AG1
Japan's first full-scale startup residency for global founders.
A 10-week live-in residency in central Tokyo.
A small cohort of early-stage founders, selected for conviction, not traction.
You live together. You build together. You enter the Japanese market with a team that works alongside you every week.
The best companies are built in rooms where serious people share the same walls.
AG1 is for teams from idea stage to seed. Up to three core members per team live together in shared housing in central Tokyo for 10 weeks, with a dedicated co-working space. Founders get weekly 1:1 sessions with the ACP team, mentoring from industry leaders, and focused work on product and market entry.
The program is open to founders from anywhere in the world. If you can commit fully to being here and to building, you are welcome to apply.
Everything you need to build in Japan
Living in Tokyo
- Shared housing in central Tokyo
- A dedicated co-working space
- The AG1 Retreat
Building with ACP
- Weekly 1:1 sessions with the ACP team
- Weekly feedback session with the whole cohort
- Mentoring sessions from industry leaders
Entering Japan
- Introductions to Japanese corporates
- Go-to-market and localization strategy
- Hiring, visa and legal support
Raising Capital
- Pitch coaching and a full rehearsal
- AG1 Demo Day with investors
- Investor introductions after AG1
AG1 Journal
Video
What Batch 2 Founders Want You to Know
Founders from AG1 Batch 2 talk about life in the residency and what they would tell the next batch.
Article
Why Tiro Keeps Winning in a Crowded Market
Yuna Hong of AG1 Batch 2 on leaving VC, outlasting 100 copycats in Korea, and bringing Tiro to Japan.
Video
What Batch 1 Founders Want You to Know
Founders from AG1 Batch 1 look back on their 10 weeks in Tokyo.
Questions founders ask
Founders from idea stage to seed who are building from Japan, or who see Japan as central to their global plans. We welcome founders of any nationality and any sector.
Yes. Solo founders are welcome. Teams can bring up to three core members.
No. However, all official activities are in English, and founders live and work together in English, so you must be able to pitch and discuss your business in English. 1:1 sessions are also available in Japanese and Chinese.
Each batch has its own application deadline. We review every application and contact shortlisted teams to schedule an interview.
No. AG1 is free. We take no fees and no equity. Housing, workspace and all program activities are covered. Founders pay for their own flights and personal expenses.
We may invest in some teams, but investment is not guaranteed.
Yes. All founders live together in shared housing in central Tokyo for the full 10 weeks. Rooms are shared. We send the exact address after acceptance.
Yes. We provide invitation letters and other documents for visa applications, if needed.
Batch 4 applications open early 2027.
Batch 3 is now in residence. Batch 4 runs from April to June 2027.
Join the waitlist and we will tell you when applications open.