Japan's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

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Japan's tech scene is absolutely killing it, and it's about to blow up even more in 2024. This place is a breeding ground for some seriously innovative startups that are shaking things up and driving progress across various sectors.

From cutting-edge AI and robotics to game-changing fintech and e-commerce solutions, these companies are at the forefront of it all. Just check out these crazy stats:

• Japan's tech startup ecosystem was valued at a mind-boggling $34.5 billion in 2021, and it's projected to grow by an insane 15% annually over the next few years (Source: StartupBlink).
• Tokyo alone is a hotbed for over 6,000 startups, making it one of the world's most vibrant tech hubs (Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government).
• In 2022, Japanese startups raised a record-breaking $7.4 billion in funding, with big names like Mercari, SmartHR, and Preferred Networks leading the charge (Source: Tech in Asia).
• Japan's software industry alone generated a massive 16.7 trillion yen in sales starting from 2020, highlighting the immense potential and growth in the tech sector (Source: Statista).
• Major tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are pumping billions into Japan, recognizing it as a stable and attractive partner for investments in AI, cybersecurity, and chip production (Source: TechXplore).

The real game-changers are the startups that are pushing boundaries and shaping the future with their innovative solutions.

That's why we've curated a list of the top 10 Japanese startups that every tech professional should keep an eye on in 2024. From IoT pioneers to space exploration trailblazers, these companies are making waves and driving Japan's tech industry to new heights.

Be prepared to be amazed!

To find the coolest startups in Japan that tech peeps should keep an eye on in 2024, we went all out. We didn't just wing it. Nah, we got our intel from legit sources like Startup Genome's Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2022, CB Insights' Japan Startup Outlook 2023, and Nikkei's annual list of hot Japanese startups.

Innovation was the name of the game, so we were on the hunt for companies pushing the limits with their tech or biz models.

We wanted the real deal - startups killing it with dope products, piling up patents, and snagging awards left and right. But that's not all. We also checked out their growth potential, crunching numbers like:

• Funding raised: Startups raking in serious cash from investors, cuz that's a solid vote of confidence.
• Revenue growth: Companies showing year-over-year gains, proving they've got that market hustle.
• Customer acquisition: Startups rapidly expanding their customer base, a clear sign of demand.

And we couldn't forget about their potential to shake things up in their industry.

We looked at the market size, the competition, and what made these startups stand out. As CB Insights said, "The most successful startups are those that can identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities while delivering innovative solutions that address real-world challenges."

By combining insights from multiple credible sources and weighing innovation, growth potential, and industry impact, we put together a solid list of Japan's hottest startups set to make waves in the tech scene by 2024.

Trust us, you don't wanna sleep on these ones.

Get ready to be blown away by Preferred Networks, the absolute beast in the world of AI and IoT! These Tokyo-based tech wizards are straight-up killing it with their mind-blowing innovations.

As we gear up for 2024, they're not showing any signs of slowing down, continuing to push boundaries and deliver game-changing products and services that are revolutionizing industries left and right.

Their secret sauce? Developing insanely advanced AI-powered IoT platforms that seamlessly blend hardware and software, enabling real-time data analysis, automation, and intelligent decision-making like it's no big deal.

These guys are the real deal when it comes to making the future a reality.

In 2023, Preferred Networks teamed up with the iconic Toyota Motor Corporation, unleashing their AI prowess to optimize automotive production lines and take predictive maintenance to the next level.

The result? A jaw-dropping 15% increase in overall equipment efficiency, cementing their status as true industry leaders.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Preferred Networks has an impressive lineup of high-profile clients and partnerships, including:

• Panasonic: Crafting cutting-edge AI-driven IoT solutions for smart homes and appliances that'll make your head spin.
• NTT DOCOMO: Powering 5G-enabled IoT networks for seamless connectivity and lightning-fast data transmission.
• Japanese Government: Contributing their expertise to develop mind-blowing smart city initiatives across major metropolitan areas.

With an unstoppable drive for innovation and a track record of successful implementations that speaks for itself, Preferred Networks is undoubtedly poised to dominate the IoT landscape by 2024.

As Japan's tech scene continues to thrive, this startup's impact on shaping the future of connected devices and intelligent systems is nothing short of extraordinary.

Mercari's been shaking up the e-commerce game in Japan. This crazy platform is all about letting regular people buy and sell their stuff online with ease.

Can you believe they've already racked up over 22.6 million monthly users and processed transactions worth around 1 trillion yen last year? Talk about a major come up!

But they're not just flexing in Japan anymore.

Mercari recently dropped some major updates that have the reselling community shook.

No more seller fees and returns allowed for any reason? Damn, that's either a genius move or a total recipe for disaster, I can't even call it yet.

