We are thrilled to announce the release of the Japanese translation of the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 (GSER 2023), made possible through our partnership with RouteX. This translation plays a pivotal role in bridging crucial information gaps within the startup ecosystem, where language serves as a vital connector. With the launch of the Japanese edition, we aim to empower our readers in Japan with a deeper understanding of the global startup ecosystem.

“I trust that this report will serve as a pivotal guide not only for national and local governments but also for the private sector, providing a roadmap for activities aligned with global standards," says Masahiro Tsukao, COO, RouteX.

The 2023 edition of the report paints a complex picture. While the previous year saw unprecedented investments in startups across cities and regions, the ongoing events of global conflict have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the market. Consequently, there has been a noticeable decrease in late-stage investments across regions, making 2023 a year of strategic reorientation for cities renowned as startup hubs. Despite these challenges, regional cities have shown commendable resilience, demonstrating steady growth in the startup ecosystem.

Highlights from Asia:

• Tokyo, the only Japanese ecosystem in the top 30 and runners-up rankings, sits at #15, down from last year's #12 mainly due to the quicker growth of other ecosystems.
• Seven Asian ecosystems are in the top 30 ranking, with a further three in the runners-up list.
• Singapore has jumped 10 places in the ranking to #8, the second-highest ranked Asian ecosystem after Beijing.
• Two Chinese cities feature in the top 30: Beijing and Shanghai at #7 and #9, and two in the runners-up: Shenzhen and Hangzhou at #35 and #38.
• India has two cities in the top 30 and one in the runners-up, all moving up at least two places. Bengaluru-Karnataka, the highest-ranked ecosystem at #20, rose two places.
• Seoul ranks at #12, a drop of two places from last year’s report.

“My expectation is that this Japanese edition will provide our readers in Japan with a comprehensive understanding of global startup ecosystem standards, assisting them in their day-to-day business transactions and community engagements,” says Tsukao.

About our local translation partner, RouteX

RouteX is a knowledge group that aggregates and understands information related to startups from around the world and conducts research/consulting businesses with the mission “toward a world without information asymmetry.''