[RFP] Global Startup Acceleration Program 2023 - Equity Based Program

May 18, 2023

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Subject: Global Startup Acceleration Program 2023 Equity Based Program

2. Term of contract: Please see Attachment 1

3. Closing date for Application: 3:00 pm (PDT) on May 31st, 2023

4. Content of Contract: As indicated in Application Guidelines (Attachment 1)

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Qualification Requirement
1. Prospective candidate(s) engaged in the project must satisfy conditions stated in the Application Guidelines (Attachment 1)
2. NOT under the circumstances of being denied participation due to unethical and/or unlawful activities by either JETRO or Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) from previous procurement offerings.
3. Prospective candidate(s) must meet the following specifications:
  1. Accelerator or Venture Capital firm
  2. Unicorn Alumni (highly preferred)
  3. Experience working with international startups
  4. Dedicated investment team or department (Investment function for startups through acceleration fund)
    ※ All startups in the cohort should receive seed funding from the accelerator.
  5. Adaptability and flexibility to various markets
4. In addition, prospective candidate(s) will be evaluated by the following preferred specifications:
  1. Project implementation ability
  2. Extensive and diverse open mentor network which matches the selected courses:
    1. Ecosystem Building Program
    2. Silicon Valley Hub Program
  3. Strong connection to top-tier VC firms, CVC firms and angel investors for subsequent investments (series A and series B)
  4. Experience working with government agencies or other economic organizations to build strong global ecosystems or build innovation bridges between Silicon Valley and other regions.
  5. Ability to support alumni companies through follow-ups and checking in.
  6. Has not previously conducted an in-person acceleration program in the Japanese market
  7. Willingness to continue to invest in Japan beyond the program end date.
Preparation of Application
No oral, telephone, or facsimile will be accepted. All costs of preparation shall be borne by the Applicants. Applicants must select the program for which they are applying from the following:
1. Ecosystem Building Program
2. Silicon Valley Hub Program
  *Applicant can submit proposal for the RFP dated on May 19^h (LINK). JETRO may choose separate contractors for multiple programs.
  
  In addition, the proposal document or presentation submitted by the applicant should include the following:
  1. Project Implementation (See Attachment 1)
    1. Project details about program structure and schedule
    2. Project details about building a PR brand
    3. Project details about seminar and interactive coaching session
    4. Project details about mentor assignment process
    5. Project details about Demo Days
    6. The list of potential LPs
    7. Implementation Structure (arrangement of personnel in charge + their responsibilities)
    8. Operating Procedure, Method, Proposal on how to complete all the tasks of the project in an effective manner and enhance project outcome.
    9. Frequent communication
      *Description of digital communication tools with startups and JETRO to be used.
      *Note: Startup program groups are based on preparedness, global mindset, and market readiness.
  2. Experience and Capabilities of the Organization
    1. Experience with Similar Projects
    2. Networking and information gathering skills to enhance project outcome
    3. System to manage personal & confidential information
    4. Include 2 or 3 notable recent successful case studies of international alumni going global from their local market
    5. Track record of co-investment with top-tier VC firms
  3. Project Implementation Skills of Assigned Personnel
    1. Mentor network list with mentor profiles
    2. Profiles of each project personnel
    3. Experience building a strong global ecosystem or bridging innovation between Silicon Valley and other regions
    4. Strong connection to Venture Capital, Accelerators, Corporates, and/or Universities
      * List of the Angels/VC/CVC connections or partners should be included (To be invited to the pitch/demo day.)
Delivery of Application
All Application and proposal document (see below) shall be sent to the following address by 15:00 (PDT) 31st, 2023

Required to submit:
Application Form
Proposal document or PowerPoint presentation.

Attn: Mr. Will Ferguson, Mr. Ken Yoshida
E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, ken_yoshida@jetro.go.jp
Address: JETRO San Francisco 575 Market St #2400, San Francisco, CA 94105
Language of Application:
English or Japanese
Evaluation of Application:
1. 1st evaluation
  Screening of Application documents by JETRO San Francisco
2. 2nd evaluation
  Zoom Presentation
  (Please include your schedule availability at 15:00-18:00 PDT on June 1st. The call will include staff from JETRO San Francisco as well as JETRO Tokyo organizers. The detailed schedule for the presentation will be notified to the companies who pass the 1st evaluation)
Announcement of Tender and Next Step
Tender will be announced to bidders by email. Given the nature of the bidding process, JETRO will refrain from providing feedback on the results.
*JETRO will negotiate with tender about the contract after reviewing the investment plan.
Contact:
Attn: Mr. Will Ferguson, Mr. Ken Yoshida
E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, ken_yoshida@jetro.go.jp
Address: JETRO San Francisco 575 Market St #2400, San Francisco, CA 94105
Tel: +1.415.392.1333
*Due to the COVID-19 situation, most of the employees are currently working from home. Please contact by e-mail for any questions.

Attachment 1-1: Application Guideline - Ecosystem Building Program

Attachment 1-2: Application Guideline - Silicon Valley Hub Program

Attachment 2: Application Form

Attachment 3: Project overview