Why hasn’t Japan produced more global startup giants?

In this special Japan series of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded in Tokyo and in collaboration with GFTN Forum Japan, Arjun sits down with Jordan Fisher, Venture Partner at Antler and Co-founder of Zehitomo.
From the hidden inefficiencies in Japan’s service economy to the deeper structural and cultural barriers that limit growth, this conversation explores what it will take to build a more ambitious, globally competitive startup ecosystem in Japan.

🎙️ This is Episode 1 of a special 7-part series recorded on location across Japan.
👉 Don’t forget to follow the show to stay tuned for the rest of the Japan series.

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chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Meet Jordan: From Finance to Entrepreneurship
01:20 The Birth of Zehitomo
05:52 Challenges in Japan's Startup Ecosystem
13:38 The Role of Antler in the Startup Scene
15:51 Building a Global Decacorn
16:34 Antler's Unique Approach
17:13 The Residency Program
17:38 Investment and Support
18:39 Success Stories and Future Plans
20:59 Challenges and Opportunities in Japan
24:25 The Role of Corporates and Collaboration
27:16 Regulatory and Government Influence
30:44 Final Thoughts 

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