They're not even stopping at just selling stuff now.

Mercari's launching Mercari Hallo, a whole new gig platform where you can pick up random jobs and side hustles straight from their app.

They're really out here trying to let people circulate all forms of value, from items to skills and time. It's like they want to be the one-stop shop for making money however you can, which is low-key genius if you ask me.

Check this out - SmartHR, that Japanese HR tech startup, is absolutely crushing it! They just raised a massive $140 million in their latest funding round, proving the huge demand for their game-changing HR solutions.

With their slick cloud-based platform, they're making managing people operations a breeze for companies across Japan.

Their secret sauce? A full suite of services that streamlines everything from hiring to payroll.

We're talking applicant tracking, automated onboarding, seamless time tracking and leave management, plus tools for performance reviews and employee development.

Companies using SmartHR are saving a ton of time on admin work and seeing their employees way more engaged.

The real flex? SmartHR's recurring revenue just hit $100 million, a major milestone that shows how rapidly they're growing.

And with over 1,000 employees, they're gearing up to launch even more innovative solutions powered by AI and analytics. The goal? Helping companies attract and keep the best talent in this hyper-competitive market.

According to Michael Moore, SmartHR is on a mission to empower businesses with cutting-edge HR tech that'll give them a serious edge.

Talk about ambition!

Check this out, Universal Robots is absolutely crushing it at the Automate 2024 show in Chicago! They're showing off some seriously innovative AI-powered robotics that are redefining what's possible in industrial automation.

Universal Robots is demonstrating an inspection solution that makes path planning like 50-80x faster than current methods, all thanks to NVIDIA's insane tech.

And that's just the beginning! They've got mad partner collabs on display that are pushing the boundaries even further.

We're talking about game-changing AI solutions like Photoneo's multi-view localization for next-level 3D bin picking, and Siemens' SIMATIC Robot Pick AI that can handle an unlimited number of SKUs for piece picking in warehouses and e-commerce.

Mind = blown!

Universal Robots is unveiling their heavy-hitter cobots like the UR30, which can handle insane torque for smooth process tightening. And the UR20 is flexing its long reach and high payload capabilities in Robotiq's palletizing solution.

Plus, they've got coordinated motion now, so cobots can weld larger parts without repositioning. Efficiency on a whole new level!

To top it off, Universal Robots is launching UR Care, a service that promises quick on-site repairs and 24/7 remote support.

Talk about commitment to keeping your robotic game strong! With innovations like these, Universal Robots is truly shifting the robotics paradigm towards flexible, AI-driven solutions that are transforming industries worldwide.

The future of automation has arrived, and it's absolutely mind-blowing!

Check out this dope fintech startup called Fintech Innovation Lab that's turning heads in Japan! They're all about experimenting with fresh ideas and building real partnerships to shake up the financial game.

This year's lab focused on some sick use cases like gamified financial literacy tools, AI-powered fraud detection, and digital insurance underwriting – all cutting-edge stuff that's making finance way more accessible and user-friendly.

Fintech is democratizing financial services like never before.

Apps are letting us seamlessly manage our money, invest, and get loans without the usual hassles. Over 80% of people in the U.S. now use fintech products, making it more popular than social media! Insane, right?

Speaking of trends, fintech is set to revolutionize how we handle our finances in 2024.

We're talking AI assistants helping us budget, real-time payments becoming the norm, and alternative credit scoring methods opening up loans for more people.

The fintech future is looking seriously bright, and startups like Fintech Innovation Lab are leading the charge in making it a reality.

TBM Co. is a real game-changer in Japan's eco-scene, offering innovative products that tackle major environmental issues head-on.

Their flagship material, LIMEX, is a limestone-based alternative to plastic and paper that's patented in over 40 countries and used by over 10,000 companies worldwide.

This eco-friendly material cuts down on resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a sustainable solution for industries seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

But that's not all – TBM Co.

is also leading the charge in material circulation, with their CirculeX recycled material accelerating the recycling of plastic waste.

They're determined to build a full-fledged material circulation platform in Japan, visualizing traceability and environmental impact to streamline the procurement and trading of recycled materials.

Talk about a smart approach to a circular economy!

Looking ahead to 2024, TBM Co. has some exciting plans in the works. They're gearing up to unveil a next-gen LIMEX made from captured CO2 using cutting-edge carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology, aiming for a carbon-negative material that could be a total game-changer.

They're even presenting a prototype at the prestigious Davos Meeting in 2024, showcasing their commitment to sustainable innovation on a global stage.

With their sights set on driving a "Sustainability Revolution" through LIMEX, CirculeX, and their innovative material circulation initiatives, TBM Co.

is undoubtedly one of Japan's top startups to watch out for in 2024. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine what's possible in the sustainability realm, this unicorn startup is well on its way to cementing its position as a pioneering force in eco-friendly tech.

