The recent panel discussion on synergies between France and Japan, held as part of the closing event of the DeepTech acceleration program operated by WILCO and SINEORA for the NEDO (Japanese government agency), shed light on the growing collaboration between these two ecosystems. The discussion explored the growth of Japan’s startup ecosystem, its international ambitions, and how French-Japanese collaboration can unlock innovation while addressing shared challenges.
The Japanese Startup Ecosystem: Growth Amidst Challenges
Japan’s startup ecosystem has undergone remarkable growth over the past decade, with investments multiplying by 10 to reach 600 million euros last year. This progress has been driven in part by corporate contributions, which account for 25% of startup investments, reflecting a growing appetite for open innovation. Deep tech and robotics have emerged as standout sectors, supported by university spin-offs and corporate ventures.
However, internationalization remains a challenge. Many Japanese startups struggle with marketing and communication, particularly in English, which limits their ability to connect with global customers and investors. Additionally, there is a cultural tendency to prioritize technical features over customer-centric value propositions, which can hinder success in Western markets.
French-Japanese Collaboration: Unlocking Complementarities
Collaboration between France and Japan highlights cultural and economic complementarities. Both countries are innovation-driven, yet their approaches differ in ways that can create synergies. France is actively pursuing solutions in green tech and reindustrialization, areas where Japan has valuable expertise. Meanwhile, Japanese startups can benefit from accessing the European market via France, leveraging networks like La French Tech to establish a foothold.
This exchange also offers opportunities for French companies to expand into the broader Asian market through Japan. However, success depends on overcoming cultural differences, improving communication, and fostering a better understanding of each ecosystem’s unique dynamics. These challenges underline the need for stronger collaboration and mutual adaptation.
Financing and Market Access: Bridging the Gaps
For Japanese startups looking to expand internationally, adapting to the expectations of foreign investors and customers is crucial. Global investors often find Japanese startups challenging to navigate due to language barriers, unfamiliar documentation, and differing business norms. This can create friction, especially during due diligence or negotiations.
Startups must refine their messaging to emphasize clear value for customers, rather than focusing solely on technical features. Additionally, building networks of « connectors » — individuals or organizations that facilitate introductions and act as bridges between ecosystems — is essential to creating smoother pathways for collaboration and investment.
Promoting Diversity and Leadership
A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of promoting diversity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Efforts to achieve gender equity in leadership roles are seen as crucial to unlocking untapped potential. Organizations that fail to leverage the talents of women risk missing out on significant growth opportunities.
Encouraging female leadership, providing role models, and addressing unconscious gender biases are vital steps toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic startup ecosystem. Diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of innovation and performance.
Conclusion
The collaboration between France and Japan represents an opportunity to harness the best of both ecosystems. Japan’s rapid growth in startup investment and focus on deep tech aligns well with France’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability. However, achieving success requires addressing key challenges, including cultural differences, communication gaps, and market adaptation.
By fostering deeper connections, refining value-driven messaging, and leveraging the strengths of both ecosystems, France and Japan can create a dynamic partnership that drives innovation and enables startups to thrive on the global stage. This collaboration holds the promise of not only advancing technology but also building a more inclusive and interconnected entrepreneurial world.
