In 2024, Japan’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, drawing attention from domestic and international investors to numerous emerging companies. Companies with innovative business models and new technologies, particularly in the technology sector, are rising rapidly, generating high expectations for future growth. This article lists Japanese startups that deserve attention in 2024, explaining their appeal and potential. These companies have a high probability of achieving growth in both the domestic and global markets, making them unmissable opportunities for investors.
1. Startups Leading with AI Technology
1. Preferred Networks Inc.
Fieldｼ哂rtificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning
Overviewｼ啀referred Networks is a company that develops industrial robots and autonomous driving technologies using deep learning. They advance AI research and development in partnership with major domestic and international corporations. The company stands at the forefront of AI application in fields like medicine and manufacturing, where further growth is highly anticipated.
Key Focusｼ哂I applications in healthcare and autonomous driving, innovation in industrial sectors
2. ABEJA Inc.
Fieldｼ哂I, Big Data, Digital Transformation (DX)
Overviewｼ哂BEJA is a company that provides data analysis and automation solutions utilizing AI. They support corporate DX initiatives, with their solutions being adopted across various industries including retail, manufacturing, and finance. Through their cloud-based AI platform, “ABEJA Platform,” they achieve business process efficiency.
Key Focusｼ啜echnology supporting corporate digital transformation, provision of an AI platform
2. Promising Startups in the FinTech Sector
3. Paidy Inc.
Fieldｼ哥inTech, Post-Payment Services
Overviewｼ啀aidy is a startup that offers post-payment services, providing a mechanism for immediate deferred payment in online shopping. They offer convenient payment options, especially for younger demographics and consumers without credit cards, leading to rapid domestic expansion. Following the announcement of its acquisition by PayPal in 2021, further global development is highly anticipated.
Key Focusｼ啌apid growth in the post-payment market, global expansion through partnership with PayPal
4. Kyash Inc.
Fieldｼ哥inTech, Digital Wallet
Overviewｼ哮yash provides a digital wallet service easily usable via smartphones. They have built a multi-functional platform for realizing a cashless society, enabling peer-to-peer transfers and online payments. The company is also licensed as a money transfer agent, expanding its range of financial services.
Key Focusｼ啀latform promoting cashless transactions, expansion in the digital wallet market
3. Promising Startups in the HealthTech Sector
5. MICIN Inc.
Fieldｼ唏ealthTech, Online Medical Consultation
Overviewｼ哺ICIN provides an online medical consultation platform, advancing the digitalization of healthcare. Their service, “curon,” connects medical institutions and patients through online consultations and is widely used in Japan, creating an environment where medical services can be accessed even in remote areas. Demand surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued growth is expected.
Key Focusｼ唔ncreased demand for online medical consultation, promotion of medical digitalization
6. Sansan Inc.
Fieldｼ唏ealthTech, Digital Medical Records
Overviewｼ唔n addition to its traditional business card management service, Sansan has expanded into the medical field, supporting the digitization of electronic health records and medical data management. By promoting digitalization in medical institutions, they improve efficiency in clinical settings and streamline communication between patients and doctors.
Key Focusｼ哘fficiency improvements in medical data management, expansion in the digital healthcare market
4. Promising Startups in the Environment Tech Sector
7. Spiber Inc.
Fieldｼ咤iotechnology, Environmental Technology
Overviewｼ售piber has garnered attention for developing bio-materials using synthetic spider silk. The technology to create eco-friendly materials is expected to be utilized in a wide range of fields, including fashion, medicine, and industry, drawing global attention in the field of sustainable material development.
Key Focusｼ售ustainable material development, expectation for global expansion
8. Euglena Co., Ltd.
Fieldｼ咤iofuel, Clean Energy
Overviewｼ哘uglena is a startup developing biofuel using microalgae and tackling environmental issues. They are raising their presence in the biofuel market, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in the aviation and automotive industries.
Key Focusｼ咾ommercialization of biofuel, provision of sustainable energy solutions
5. Promising Startups in the RetailTech Sector
9. Origami Inc.
Fieldｼ哥inTech, Mobile Payments
Overviewｼ唹rigami provides a mobile payment platform that enables seamless cashless payments in retail stores. They promote digital transformation in the retail sector, offering services that benefit both merchants and consumers.
Key Focusｼ哘xpansion in the cashless payment market, promotion of retail DX
10. Toreta Inc.
Fieldｼ啌etailTech, Restaurant Solutions
Overviewｼ啜oreta provides a reservation management system for restaurants, helping to improve booking efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction through data utilization. As the restaurant industry advances digitally, the need is growing, leading to adoption in many dining establishments.
Key Focusｼ咼igitalization of the food service industry, widespread adoption of reservation management systems
Conclusion: The Future of Japanese Startups to Watch in 2024
In 2024, the Japanese startup scene is expected to see growth across various fields, including AI, FinTech, HealthTech, and Environmental Technology. These companies hold the potential to solve major social challenges and carve out entirely new markets. For investors, early investment in these startups could present a chance for high returns. We should continue to monitor the progress of these companies and keep an eye on Japan’s dynamic startup market.