JETRO & Coolwater Launch 2nd Accelerator to Boost Japan’s VC Ecosystem & U.S.-Japan Collaboration

Apply now to "accelerator for funds" cohort, providing training and global network to emerging VCs

Tokyo, Japan – June 13, 2025 – Following a successful inaugural cohort, Coolwater 

Capital (Coolwater Capital LLC) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are proud to announce the launch of the second cohort of their Emerging Fund Manager Accelerator, a program designed to transform Japan’s top emerging venture capitalists into globally competitive institutional investors.

The second cohort follows the proven model that helped launch and support 17 high-potential fund managers in the first program, which featured training from Tier 1 U.S. venture professionals, exposure to international LPs, and a capstone event in Silicon Valley.

“We saw incredible momentum and validation from Cohort 1—top-tier GPs, real fundraising success, and lasting community impact,” said Winter Mead, Founder & CEO of Coolwater Capital. “Cohort 2 is about scaling that impact and doubling down on Japan’s growing VC ecosystem. We’re very excited to partner again with JETRO and the important work they are doing for the Japanese innovation ecosystem.”

Key Achievements from Cohort 1:

• 17 GPs selected from hundreds of applicants across Japan

• $500M+ targeted by participants during the program

• 125-person Japan Innovation Summit in San Francisco with global LPs and top-tier VCs

• Japanese delegation to U.S. visiting several Tier 1 VC offices in San Francisco, with emphasis on cross-border knowledge transfer

• Recognized as novel and impactful by media and ecosystem leaders

A Word from JETRO

“Our partnership with Coolwater Capital is part of JETRO’s long-term commitment to cultivating a globally competitive venture capital ecosystem in Japan. The results of the first cohort exceeded expectations—demonstrating that Japan is ready to lead on the global VC stage. With this second cohort, we’re excited to scale the program and deepen our support for the next generation of Japanese fund managers.”
 —Tatsuhiko SHIONO (Mr.), Director of JETRO Startup, JETRO

What’s New in Cohort 2:

• More tailored support: Deeper 1:1 fundraising support and branding coaching

• Expanded shared services: In-house team for LP strategy, IR, and positioning

• More local delivery: Increased Japan-based staff and hybrid content delivery

• Content & community: Launch of a podcast and enhanced brand-building support

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Program Details:

Applications Open: June 11, 2025

Program Start: Summer/Fall 2025

Program Summary & Dates: 8 modules across 4 months (virtual + in-person hybrid)

• Module 1-2: September 9-11, 2025, in-person in Tokyo

• Module 3: September 24, 2025, Japan time 9:00-11:30AM

• Module 4: October 1, 2025, Japan time 9:00-11:30AM

• Module 5: October 8, 2025, Japan time 9:00-11:30AM

• Module 6: October 15, 2025, Japan time 9:00-11:30AM

• Module 7: October 22, 2025, Japan time 9:00-11:30AM

• Module 8: October 29, 2025, Japan time 9:00-11:30AM

• Coolwater Investor Summit in New York, scheduled November 17-19, 2025

• Additional events, including office hours, meet-ups, happy hours, and other events are expected to be scheduled

Who Should Apply:

• Candidates who want to launch and build venture capital firms

• Fund managers raising Funds 1-3, including candidates with strong potential and relevant experience with backgrounds including:

  • Spinning out of a corporate VC arm

  • A business leader or executive within a large corporation transitioning into investing

  • Spinning out of an established VC firm

  • A former founder of a technology company

  • An executive at a fast-growing tech company

  • Professionals from family offices or institutional investors starting a venture strategy

• Applicants with bold investment theses focused on Japan and global scale

Deadline to apply: July 16, 2025 – Apply Here Now

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About Coolwater Capital
Started in San Francisco, Coolwater Capital is the leading global accelerator for emerging venture funds, having supported 300+ funds, helped raise $5B+ in capital, and fostered a network that has backed over 8,400 startups. Founded by institutional LP Winter Mead, Coolwater is committed to helping new GPs build durable and differentiated venture franchises.

About JETRO
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) is a government-related organization promoting mutual trade and investment between Japan and the world, with a special focus on advancing innovation and supporting startup and venture ecosystems.

Media Contact
Winter Mead – Founder, Coolwater Capital [e-mail]
Sonoda, Ota, Okawara, Shiono – JETRO Innovation Division, Startup Section [e-mail]