Los Gatos, California, August 8, 2024 – SVG Ventures | THRIVE, the leading global Agri-food tech investor, and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) are excited to announce the launch of Harvest Horizons, an agri-food tech program dedicated to accelerating the globalization of Japanese startups. This initiative will empower participants with in-depth market insights, a robust go-to-market strategy, and a powerful local network to fuel their international growth.
The partnership will encompass a 6-week acceleration period followed by two immersion weeks in Silicon Valley. During these pivotal weeks, participating companies will have exclusive opportunities to engage directly with potential investors, customers and strategic partners. One of the week’s is anchored by the THRIVE Global Impact Summit, a leading event in the agri-food tech industry which will attract delegations from around the world and is supported by leading corporates in the industry such as ICL, BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Krone and others. This partnership marks a significant opportunity for Japanese startups to access unparalleled expertise, global networks, and critical resources to scale their innovations internationally.
SVG Ventures | THRIVE brings unmatched expertise and a history of success in the agri-food tech sector to the program. With over 10 years of experience and a stellar track record in investing and running accelerators for early-stage companies, THRIVE has earned its place as the top Agri-food Accelerator, as recognized by AgFunder. THRIVE’s extensive global network of investors and business partners, developed over the past decade, provides invaluable opportunities for Japanese startups. Beyond their network, THRIVE’s mentor program and internal team boasting deep domain expertise in agri-food tech, business development, investment, startup acceleration, and open innovation are invaluable assets for participants. THRIVE has a long fruitful history of collaborating with Japanese partners including Kubota, Yamaha, NEC, Kagome and more. Many of these partners are keen to support the program through mentoring, amplifying the opportunity for participant companies.
“We’re thrilled to partner with JETRO to launch “Harvest Horizons”, a program that will empower Japanese startups with the tools, knowledge, and global connections they need to scale their innovations worldwide. Our extensive experience in agri-food tech, coupled with our robust network, positions us to provide unparalleled support to these companies as they embark on their journey of global expansion. This collaboration not only highlights the immense potential within the Japanese agri-food tech ecosystem but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovation that addresses the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges.” John Hartnett, Founder and CEO SVG Ventures|THRIVE.
“By partnering with SVG Ventures | THRIVE, we aim to leverage their extensive network to establish a robust presence of Japanese agri-food tech startups in the US market,” said Yusuke Kaga, JETRO Startup. “With high standards of quality control, a supportive innovation ecosystem and robust deeptech assets, Japanese agri-food tech startups are well-equipped to bring their reliable and high-quality products/services to the US market”
About JETRO:
JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related entity that promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Since its establishment in 1958, JETRO has shifted its core focus toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and assisting small to medium-sized Japanese firms in maximizing their global export potential.
About SVG Ventures | THRIVE:
SVG Ventures| THRIVE is a leading AgriFood Innovation and Investment platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, and comprised of top agriculture, food & technology corporations, universities and investors. With a community of over 10,000 startups from over 100 countries, SVG invests, accelerates and creates unparalleled access for entrepreneurs to scale globally to solve the biggest challenges facing the food and agriculture industries. SVG’s Corporate innovation program works with Fortune 1000 corporations transforming their businesses, accelerating their growth and driving their innovation priorities.
About J-StarX
J-StarX program is sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The goal of J-StarX is to send aspiring Japanese entrepreneurs overseas. The program provides opportunities for these entrepreneurs to connect with and learn from the world’s top business leaders. The aim is to help these budding entrepreneurs take on the challenge of becoming globally active entrepreneurs.
