Scaling Japan Podcast Episode 87 : Startup Ecosystem “Japan vs Silicon Valley “ with Kenneth Jeng
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Kenneth Jeng, a Japan Startup Ecosystem Veteran and a long-time ecosystem builder who has worked across the U.S. and Japan.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series recorded in November 2024 with Kenneth.
Kenneth shares hard-hitting insights on what’s really holding Japan’s startup ecosystem back — from the cultural and structural roadblocks to limited business development capabilities and lingering visa barriers for foreign entrepreneurs.
He offers a rare comparison between Japan and the U.S. startup environments, outlining why IPOs in Japan don’t function like exits, how the country’s high living standards may be dulling entrepreneurial hunger, and why so many promising startups stall before reaching scale.
If you're a founder, investor, or policymaker interested in Japan's startup space, this is a must-listen for understanding where things stand and what’s starting to change.
Stay tuned for Part 2 where we go deeper into founder mindsets, investor culture, and the future of Japan’s startup growth.
AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia
This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.
They can help you with:
- Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets
- Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth
- Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO
- HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation
- Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise
Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction
02:55 – Differences in Ecosystems
07:45– Current Narratives and Trends
12:38 – IPO in Japan
16:27 – Immigration and Visa for Startups in Japan
18:57 – Living Standard in Japan for Entrepreneurs
26:30 – Pros of Japan Startup Ecosystem
31:20 – Venturing and Scaling
41:42 – Comparing Growth Rate
46:30 – Importance of Business Development & Team
51:17 – Scaling in Japan
Links from Guest Appearance:
🔗 Connect with Kenneth Jeng on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjeng/
Coaching with Tyson
Looking to take your business to the next level?
Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services.
📈 Visit here to learn how he can help
🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message