Arata Nakatsuji

Plug and Play is a global innovation platform founded in Silicon Valley in 2006. We connect the people and organizations that drive technology forward, and turn those connections into real business outcomes. We run accelerator programs, facilitate corporate-startup pilots, invest in early-stage companies, and help governments and institutions build innovation ecosystems. Our network includes corporations, startups, investors, universities, and mentors across more than 20 industries and 60 locations worldwide. Since inception, weve accelerated thousands of startups and invested in over 2,500 companies. Our portfolio includes PayPal, Dropbox, LendingClub, Honey, and N26. Industries we work in: Advanced Manufacturing · Aerospace & Defense · Agtech · Animal Health · Brand & Retail · Crypto & Digital Assets · Deeptech · Energy · Enterprise & AI · Fintech · Food & Beverage · Health · Insurtech · Lifetech · Maritime · Media & Advertising · Medtech · Mobility & Physical AI · New Materials & Packaging · Real Estate & Construction · Semiconductors · Smart Cities · Sportstech · Supply Chain · Sustainability · Travel & Hospitality Where we operate: Americas: Silicon Valley · New York · Los Angeles · Washington D.C. · Detroit · Seattle · São Paulo · Alberta Europe: London · Munich · Stuttgart · Paris · Amsterdam · Barcelona · Madrid · Milan · Turin · Gothenburg · Vienna · Istanbul · Antwerp · Vilnius · Tirana · Yerevan · Tbilisi · Limassol · Tashkent Middle East & Africa: Riyadh · Abu Dhabi · Cairo Asia-Pacific: Tokyo · Osaka · Kyoto · Singapore · Seoul · Shanghai · Beijing · Shenzhen · Jakarta · Kuala Lumpur · Phnom Penh · GIFT City

Techstars helps founders scale their startups into world-changing businesses. Founded in 2006, Techstars is on a mission to invest in startups to enable more capital to flow to more entrepreneurs around the world in order to deliver exceptional returns to our investors. We do this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Our results show why Techstars is Better for Founders than any other global accelerator: On average, 74.5% of Techstars companies will raise money within 3 years of their program; 18.5% of Techstars portfolio companies have exited 5 years after their program and 31.1% after eight years. (PitchBook June 2023)

artics is a Japan-born startup, building an uplifting interest-based social community for the young in the US. Our aim is to establish a secure and engaging platform where the younger generation can discuss their true passions and interests. We are also dedicated to ensuring every piece of artwork reaches its rightful audience, enhancing the number of artists who can successfully monetize their creations. Weve been a part of globally recognized accelerators such as Techstars and Plug and Play, and have been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 list.