JETRO and Coolwater Capital launch the second VC Fund Accelerator, enhancing Japan’s venture capital scene with global insights and strategic development.
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| With global mentorship and U.S. investor access, JETRO and Coolwater's second accelerator aims to build globally competitive VC funds across Japan. Image: CH |
TOKYO, Japan — June 17, 2025:
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and Coolwater Capital have jointly announced the launch of the second cohort of their Emerging Fund Manager Accelerator. Following a highly successful first round, which supported 17 general partners targeting over $500 million in fundraising, this new phase aims to scale impact and further integrate Japanese venture capital into the global financial ecosystem.
The inaugural cohort featured intensive training sessions from top-tier U.S. venture capitalists, a major Japan Innovation Summit in San Francisco, and face-to-face engagements with leading VC firms. According to Winter Mead, Founder and CEO of Coolwater Capital, the first cohort generated meaningful outcomes, including new fund launches and expanded relationships with global limited partners. The second cohort, he emphasized, is designed to amplify those gains while deepening Japan's infrastructure for future VC success.
JETRO Startup Director Tatsuhiko Shiono echoed this ambition, highlighting the potential of Japanese fund managers to thrive internationally. He noted that the program reflects a strong belief in the power of collaboration to bring Japanese innovation to the global venture stage.
Cohort 2 introduces several strategic enhancements to the accelerator. Participants can expect more individualized coaching focused on fundraising, brand positioning, and institutional readiness. New shared services are being added to help participants better understand investor relations and long-term LP strategy. A hybrid delivery model will accommodate both in-person and virtual learning, providing more accessibility to regional participants. Alumni engagement is also a new focus, supported by a dedicated podcast and digital content community.
Applications for the second cohort opened on June 11, 2025, and will remain open until July 16. The program will officially launch in Tokyo from September 9 to 11, followed by weekly virtual modules that run through the fall. The capstone event, the Coolwater Investor Summit, will take place in New York City from November 17 to 19, connecting participants with top-tier global investors and decision-makers.
This three-month accelerator is designed for emerging venture capital managers, former startup founders, corporate spinouts, tech executives, and institutional investors with a vision for Japan-focused investment. The entire program will be conducted in English, ensuring it remains globally accessible while maintaining strong local relevance.
Coolwater Capital, headquartered in San Francisco, has helped over 300 emerging VC funds raise more than $5 billion in capital and support over 8,400 startups globally. With this continued partnership, JETRO reaffirms its commitment to boosting Japan’s role in the global innovation economy by enabling the next generation of venture capital leaders to scale with speed, insight, and confidence.