The Seraphim Dual-Use Program is a partnership between Seraphim Space VC and JETRO. The four-month program has two aims: to nurture Japan's most ambitious space startups and help them understand the dynamics of international collaboration in the space industry. Drawing on our experience in delivering 15 cohorts of the world’s leading SpaceTech accelerator and our investment heritage through three funds with some of the world’s best space companies within our portfolio, we have unparalleled knowledge in how to bring startups, industry and investors together.
Seraphim Space is the world’s leading SpaceTech investor built over a decade of experience. We bring that VC mindset and expertise to help companies get ‘match-fit’ for winning investment.
Over a series of weeks, we take a cohort of up to 8 companies through in-person and virtual sessions on understanding the VC mindset, deck preparation, storytelling and pitch practice. In addition, they will gain exposure to Seraphim’s unrivalled global network of SpaceTech investors.
What We Look For
We focus on identifying the most promising seed-stage SpaceTech companies with the greatest potential to succeed. These will be pre-seed to seed-stage companies working with space-derived data or utilising space technologies.
In selection we will be looking for four key things: i) your technology should be backed by sensible IP; ii) have a clearly defined, addressable market(s); iii) a strong, experienced team with deep industry heritage is essential — and iv) you must be based in Japan.
ACCELERATOR TO DATE
The Seraphim x JETRO Dual-Use program draws on our highly successful Accelerator. Over 15 cohorts, our companies have secured over $1 billion (USD) in investment.
companies selected from 1500+ reviewed
B+
raised by our alumni
+
unique investors in our alumni
%
Successfully funded
ALUMNI SUCCESS
YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment from startups?
5-6 hours per week.
Is there an equity ask?
We do not take equity.
What is the location of the program?
The program is mostly virtual, with four in-person weeks throughout. Phase I startups will be required to attend SpaceTide in Japan and the Farnborough Airshow in the UK.
Startups that progress to Phase II will then choose two from four events outlined below:
Phase I Events:
Tokyo, Japan | 6-10 June
SpaceTide - Program Kickoff Week
Farnborough, UK | 20-24 July
Farborough Airshow
Phase II Event Options:
Euro Defence Expo | 21-22 Sep
Essen, Germany
Resilience Conference | 05-06 October
London, UK
Tectonic Defence Conference | 02-06 Dec
Location TBD (Within Europe)
DGI | 23-25 Feb 2027
London, UK
What is the timeline of the program?
Phase I of the program runs from Monday 6th June to Friday 24th August, with two key in-person sessions during the weeks commencing:
6th June 2026
20th August 2026
Phase II runs from Monday 21st September to Friday 19th February, with startups selecting two of four in-person events during the weeks commencing:
21st September 2026
5th October 2026
2nd November 2026
22nd February 2027
What stage of growth should the company be in?
The company must be between Pre-seed and Series A, either currently raising capital or actively preparing to raise within the next 12 months.
Is it required for the company to be incorporated?
The company must be incorporated or in the final stages of incorporation at the time of application.
What are the program outcomes?
The program aims to to help participating startups secure business opportunities in Europe and connect founders with Seraphim’s global investor network for maximum exposure and growth.
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