Japan's potential unicorns reach record 14, but growth still slow

Microlender Gojo, other startups raise fresh capital overseas

Gojo & Co., which offers microfinancing services in emerging economies, secured significant funding from outside of Japan. (Photo by Gojo & Co.)

HIROYASU ODA, KENJIRO SUZUKI and MIU KOYAMA, Nikkei staff writers

December 15, 2024 13:00 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's pool of potential unicorns reached a record 14 this year, according to a Nikkei survey, with promising startups like microlender Gojo & Co. successfully raising funds overseas.

This marks an increase of one compared with last year, although it still falls significantly short of the government's goal of eventually growing the total number of unicorns -- startups valued at $1 billion or more -- to 100.