Berkeley SkyDeck, a global hub for entrepreneurship and a leading accelerator, has announced an expansion of its partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). This partnership has resulted in 30 Japanese startups being selected to participate in Berkeley SkyDeck’s Batch 17 Innovation Partner Program in November. The companies will receive access to Berkeley SkyDeck’s network of resources, mentors, and investors as they plan to break into the US market. Applications are open until July 26, 2023.
The SkyDeck Innovation Partner Program is a three-month program that provides a soft landing in Silicon Valley to startups that want to enter the US market. Startups are sent to Berkeley SkyDeck by SkyDeck Innovation Partners, which are usually government organizations from outside of the US such as JETRO.
Berkeley SkyDeck has partnered with JETRO since 2021 to bring Japanese startups to Silicon Valley. The fall 2023 batch represents the largest single cohort of startups as well as nearly doubling the total number of startups that have received access to the Innovation Partner Program through this collaboration. Berkeley SkyDeck and JETRO work closely together from program promotion to startup selection and program execution to ensure successful experiences for each founder.
JETRO is a government organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. In the 21st century, JETRO’s core focus has shifted toward promoting direct foreign investment into Japan and helping Japanese startups and scaleups maximize their global potential.
Caroline Winnett, Executive Director at Berkeley SkyDeck, said, Our global SkyDeck Innovation Partners like JETRO are essential in helping us find and support these companies as they break into the investment ecosystem here.
Berkeley SkyDeck alumni have enjoyed great success in their respective industries, collectively raising more than $1.7 billion in funding, with nearly 20 exits through acquisition or public offering. Berkeley SkyDeck’s Batch 16 of companies started its term in May 2023, with its Demo Day planned in September. Applications for Berkeley SkyDeck’s Batch 17 open in August of 2023.
This partnership between Berkeley SkyDeck and JETRO provides an opportunity for Japanese startups to access the resources, knowledge, and networks of Silicon Valley to accelerate their growth in the US market.
