Taxes and Incentives

• Startup Visa: One of the most significant new developments in the startup ecosystem of Kyoto is the launch of the Startup Visa, which welcomes foreign entrepreneurs that wish to start a business in Kyoto.
• Reduction of real estate acquisition tax by up to 50%, subject to job creation, for enterprises establishing or expanding plants in designated areas promoting manufacturing clusters.
• Incentives: The Kyoto city government provides a subsidy to promote offices’ establishment: 10% of invested capital in fixed assets (excluding land) and an employment subsidy of 100,000 yen to 500,000 yen.

Investor Landscape

• In 2021 first half, Japanese startups have raised funding of more than 3 billion USD.

• SaaS, Fintech and food delivery are the leading sectors for venture capital investments.

Notable events and communities

KIEC: The Kyoto International Entrepreneurs Community (KIEC) is a community aimed at connecting international entrepreneurs based in Kyoto.

Plug and Play center: Set up in 2019 organizes regular networking and startup-related events at Engawa Kyoto.

Startup Weekend Kyoto: Kyoto branch of the global organization that holds several events in the popular “building a startup in 2 days” format.