A unicorn startup is a private company that has a valuation of over $1 billion. These companies are often high-growth technology firms that have the potential to disrupt their respective industries. Japan is home to a number of successful unicorn startups, many of which are focused on the technology, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors.
Unicorns, or private companies with a valuation of over $1 billion, are a rare and highly sought-after achievement in the startup world. While Silicon Valley has long been known as a hub for unicorn startups, Japan has also seen a number of these high-value companies emerge in recent years.
One of the most well-known unicorn startups in Japan is Mercari, a marketplace app that allows users to buy and sell items locally or nationally. Founded in 2013, the company has a valuation of $3.8 billion and has become a household name in Japan.
Another unicorn startup in Japan is Money Forward, a personal finance management platform that helps users track their spending and set financial goals. Founded in 2012, the company has a valuation of $1.7 billion.
Top 20 Unicorns Startups in Japan
Here is a list of the top 20 unicorn startups in Japan.
Mercari:
Mercari is a popular e-commerce platform that allows users to buy and sell secondhand items. It has a valuation of over $6 billion and is one of the most successful unicorn startups in Japan.
Mercari US:
Mercari US is a subsidiary of Mercari that operates the company’s platform in the United States. It has a valuation of over $2 billion.
Line:
Line is a messaging app that is popular in Japan and other parts of Asia. It has a valuation of over $10 billion and also offers a variety of other services, including music streaming, payment processing, and a ride-hailing service.
Z Holdings:
Z Holdings is a technology company that operates a variety of services, including a search engine, e-commerce platform, and messaging app. It has a valuation of over $10 billion.
Fancl:
Fancl is a Japanese healthcare company that specializes in natural and preservative-free skincare and nutritional products. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
Rakuten:
Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce company that operates a variety of online platforms, including a marketplace and a travel booking site. It has a valuation of over $10 billion.
Recruit Holdings:
Recruit Holdings is a Japanese staffing and recruitment company that has a valuation of over $20 billion.
MUFG Digital Ventures:
MUFG Digital Ventures is a venture capital firm that is affiliated with the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
Money Forward:
Money Forward is a Japanese financial technology company that offers a variety of services, including personal finance management and tax preparation. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
Classmethod:
Classmethod is a Japanese technology company that provides cloud computing and data analytics services. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
M3:
M3 is a Japanese healthcare company that operates an online platform connecting patients with healthcare professionals. It has a valuation of over $3 billion.
Stylife:
Stylife is a Japanese fashion and lifestyle company that operates an e-commerce platform and a subscription service. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
TravelFlex:
TravelFlex is a Japanese travel technology company that operates an online platform for booking travel and tourism services. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
ValueCommerce:
ValueCommerce is a Japanese online advertising and marketing company that has a valuation of over $1 billion.
Nextremer:
Nextremer is a Japanese technology company that provides cloud computing and data analytics services. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
Oisix:
Oisix is a Japanese e-commerce company that specializes in selling fresh and organic food. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
SBI Investment:
SBI Investment is a venture capital firm that is affiliated with the SBI Group. It has a valuation of over $1 billion.
Wantedly:
Wantedly is a Japanese job search platform that connects companies with job seekers. It has a valuation of over $1 billion
These are just a few examples of the unicorns that have emerged in Japan in recent years. The startup ecosystem in Japan has been growing rapidly, and it is likely that more unicorns will emerge in the coming years.
Overall, the success of these unicorn startups in Japan shows the potential for high-value businesses to emerge in markets outside of Silicon Valley. As the startup ecosystem continues to mature in Japan, it will be interesting to see which companies will rise to the top and achieve unicorn status.