The Breakpoint Global Accelerator Program (BGAP) is a startup acceleration initiative operated by Breakpoint Co., Ltd. It is designed for Japan-based pre-seed and seed-stage startups that aim to go global and compete internationally. The program combines equity investment with a broad range of support activities, including fundraising assistance, mentoring, global market access, and operational guidance. The following overview presents the program’s focus areas, support menu, mentor network, eligibility requirements, selection process, and contact details.
Program Overview and Key Message
• Program name: Breakpoint Global Accelerator Program (BGAP)
• Key message: “Break through the GAP”
• Target participants: Japan-based pre-seed and seed-stage startups aiming to “Go Global and Compete Globally.”
• Core purpose: Provide capital investment and comprehensive value-up support to accelerate global growth.
• Key features:
– 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
• Network and community: A strong mentor network, global supporters and partners, and a community of more than 400 startups previously supported by Breakpoint.
Investment Areas
• Content & Creative Tech: Startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as VTubers, Metaverse, and XR, as well as teams creating diverse content including manga, anime, games, music, and film.
• Deep Tech: Startups in AI, biotechnology, robotics, and other frontier technologies, including university spin-offs with innovative seeds that have strong global expansion potential; these companies aim to enter global markets with breakthrough core technologies from Japan.
• Day 1 Global: Startups led by teams with a global mindset from day one, building businesses for overseas markets from the earliest stage; this includes Japanese founders targeting global markets as their primary battlefield and focusing on high-potential sectors with global competitiveness.
Program Value and Support Menu
• Funding & Follow-on Support: After pre-seed or seed investment, the program provides hands-on support for additional fundraising. Leveraging an extensive investor network, it creates opportunities for next-round fundraising; 87% of portfolio companies have successfully raised their next round.
• Mentoring & Expert Matching: Participants receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. Startups are also connected to a domestic and international pro bono specialist network, matching each company with suitable advisors for specific challenges.
• Global Expansion Support: For startups aiming to enter overseas markets, the program provides bridging to local accelerators via a global partner network, support for establishing international offices, and connections with global accelerators and local government agencies.
• Peer Community Support: Participating founders gain access to a collaborative peer community. Through regular information-sharing sessions and study groups, members learn from success and failure stories while building an ecosystem that supports continued challenges.
• Back Office & Operational Support: Support covers capital policy and back-office setup, establishing growth strategies and resource allocation, action management and fundraising, business alliances, and international expansion. Practical, hands-on operational support is tailored to each growth stage.
• Learning Programs: Various learning programs and workshops are offered for entrepreneurial growth, covering management skills, industry trends, and global business knowledge.
• Business Partnerships & Collaboration Support: Portfolio companies gain opportunities to collaborate with large corporates and investors to create business synergies. The program actively supports alliances and proof-of-concept opportunities with LP corporates and ecosystem partners.
• Additional benefits: Free access to Breakpoint incubation facilities, exclusive BENEFITS PARTNER perks, alumni introductions, and community support.
Global Expansion Support Members and Program Mentors
• 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, contributes articles, and speaks at global conferences. He focuses on connecting entrepreneurs and fostering cross-border innovation and serves as a METI J-Startup recommendation committee member.
• Masaru Onogi — CEO, Thirdverse, Inc. Joined WebMoney in 2000 and later served as U.S. branch head of Lupicia and CEO of GCREST America. He joined gumi in 2012, became an executive officer and CEO of overseas subsidiaries, and eventually served as CEO of gumi America. Since August 2024, he has been CEO of Thirdverse. He has a strong global network, including U.S. platform partners, built through VR startup investments, partner development, and incubation initiatives in Finland and South Korea. He is 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 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. He leverages expertise in new business development to create sustainable business ecosystems in collaboration with municipalities and institutions, and provides strategic support for startups and corporations in overseas expansion.
• Reona Takahashi — CEO, Gratique Inc. / Founder & CEO, Xiamen Reona Software Co., Ltd. Engaged in game development and publishing since 1997. He produces and operates games for the Japanese and Chinese markets, covering localization, publishing, and marketing. He serves as a judge for the Xiamen International Animation Festival Game Contest and contributes to Famitsu Game White Paper as China market editor.
• Kazuyuki Hashimoto — CEO, dots in space, Inc. Formerly 3D graphics lead at Square, contributing to Final Fantasy VII. He served as CTO at the Honolulu studio for film technology development and production, held VP of next-generation console technology at Electronic Arts in the U.S., and founded Avatar Reality to develop the metaverse platform “Blue Mars.” He later served as Senior Director for the gaming industry at NVIDIA and technical advisor for CyberAgent.
• Ryusuke Komura — Executive Director, Venture Café Tokyo. After university, he worked in IT account sales and launched cloud services for video transmission. He earned an MBA from Babson College, 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 and fostering global innovation ecosystems. He is a founding member of Boston-based NPO “Binnovative,” a part-time lecturer at Hosei University Business School, and a coordinator for the Cabinet Office Startup City Project Network.
