Singapore, and One & Co.
At Enterprise Singapore, discussions focused on the overall structure of the national startup ecosystem, the role of government support, and possible avenues for connecting startups with the Japanese market. Initial conversations were also held regarding potential joint programs and event collaboration.
At Block71 and ACE, exchanges centered on accelerator program operations and community-building approaches. These discussions provided insights into how connections between startups, investors, and ecosystem players are facilitated within Singapore.
Engagement with Investors and Stakeholders
Meetings were also held with venture capital firms and stakeholders investing in sectors such as agritech, foodtech, and climate tech. These included AgFunder, Clay Capital, Kiaora Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, Meet Ventures, Eurazeo as well as support organizations such as ACE.
Through these conversations, SSS gained perspectives on investment trends in Southeast Asia and the broader environment for startup growth. Discussions also touched on interest in the Japanese market and possibilities for future collaboration, including event partnerships and mutual startup introductions.
SSS also visited Vida City to exchange views on the relationship between urban development and startups.
The site highlighted initiatives where urban infrastructure and environmentally conscious design are integrated with innovation, positioning the city itself as a testbed for new technologies. Such environments may offer startups opportunities to validate and refine their solutions in real-world settings.
SSS was able to join the community event Japan Meets Singapore, which brought together startup ecosystem stakeholders from both countries.
The event featured presentations, pitches, and networking opportunities. SSS introduced Shibuya’s startup ecosystem and its support initiatives, creating opportunities to connect with overseas startups interested in the Japanese market.
Elevator pitches from startups in sectors such as robotics, healthcare, and legal tech presenting their ideas. The format enabled participants to quickly identify areas of interest and facilitated follow-up conversations during networking sessions.
There was also notable interest in Japan’s startup ecosystem and support systems, leading to discussions related to potential market entry and collaboration.
Many Singaporean startups design their businesses from a very early stage with international expansion in mind, supported by government-backed initiatives. Given the relatively limited domestic market size, a global perspective is often embedded in business strategies.
Singapore is also geographically and structurally compact, which contributes to closer connections among key ecosystem players. This proximity facilitates interaction between startups, investors, and support organizations.
The visit provided an observation: Shibuya’s position as a startup hub has gained a certain level of recognition within international networks. Building on the relationships established during this visit, SSS aims to further strengthen collaboration with overseas startups and support their entry into the Japanese market.
SSS will continue to expand its engagement with global startup ecosystems while promoting Shibuya as a base for international startup activities. Updates on future events and initiatives will be shared through official channels and social media.
Shibuya Startup Support：https://www.shibuya-startup-support.jp/ja
LinkedIn：https://www.linkedin.com/company/shibuya-startup-support/
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/shibuya.startup.support
X（Twitter）：http://twitter.com/ShibuyaStartup
