Interview
Regards Croisés – La French Tech Tokyo: A Bridge Between French and Japanese Ecosystems
In this second episode of our Business: Cross Perspectives series, we give the floor to Aude Moras, Head of Product at Tripla and President of French Tech Tokyo.
Ten years ago, France launched the French Tech initiative with a clear ambition: to unite an emerging ecosystem in order to accelerate innovation and support startups. Since then, the movement has become a true benchmark, with more than 50 French Tech capitals in France and 70 communities worldwide, including Tokyo.
"Japan will not welcome you with open arms. Even if you have achieved great success in France or Europe, you will need to prove yourself again and start from scratch in the Japanese market."
French Tech Tokyo’s mission is threefold:
Support French entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in Japan.
Help Japanese investors and entrepreneurs expand into France.
Actively contribute to the growth of the Tokyo startup ecosystem.
With 600 members, a board of 8 volunteers, and a very active community, French Tech Tokyo fosters a network where networking events, panel discussions, and collaborations with Japanese tech players intersect.
A bilateral platform of opportunities
The initiative serves as a unique lever to encourage exchanges and partnerships around innovation. On the French side, an entrepreneur who starts a company in France and wants to expand internationally can rely on French Tech. On the Japanese side, there are also opportunities to invest, collaborate, and set up operations in France.
The Japanese challenge: starting from scratch with humility
Establishing a presence in Japan requires a particular mindset: even when a startup has already proven itself in France, it must accept the need to rebuild its legitimacy locally, with patience and humility. Another major challenge remains visibility - raising awareness of the French Tech ecosystem among Japanese stakeholders.
A future of strong growth
French Tech Tokyo envisions itself as a long-term, ever-growing movement. Thanks to the energy of its members and the support of its partners, the community aims to further strengthen the bridges between France and Japan, in a spirit of cooperation and shared innovation.
An inspiring testimony for all startups and investors who dream of venturing between Paris and Tokyo: French Tech demonstrates that with a network mindset and a global vision, opportunities are limitless.
