Shochiku Ventures (Shochiku Group) Launches $100K Game Accelerator

Shochiku Ventures, the CVC arm of Shochiku Group, a cornerstone of Japanese entertainment for over 125 years, is launching the Shochiku Game Accelerator 2025, which will offer startups up to $100,000 USD.

The accelerator’s funding is available to startups providing game-enhancing technologies such as middleware, SaaS, and infrastructure. This funding is not for game development itself but for services that improve existing games.

Building on Shochiku’s recent indie game publishing success (e.g., MiSide – 80,000+ Overwhelmingly Positive Steam reviews), the program focuses on Proof of Concept (PoC) development, leveraging Shochiku’s existing game titles. Selected companies will receive funding, a trip to Tokyo, and access to top Japanese VCs, publishers, and partners.

Key Details:

• Funding: Up to $100,000 (USD) per selected company (non-equity)
• Focus: Game-enhancing technologies (middleware, SaaS, infrastructure – not game development)
• Opportunity: PoC development with Shochiku titles, Japan market entry/expansion, networking with key industry players.
• Backed By: Shochiku Ventures, part of the historic Shochiku Group.
• Application Deadline: May 19, 2025 (11:59 PM JST)

The full press lelease below: