Japan's top 20 startups surpass 1tn yen in total value

AI developer Preferred Networks maintains lead over two new unicorns

Preferred Networks' prototype tidy-up robot. The AI startup has been developing self-driving and other technologies jointly with Toyota Motor. (Photo courtesy of Preferred Networks)

KENJIRO SUZUKI, Nikkei staff writer

November 12, 2019 06:17 JST

TOKYO -- Startups are continuing to grow in Japan, with a Nikkei survey finding the estimated corporate value of the 20 leading newer businesses increased 22% to exceed a combined value of 1 trillion yen ($9.2 billion) in the year to September. Growth is especially notable in the artificial intelligence and financial technology, or fintech, areas.