Open Incubation Center

The Open Incubation Center (OIC) is in the planning phase. We aim set up a physical venture incubator in central Tokyo in 2010. The OIC’s vision is to be an incubator run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. To establish a wide basis of supporters and to avoid the occurrence of any type of conflict of interests, we plan to set up the OIC as a non-profit organization.

The OIC will be a place where entrepreneurs are able to work in a motivating environment side-by-side with other start-up companies instead of on a stand-alone basis. Workspaces will be designed in an open fashion to foster communication and collaboration among the tenants allowing for easy rearrangements to cater to the needs of ventures. Private spaces like meeting rooms are available as well to deal with confidential matters. The facility will be accessible 24/7, situated in a convenient location with restaurants, convenience stores and public transportation in the neighborhood. OIC office space leasing is dealt with on a monthly basis allowing for full flexibility and catering to the dynamic needs of ventures.

The key advantage of the OIC is that it is a venture incubator run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. The management team consists of accomplished entrepreneurs and they know first hand what it takes to build a successful company. It is the major objective of our team to facilitate the communication and collaboration among the tenants, bring in experienced guest speakers on a regular basis, organize networking events and provide help to access funding as well as other professional services.

Further, all companies within the OIC are invited to discuss business issues, ask for advice or discuss new ideas with the entrepreneurs running the incubator. Ventures based in the incubator pay only the rent for their office space. If they decide to use any third party services they have the benefit of group-discounted rates.

To facilitate international exposure a small proportion of the companies based in the facility will be foreign companies entering the Japanese market. For the Japanese companies this structure simplifies access to informal advice regarding international markets and greatly contributes to the overall experience of being based in the OIC. The foreign companies greatly benefit from obtaining a better understanding of the local market and outstanding networking opportunities with Japanese colleagues.

The OIC’s success will strongly depend on a balanced mix of companies within the incubator.

  • Japanese early-stage ventures
  • Overseas companies entering the Japanese market
  • Focus on ventures with innovative technologies and business models
  • Preference given to ventures targeting the world’s most urgent social and environmental problems
  • Inclusive concept
    • No pre-defined acceptance criteria
    • Decision on a case-by-case basis
    • Preference given to start-ups which contribute to the OIC’s concept

If you are interested in supporting the OIC or getting involved in the project, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.