Junior Program Associate, Japan
Our Mission
We uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.
Who We Are
500 Global is a venture capital firm with $2.2B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments and corporations on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000+ companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 180+ team members are located in 27 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.
Program Overview
The J-StarX Silicon Valley Extended Program by 500 Global helps Japanese startups accelerate global expansion through go-to-market strategy, international business development, and learning what it takes to fundraise from international investors. Participants gain insights through market research, competitive analysis, and customer validation to reduce entry risks. By program’s end, startups aim to show product-market fit, build repeatable partnerships, and gain traction through POCs, LOIs, and early customers.
Job Scope:
This role will support the successful implementation of the program in Tokyo. You will be responsible for supporting the team in ensuring the successful execution of all activities during the program, creating a positive experience for all participants. Responsibilities can range from program coordination to logistical support and community engagement activities. You will be responsible for performing administrative duties, supporting with physical/virtual events, and remote management. You will be expected to be available at all program stages and physical/virtual event times scheduled for the duration of the program, including weekends, if any. You will be interacting with founders, mentors, and other program stakeholders on a daily basis. Experience with program management, as well as familiarity with the early-stage venture-backed ecosystem in Japan, is welcome.
This is a contract role with a duration of 3 to 6 months.
Essential Functions
- Participate in regular syncs with the accelerator team
- Conduct outreach and help recruit startups for the program
- Answer applicants’ questions in English and Japanese, and questions that require local knowledge
- Coordinate and manage sessions and office hours between the mentors and the founders/startups
- Plan and execute virtual and in-person social events for the batch
- Coordinate and oversee daily remote management for the programs
- Send batch emails (updates, housekeeping, next week’s events, new mentors, various deadlines, etc.)
- Update internal documents and tools for regular reporting and visibility
- Assist in prep for the program, working with the startups, partners, and vendors as needed
- Assist in the delivery of the program, ensuring everything and everyone is managed accordingly
- Support the global and local teams in all aspects of the program
Minimum Qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Business-level command of spoken and written Japanese
- Be one of the most organized people you know
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Capability to learn & adapt quickly
- Self-starter & prioritize to get tasks done efficiently
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment under pressure
- Passionate about startups
- Must be able to communicate and work with a team across several time zones
- Work authorization in Tokyo, Japan
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working internationally
- Familiarity with cross-cultural businesses
- Experience coordinating large-scale events
- Experience within the startup ecosystem
500 Global does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
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