Disrupting Japan

Foreign founders are changing how Japanese start startups

Jul 21, 2025
Sandeep Casi is a Partner at Antler Japan, where he shapes startup innovation and supports early-stage ventures. In this insightful discussion, he reveals how foreign founders are transforming Japan's startup scene and overcoming barriers. He debunks the myth about Japanese founders' English skills and sheds light on the unique challenges of university spinouts. Sandeep also discusses the surprising success rates of Japanese startups compared to their global counterparts, driven by a bottom-up approach to entrepreneurship.
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INSIGHT

Investing From Idea to Startup

  • Antler invests at day zero, supporting founders from idea to startup formation.
  • They help form teams and provide resources before the company is even incorporated.
INSIGHT

Japan's Unique Startup Talent

  • Japan's startup ecosystem benefits from strong domain expertise and an influx of foreign talent.
  • Many founders come from universities or global companies stationed in Japan, blending expertise and ambition.
INSIGHT

English Boosts Japanese Founders' Participation

  • Switching Antler's program to 100% English increased Japanese founder participation.
  • Japanese founders seek global companies and co-founders, overcoming language barriers.
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