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Samurai Incubate invests in early-stage start-ups and provides support in management, marketing, sales and HR
Samurai Incubate stands as a prominent Japanese venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2008 by Kentaro Sakakibara. The company is renowned for its pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation. Samurai Incubate's mission revolves around supporting early-stage startups, providing essential funding, mentorship, and resources to help these fledgling ventures thrive in the competitive tech landscape. The firm specializes in startup acceleration, offering programs and support to expedite the growth and development of emerging companies, backed by guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts. With a global outlook, Samurai Incubate actively seeks partnerships and opportunities beyond Japan, facilitating connections to a broader network of investors and markets. Its diverse portfolio spans various sectors, including fintech, artificial intelligence, robotics, and consumer tech, reflecting a commitment to fostering innovation across a wide spectrum of industries. Led by individuals with a deep entrepreneurial spirit, Samurai Incubate plays a pivotal role in empowering and advancing early-stage startups, making it a prominent and influential player in both the Japanese and global startup ecosystems.
History of Samurai Incubate:
2008: In March, Samurai Incubate Co., Ltd. was established, marking the inception of the company's journey. It began its management consulting business for venture companies, setting the stage for its future in supporting startups.
2009: In June, the company's head office relocated to Kotakecho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo. In the same month, Samurai Incubate Fund No. 1 was established, marking the company's entry into fund incubation. It also founded the subsidiary where2.0 Co., Ltd. and initiated online advertising agency sales.
2010: The inaugural Samurai Venture Summit was held in June, becoming an essential event in the Japanese startup ecosystem.
2011: Samurai Incubate continued to expand its fund incubation efforts, establishing Samurai Incubate Fund No. 2 and Samurai Incubate Fund No. 3. In November, it opened the Samurai Startup Island (SSI) co-working space and ventured into SSI/event business. The company also relocated its head office to Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo.
2012: In February, Samurai Incubate expanded its reach with the launch of the Venture Summit in 47 prefectures nationwide.
2013: Samurai Incubate's subsidiary, where2.0 Co., Ltd., transferred its online advertising agency sales business. In March, Samurai Incubate Fund No. 4 was established, further strengthening its fund incubation activities.
2014: The company achieved a significant milestone by organizing venture summits in all 47 prefectures of Japan. It also expanded its international presence by establishing a branch in Tel Aviv, Israel, and launching incubation activities there. In December, Samurai Incubate Fund No. 5 was established to support startups.
2015: Samurai Incubate began full-scale investments in Israeli startups. It also initiated the Samurai Startup Day (SSD) pitch event, while simultaneously reaching the milestone of investing in a total of 100 companies.
2016: The SAMURAI ISLAND EXPO, an event encompassing the entire Tennozu Isle, was held for the first time, attracting 1,200 participants.
2017: The SAMURAI ISLAND EXPO'17 continued to showcase innovation. Additionally, the company invested in a total of 30 Israeli startups.
2018: Samurai Incubate expanded its fund incubation efforts by establishing Samurai Incubate Fund No. 6. In May, it founded a subsidiary, Samurai Incubate Africa Co., Ltd. (formerly Leapfrog Ventures Inc.).
2019: Samurai Incubate introduced "The First Mover" Hand's "In" Batch Program, offering support to entrepreneurs before and immediately after starting a business. It also updated its visual identity and behavioral guidelines. In July, the head office moved to Roppongi 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
2020: The company's subsidiary, Samurai Incubate Africa Co., Ltd., established Samurai Africa Fund No. 2.
2021: Samurai Incubate continued to expand its investment portfolio, reaching a milestone by investing in a total of 200 companies. In March, SAMURAI VISION 2030 was announced, outlining the company's vision for the future. In October, the SAMURAI VISION SUMMIT - SVS2021 was held.
2022: In April, Samurai Incubate spun out its consulting business, marking another phase in its evolution.
Throughout its history, Samurai Incubate has played a crucial role in nurturing startups, fostering innovation, and contributing to the growth of the Japanese and global startup ecosystems.
Samurai Incubate's primary goals and purpose are centered around nurturing innovation, supporting startups, and driving positive change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Specifically:
Supporting Startups: The company aims to provide vital support, including funding, mentorship, and resources, to early-stage startups, helping them grow and thrive.
Fostering Innovation: Samurai Incubate is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation by offering opportunities, resources, and guidance to individuals and teams with groundbreaking ideas.
Removing Barriers: The company seeks to eliminate barriers and doubts that individuals may have about their entrepreneurial capabilities, creating an environment where anyone can pursue their dreams.
Passing on Determination: Samurai Incubate encourages individuals who have the capacity to make a difference to pass on their "willpower" and inspire others to take action.
Leading by Example: The company is committed to leading the way in carrying out its mission and instilling courage in all, emphasizing that change is driven not by what one can or cannot do, but by the determination to take action and effect positive transformation in the world.
Samurai Incubate's purpose is to empower individuals, particularly those who may doubt their abilities, by providing opportunities and creating an environment where dreams can be realized. The company believes in the transformative power of action and determination, emphasizing that it's not about what one can or cannot do but whether one takes action to effect change. Samurai Incubate's purpose is to inspire, support, and lead by example, fostering innovation, eliminating barriers, and encouraging a proactive approach to making a positive impact on the world.
