Global Accelerator Program

Where Challenges Begin
Empowering Next-Generation Startups for Global Success

KEY MESSAGE

~Break through the GAP~

Breakpoint Global Accelerator Program (BGAP)
BGAP is a program designed to support Japan-based pre-seed and seed-stage startups aiming to “Go Global and Compete Globally.”
Through this program, we provide capital investment and comprehensive value-up support to accelerate their global growth.

Key features include:
・Equity investment from VC funds managed by Breakpoint
・Global market access via overseas pitch events, one-on-one investor matching, and international exhibition participation
・Knowledge and networks essential for global expansion, connecting startups to global investors, mentors, and partners

With a strong mentor network, global supporters and partners, and a community of 400+ startups previously supported by Breakpoint, BGAP unites all its resources to help startups overcome challenges and scale worldwide.

THEME

Key Investment Areas

Content & Creative Tech

Startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as VTubers, Metaverse, and XR,
as well as teams creating diverse forms of content including manga, anime, games, music, and film.

Deep Tech

Startups in AI, biotechnology, robotics, and other frontier technologies,
including university spin-offs with seeds of innovation that have strong potential for global expansion.
These companies aim to enter the global market with breakthrough core technologies from Japan.

Day 1 Global

Startups led by teams with a global mindset from Day 1,
building businesses for overseas markets from the earliest stage.
Even Japanese founders targeting global markets as their primary battlefield fall under this category,
focusing on high-potential sectors with global competitiveness.

VALUE

Program Menu

Funding & Follow-on Support

Even after our pre-seed/seed investment, we provide hands-on support for additional fundraising.
Leveraging our extensive investor network, we create opportunities for next-round fundraising (follow-on).
(In fact, 87% of our portfolio companies have successfully raised their next round.)

Mentoring & Expert Matching

Receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
We also connect startups with our domestic and international pro bono (specialist) network,
matching each company with the most suitable advisors for their specific challenges.

Global Expansion Support

For startups aiming to enter overseas markets, we provide:
・Bridging to local accelerators via our global partner network
・Support for establishing international offices
・Connections with global accelerators and local government agencies
 We provide comprehensive backing for international growth.

Peer Community Support

Participating founders gain access to a collaborative peer community.
Through regular info-sharing sessions and study groups,
members learn from both success and failure stories,
while building an ecosystem that mentally and practically supports continuous challenges.

Back Office & Operational Support

From capital policy and back-office setup to:
・Establishing growth strategies and resource allocation
・Action management and fundraising
・Business alliances and international expansion
 We provide practical, hands-on operational support tailored to each stage of growth.

Learning Programs

We offer various learning programs and workshops for entrepreneurial growth,
covering management skills, industry trends, and global business knowledge,
enabling founders to gain the latest insights.

Business Partnerships & Collaboration Support

Portfolio companies gain opportunities to collaborate with large corporates and investors
to create business synergies.
We actively support alliances and PoC (proof-of-concept) opportunities
with our LP corporates and ecosystem partners.

AND More…

・Free access to Breakpoint’s incubation facilities
・Exclusive BENEFITS PARTNER perks
・Alumni introductions and community support

MENTOR/SUPPORTER

Global Expansion Support Members

PROGRAM MENTOR

Masaru Ikeda
Journalist / CEO, DOCCI Inc. / CCO, Cohh Inc.

Born in Osaka in 1973. Since the dawn of the internet, he has engaged in venture research and VC activities in Silicon Valley and across Asia. In 2011, he launched one of Japan’s leading startup media platforms, contributing numerous articles and speaking at global conferences. Currently, he focuses on connecting entrepreneurs and fostering cross-border innovation. Serves as a METI J-Startup recommendation committee member.

Masaru Onogi
CEO, Thirdverse, Inc.

Joined WebMoney in 2000, later serving as the U.S. branch head of Lupicia and CEO of GCREST America. Joined gumi in 2012, where he became an executive officer and CEO of overseas subsidiaries, eventually serving as CEO of gumi America. Since August 2024, he has been the CEO of Thirdverse, Inc. He possesses a strong global network, including U.S. platform partners, built through VR startup investments, partner development, and incubation initiatives in Finland and South Korea. Based in Burlingame, California.

Hironobu Kunimitsu
Founder of gumi / CEO, Financie, Inc. & Mint Town, Inc. / Chairman & Founder, Thirdverse, Inc. / Managing Partner, gumi cryptos capital

After serving as a director at Atmovie, Inc. in 2004, he produced films and launched new ventures. He founded gumi in 2007 and served as CEO until 2021. Since 2021, he has led Thirdverse and Financie as CEO, while also managing gumi cryptos capital to invest in global Web3 and VR startups. In 2023, he became CEO of Mint Town, Inc.

Kevin Ninomiya
ShibuLA Ventures Co-Founder and CEO

A bilingual (Japanese/English) ecosystem and real estate developer, venture builder, and U.S. attorney. Leverages expertise in new business development to create sustainable business ecosystems in collaboration with municipalities and institutions. Provides strategic support for startups and corporations in their overseas expansion.

Reona Takahashi
CEO, Gratique Inc. / Founder & CEO, Xiamen Reona Software Co., Ltd.

