To achieve Tokyo’s goal of “increasing the number of startup businesses tenfold by FY2027,” it is essential to significantly increase the number of female founders launching startups.

Startups require funding from venture capital (VC), but currently, the number of female founders receiving VC funding in Japan is extremely low compared to their male counterparts.

Therefore, the key to achieving Tokyo’s goal is to increase the number of women who secure VC funding to launch their own startups.

According to the Gender Gap Index released by the World Economic Forum in June 2023, Japan ranks 125th out of 146 countries, marking its lowest position ever. This gender gap extends to female founders, who in Japan have less access to founder communities than male founders.

To address this issue and further increase the number of female founders in Japan, we will undertake the following two initiatives:

1. Build a community of female founders
2. Support women in transitioning to fast-growing startups

These initiatives will be conducted as part of an agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government from October 2024 to March 2026, with continued support planned thereafter.