The Tokyo Stock Exchange has named 23 companies to its 2026 TSE Asia Startup Hub Supported Companies programme, reinforcing its push to attract aspiring Asian startups with ambitions in Japan. The update includes seven newly selected and 16 re-selected companies, among them Buy&Ship, the first Hong Kong-based firm chosen for the initiative. The programme provides business development, fundraising, and initial public offering support, helping Tokyo strengthen its regional startup ecosystem and appeal as a listing venue.
A Growing Platform for Asian Startups
Launched in March 2024, the TSE Asia Startup Hub initially selected 14 supported companies from six countries and territories. That number rose to 20 companies from seven markets in September 2025 before reaching 23 companies across ten markets in the latest update. TSE said the expansion of both regions and companies shows the initiative is steadily broadening its geographic and sectoral reach.
New Companies and Regional Reach
The seven new companies come from the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Mongolia. They join existing supported firms from Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, lifting the network to ten countries and territories across Asia. The full list includes names such as Docquity Holdings, RIDI Corporation, NextDrive Holdings, Soft Space Holdings, Tonik Financial, and Buy&Ship Holdings.
First Hong Kong Participant Sees Japan Opportunity
Buy&Ship is the first Hong Kong-based company selected by the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the incubation programme. Co-founder and chief executive officer Sheldon Li said the company remains in the IPO planning stage and sees Tokyo as one possible listing option. Japan already accounts for 45 percent of the company's transactions, and Li said the TSE selection should accelerate its expansion in the Japanese market.
Support Network Expands
TSE delivers tailored support that covers business expansion in Japan, financing, and IPO preparation in cooperation with partners and observers. The number of partner and observer entities has grown from 15 domestic organisations at launch to 62 entities in Japan and overseas. Some supported companies have already formed new business partnerships with Japanese firms or established local entities in the country.
Japan Listing Environment in Focus
Japan's first-time share offerings have raised approximately 232 billion yen, or around 1.5 billion US dollars, in the first nine months of 2026. That total is the lowest for the same period since 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In contrast, Hong Kong's IPO proceeds were about 45 billion US dollars over the same stretch, highlighting the competitive landscape the Tokyo exchange is trying to address.
Outlook for the Supported Companies
The Japan Growth Strategy approved by the Cabinet in July 2026 includes a policy of supporting promising overseas startups from their entry into Japan through to a possible listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Going forward, TSE and its partners will continue providing tailored assistance to the 23 supported companies for expansion, financing, and IPO readiness. TSE also noted that selection does not guarantee or approve any future listing or the products and services of the companies.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange is expanding its Asia Startup Hub into a broader regional platform as it works to bring high-growth startups closer to Japan's capital markets. The latest selection reflects wider geographic coverage and deeper collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders. With the addition of Buy&Ship and a growing partner network, the programme is building a clearer pathway for Asian companies that may consider a future Tokyo listing.