Management Team
• Yasuchika Wakayama — CEO. A serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of supporting over 300 startups. He is active in the XR field and serves as a university lecturer.
• Yoshiko Wakayama — Executive Officer. A Certified Public Accountant and Licensed Tax Accountant. She is a venture support specialist, 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.
Operational Track Record and Incubation Facilities
• Portfolio overview: 44 companies
• Follow-on investment rate: 87.5%
• IPO achievements: 7 companies
• Program experience: Extensive experience in accelerator programs and fund management
• Incubation facilities operated:
– Ichibancho Incubation Center
– Hakozaki Incubation Center
– Future Tech Hub, located in Hakozaki Incubation Center
Investment Portfolio and Participant Testimonials
• Investment portfolio: Includes past funds; partial list.
• Participant testimonials, including past funds:
– “The vision and future of Hololive” — Interview with a Tokyo XR Startups Entrepreneur; Motoaki Tanigo, CEO of COVER Corporation
– “Behind the scenes of globally successful VR games” — Interview with a Tokyo XR Startups Entrepreneur; Kento Kishigami, CEO of MyDearest Inc.
– “Shaping the future with Medical XR” — Interview with Tokyo XR Startups Entrepreneurs; Naotsugu Taniguchi, CEO of Holoeyes Inc. & Masaki Sugimoto, COO
– Additional testimonials: To be announced
Recruitment Steps
• STEP 01 — Application: Submit an entry by completing the required information on the application form.
• STEP 02 — Document Screening: Applications are reviewed, and applicants who pass screening are contacted.
• STEP 03 — Interviews & Document Submission: The first interview is a one-on-one meeting with a program representative. The second interview is a follow-up meeting along with submission of due diligence documents.
• STEP 04 — Selection: Selected applicants are notified, and the program officially begins.
Application Guidelines and Eligibility
• Program name: Breakpoint Global Accelerator Program
• Application period: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews and selections conducted as needed.
• Eligibility & requirements:
– Developing 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 valid residency status in Japan
– Applicants under 18 must provide written parental consent
– If not incorporated at the time of application, applicants must be willing to establish a legal entity during the program
– Must actively participate in program activities such as lectures, mentoring, and regular meetings, and present progress or results such as a prototype or 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 and morals
– Must agree to have program activities featured on the website or in media
– Any third-party investments or partnerships during the program require prior approval
• Application process:
– Entry: Submit the required information via the online application form
– Document screening: Applications are reviewed and shortlisted candidates are contacted
– Interviews and document submission: The first interview is an individual meeting with a program representative; the second interview is a detailed discussion of the business or service, accompanied by submission of due diligence materials
– Investment Committee optional third interview: Conducted if required based on evaluation
– Selection and program start: Successful applicants are contacted and officially onboarded
Frequently Asked Questions
About Applications
• Q: Can I apply before officially establishing my company?
A: Yes, applicants may apply before incorporation. Company registration should be completed during the program period.
• Q: Are there any language requirements for the submitted documents?
A: Documents should be submitted in either Japanese or English.
• Q: Can companies that have already raised seed funding participate?
A: Yes, companies up to pre-Series A are eligible to apply.
• Q: Can one person apply with multiple projects?
A: Applicants are asked to focus on one project per application. Unless the first application is not selected, only one project may be submitted at a time.
About the Selection Process
• Q: Can the interviews during the selection process be conducted online?
A: Yes, interviews can be conducted online.
• Q: Are interviews available in languages other than Japanese?
A: Yes, interviews can also be conducted in English.
• Q: Will I be notified of the selection results?
A: Yes, applicants are contacted via the email address provided in the application form.
About the Program
• Q: Are there any residency requirements during the program?
A: Tokyo incubation facilities are available free of charge, and there are no restrictions on place of residence.
• Q: Is there any cost to participate in the program?
A: The program is free of charge. However, if participants wish to join overseas exhibitions or pitch events, actual expenses such as travel and accommodation are borne by participants.
• Q: Can I participate in other programs simultaneously?
A: Yes, participants may join other programs for the same product or service. For products or services not included in the application, participants are asked to prioritize focus on the project submitted to this program.
Program Operator and Contact Information
• Company name: Breakpoint Co., Ltd.
• Head office: 1-11 Nihonbashi Nakasu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• Representative: Yasuchika Wakayama, CEO
• Established: Mar-04
• Capital: JPY 10 million
• Business activities:
– Planning 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 facilities:
– Hakozaki Incubation Center: 1-2 Nihonbashi Hakozakicho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0015; THE SHORE Nihonbashi Kayabacho 2F; 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; 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
In summary, BGAP offers a structured pathway for Japan-based pre-seed and seed-stage startups seeking global expansion, combining investment with hands-on support across mentoring, operations, partnerships, and market access. Prospective applicants can use the eligibility requirements, selection steps, and frequently asked questions outlined above to determine fit and prepare for the rolling application process.