Plug and Play LA and JETRO Join Forces to Propel Japanese Startups in the U.S. Tech Market

Los Angeles — Plug and Play LA, a global powerhouse in venture capital and startup acceleration, joined forces with the Japanese government and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to showcase Japan’s most promising startups at an exclusive event held at the residence of Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan.

This collaboration aims to support Japanese entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses internationally, offering critical resources and mentorship within Los Angeles’ vibrant tech ecosystem. The initiative marks a milestone in Japan’s ongoing efforts to globalize its tech sector, with the World Trade Center of Los Angeles (WTCLA) also lending its support.

The event opened with Consul General Sone emphasizing Japan’s commitment to empowering its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and WTCLA, highlighted the significant role Japanese companies play in Los Angeles, where over 1,000 Japanese-owned businesses contribute approximately 40,000 jobs.

Los Angeles’ economic landscape, he noted, has been enriched by decades of Japanese innovation and investment, making the city a natural entry point for Japanese startups seeking growth abroad.

Erin Bromaghim, Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles, took the stage to highlight the importance of Japan’s entrepreneurial contributions to the local economy. Japanese industries, she explained, not only bring technology but also valuable insights and cultural richness that make Los Angeles a global innovation hub.

Some of the key points made throughout the keynote speeches included:

• More than 1,000 businesses and 40,000 jobs in Los Angeles are from Japanese companies.
• During last year’s event, 11 startups presented and now 8 of those have U.S. offices.
• Los Angeles and JETRO have worked together for more than 20 years. Japan is Los Angeles’ #1 foreign investment partner.
• JETRO’s goal is for Japan to be # 1 tech hub in Asia.
• The goal of this partnership is to further the union between Los Angeles and Japan and create continued economic success for both.
• Los Angeles is a great location for Japanese startups to expand due to its large market (nearly 19M people including surrounding areas like Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles Orange County, etc.) its diverse market, and its long history between the two shipping ports.
• Plug and Play is the perfect place for these startups as the “live, play, work” culture allows startups to be mentored, to network with each other and to live on site in the heart of Los Angeles during their accelerator experience.

Following her address, Akira Kajita, Chief Executive Director of JETRO LA, detailed the historical partnership between Japan and Los Angeles, explaining how the collaboration reflects Japan’s long-term goal of becoming the leading tech hub in Asia.

Plug and Play’s partnership with JETRO serves as an essential element of Japan’s ambitious 5-Year Plan to scale its tech sector internationally. Jamie Lipman, Head of Partnerships for Plug and Play Los Angeles, described how Plug and Play’s unique “live, play, work” model in Los Angeles creates an immersive environment for Japanese startups. By providing mentorship, strategic connections, and access to a dynamic community, Plug and Play’s program empowers these entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive international market.

The afternoon’s showcase introduced six of the thirteen startups in the program, including TopoLogic, Panalyt, Omakase, SalesMarker, Oyraa, and Riv Inc., who presented their innovative solutions to a captivated audience of investors, corporations, and venture capitalists. TopoLogic, for instance, specializes in AI-driven spatial recognition, while Panalyt offers data-driven workforce analytics, and Omakase redefines digital service curation.

Other companies in the cohort, including Dwilar, Monoya, and Kotozna, provided digital resources via QR codes, encouraging attendees to explore their work in greater detail. Each of these startups reflects Japan’s advancements across fields like artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and environmental technology.

The event also served as a reminder of the longstanding relationship between Los Angeles and Japan, which has positioned Japan as the city’s top foreign investment partner over the past two decades. Japan’s extensive economic footprint in Los Angeles and Greater Southern California—spanning nearly 19 million people—makes the region an ideal market for startups, especially with its multicultural business environment and strategic ties to Japan through the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.

Through this strategic collaboration, Plug and Play and JETRO aim to build a sustainable bridge for Japanese startups entering the U.S. market, showcasing how innovative ecosystems can work together to foster shared economic success. As Japan looks to solidify its standing as Asia’s leading tech hub, its partnerships in Los Angeles are set to drive groundbreaking advancements, contributing to the region’s legacy of cross-border innovation and cultural exchange.