Since 1997, he has been engaged in game development and publishing. Currently, he produces and operates games for the Japanese and Chinese markets, covering localization, publishing, and marketing. Serves as a judge for the Xiamen International Animation Festival Game Contest and contributes to Famitsu Game White Paper as the China market editor.

Kazuyuki Hashimoto
CEO, dots in space, Inc.

Formerly 3D graphics lead at Square, contributing to Final Fantasy VII. Served as CTO at the Honolulu studio for film technology development and production. Held VP of next-generation console technology at Electronic Arts (U.S.) and founded Avatar Reality to develop the metaverse platform “Blue Mars.” Later served as Senior Director for the gaming industry at NVIDIA and technical advisor for CyberAgent.

Ryusuke Komura
Executive Director, Venture Café Tokyo 

After graduating from university, he worked in IT account sales and launched cloud services for video transmission. Earned an MBA from Babson College in the U.S., then joined Globis to provide human resource development and organizational consulting. Since 2018, he has been instrumental in establishing the Japanese branch of Venture Café, fostering global innovation ecosystems. Founding member of Boston-based NPO “Binnovative,” part-time lecturer at Hosei University Business School, and coordinator for the Cabinet Office’s Startup City Project Network (SCPN).

We Are

Management Team

Yasuchika Wakayama
CEO

A serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of supporting over 300 startups. Actively involved in the XR field and serves as a university lecturer.

Yoshiko Wakayama
Executive Officer

Certified Public Accountant and Licensed Tax Accountant. A specialist in venture support, particularly strong in IPO advisory and building corporate management structures.

Hideaki Tokumura
General Manager

A versatile business professional with experience in new business development and DX support, well-versed in technology and business growth strategies.

運営実績

Portfolio Overview

44 companies

Follow-on
Investment Rate

87.5%

IPO Achievements

7 companies

Extensive Experience in Accelerator Programs & Fund Management

Operation of Incubation Facilities

Ichibancho Incubation Center

Hakozaki Incubation Center

Future Tech Hub

Investment Portfolio
(Including past funds / partial list)

Participant Testimonials (Including Past Funds)

To be announced

Recruitment

Program Overview / Application Guidelines
STEP 01

Application

Submit your entry by completing the required information on the application form.

STEP 02

Document Screening

We will review your application.
If you pass the screening, our team will contact you.

STEP 03

Interviews & Document Submission

First Interview: One-on-one meeting with a program representative
Second Interview: Follow-up meeting, along with submission of due diligence documents

STEP 04

Selection

If selected, you will be notified, and the program will officially begin.

Program NameBreakpoint Global Accelerator Program
Application PeriodApplications are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews and selections conducted as needed.
Eligibility & RequirementsDeveloping products or services aligned with the program’s focus areas
Clear vision and strong intent to expand globally
Open to both individuals and corporations
Foreign applicants must have a valid residency status in Japan
Applicants under 18 must provide written parental consent
If not incorporated at the time of application, must be willing to establish a legal entity during the program
Must actively participate in program activities (lectures, mentoring, regular meetings) and present progress/results (e.g., prototype, demo)
Applicants and related parties must have no connection to antisocial forces
Must legally use intellectual property and not infringe on third-party rights
Business content must comply with laws and public order/morals
Must agree to have program activities featured on our website or media
Any third-party investments or partnerships during the program require prior approval
Application ProcessEntry : Submit the required information via the online application form.

Document Screening
Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interviews & Document Submission

1st Interview: Individual meeting with a program representative

2nd Interview: Detailed discussion of your business/service

Submission of Due Diligence Materials

Investment Committee (Optional 3rd Interview)
Conducted if required based on the evaluation.

Selection & Program Start
Successful applicants will be contacted and officially onboarded.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About Applications

Q
Can I apply before officially establishing my company?
Q
Are there any language requirements for the submitted documents?
Q
Can companies that have already raised seed funding participate?
Q
Can one person apply with multiple projects?

About the Selection Process

Q
Can the interviews during the selection process be conducted online?
Q
Are interviews available in languages other than Japanese?
Q
Will I be notified of the selection results?

About the Program

Q
Are there any residency requirements during the program?
Q
Is there any cost to participate in the program?
Q
Can I participate in other programs simultaneously?

Program Operating Company

Company NameBreakpoint Co., Ltd.
Head Office1-11 Nihonbashi Nakasu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
RepresentativeYasuchika Wakayama, CEO
Established:Mar-04
CapitalJPY 10 million
Business ActivitiesPlanning and operation of incubation facilities
Accelerator programs for startups
Collaboration with government agencies, municipalities, and corporations on entrepreneurship support
Investment in pre-seed and seed-stage startups
Formation and management of venture capital funds
Specialized support and educational programs in XR and the Metaverse
Building and supporting global entrepreneur communities
Business creation support and content business management
Operating FacilitiesHakozaki Incubation Center
1-2 Nihonbashi Hakozakicho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0015
THE SHORE Nihonbashi Kayabacho 2F <MAP>
TEL +81-3-3660-5865
3 min walk from Kayabacho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai & Hibiya Line, Exit 4b)
4 min walk from Suitengumae Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Exit 2)

Ichibancho Incubation Center
6 Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082
Sagamiya HQ Building 7F <MAP>
TEL +81-3-5210-3210
1 min walk from Hanzomon Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Exit 5)
7 min walk from Kojimachi Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Exit 3)