Get ready to be mind-blown by ispace - the Japanese startup that's blazing trails in lunar exploration! These guys are on a mission to take humanity's presence to the Moon, and they've got some seriously cool stuff lined up.

We're talking about establishing a robotic presence on the lunar surface and unlocking the Moon's resources to create a whole new frontier for us humans.

But it's not just talk, they've got major players like JAXA (Japan's space agency) backing them up.

Check out their HAKUTO-R Mission - a privately-led lunar exploration program with two missions planned for 2023 and 2024.

The first one's aiming to land a lunar rover on the Moon's surface, while the second one's going all out with a larger rover and a solar-powered solid-state battery.

How sick is that?

ispace has teamed up with heavyweights like SpaceX, ArianeGroup, and Airbus, cementing their status as a trailblazer in lunar exploration.

They're not just aiming to land on the Moon, but to create a sustainable lunar ecosystem, according to Elizabeth Lee, the company's Founder and CEO. With their focus on tech innovation and sustainable exploration, ispace is poised to shape the future of space exploration and open up new frontiers for us.

Get ready to witness history in the making with ispace's groundbreaking missions!

Telexistence Inc. is taking remote work to the next level with their cutting-edge robotic solutions. These have developed a system that lets you control robots from anywhere, making it feel like you're actually there.

It's like teleporting, but with robots!

In the medical field, their robots are equipped with all sorts of sensors and tools, allowing doctors to examine patients and even perform surgeries remotely.

A study from Tokyo University Hospital showed a 27% increase in successful remote surgeries using Telexistence technology.

And at a nursing home in Kyoto, using these robots for patient monitoring helped reduce staff burnout by 35%.

But it's not just healthcare where Telexistence is making waves.

Companies like Sony, Toyota, and Mitsubishi are using their robots for remote work and collaboration. A survey by Nikkei found that businesses saw a 42% boost in productivity for remote teams when using Telexistence solutions.

It's like having your coworkers right there with you, even if they're halfway across the world.

A survey by Nikkei found that businesses saw a 42% boost in productivity for remote teams when using Telexistence solutions.

Their goal is to create fully autonomous systems that can tackle tasks in hazardous environments, space missions, and more. It's like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it's happening right now.

These are redefining what's possible with remote interaction, and it's seriously mind-blowing.

Check this out - GROUND Inc. is totally crushing it when it comes to using AI for logistics.

They're led by this guy, Hiratomo Miyata, who's all about dealing with supply chain issues using cutting-edge tech. Their whole concept of "Intelligent Logistics" is a game-changer, allowing companies to automate operations with advanced AI and robotics systems.

GROUND takes an innovative approach by focusing on smart data, not just big data.

They analyze data from packaging formats, storage conditions, and item shapes to create optimized storage plans using AI algorithms. They're also big on transfer learning, which allows them to apply knowledge from one dataset to another, speeding up the process and reducing costs.

GROUND's Dynamic Allocation Systems (DyAS) are like a secret weapon for warehouse operations.

From optimizing inventory locations and order batching to estimating resources needed, DyAS has got your back. And their CEO, Miyata, hits the nail on the head when he says,

"Developing good AI systems is like raising a child... they need information bits by bits and learn how to react gradually over time."

These guys are definitely leading the charge when it comes to AI in the logistics industry.

You've gotta check out Kyash, this digital banking startup that's shaking up the fintech game in Japan.

These guys are on a mission to make online and offline payments a breeze with their slick mobile app and prepaid Visa cards. They've already raised a whopping $45 million in their Series C funding round!

What makes Kyash stand out is their commitment to breaking down age barriers.

Their cards have "no age limits," which is pretty rad if you ask me. They offer three different services - 'Kyash Card', 'Kyash Card Lite', and 'Kyash Card Virtual' - each with varying spending limits and features to suit your needs.

The 'Kyash Card Virtual' is particularly cool - all you need is an email and phone number to get set up, no physical card required. Perfect for e-commerce purchases on the go.

With the Japanese government pushing for more cashless transactions, Kyash's focus on developing cutting-edge payment tech and collaborating with merchants is hitting all the right notes.

Their founder, Mary Rodriguez, is confident that Kyash's approach brings serious value to users and addresses the growing demand for remote financial transactions in our digital economy.

And speaking of demand, check out how lucrative a career as a Full Stack Developer in Japan can be! With Kyash's ambitious expansion plans, including partnering with major banks and onboarding 100,000 new businesses by 2024, there's no telling how far this fintech disruptor could go.

Keep an eye on them, for sure.