June 9, 2025 – In a major step toward expanding blockchain innovation in Asia, Ripple has launched an exciting new initiative to support early-stage Japanese Web3 startups building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Developed in collaboration with Web3 Salon—a project backed by JETRO and organized by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan—this structured program is designed to empower startups in DeFi, real-world asset tokenization (RWA), and cross-border payments.
🔑 Key Highlights of the Program
💸 1. Up to $200,000 in Grants (No Equity Required)
Through its XRPL Japan & Korea Fund, Ripple is offering non-dilutive grants of up to $200,000 per startup. This means founders retain 100% equity while receiving critical early-stage funding—part of Ripple’s larger billion-XRP commitment to ecosystem growth.
🌐 2. Comprehensive Ecosystem Support
Ripple will:
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Distribute the grants
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Connect winners to its global partner network
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Provide technical and strategic guidance
Meanwhile, Web3 Salon—with support from JETRO—will offer:
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Mentorship from industry leaders
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Tailored workshops
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Regulatory navigation assistance
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Investor matchmaking
This dual approach ensures startups not only receive funding but are also equipped to scale within a structured regulatory and business environment.
🚀 3. A Launchpad for Growth
This program is more than a funding round—it’s a growth platform. Over the next year (through March 2026), Ripple and Web3 Salon will organize four major events across Japan, featuring:
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Pitch competitions
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Industry panels and roundtables
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Investor networking
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Regulatory workshops
These events aim to sharpen startup strategies, foster connections, and drive adoption of XRPL solutions in real-world sectors.
🇯🇵 Why Japan? Why Now?
Japan offers:
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Regulatory clarity in the crypto and Web3 space
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A highly skilled tech workforce
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Strong institutional interest in blockchain
However, many startups still face hurdles in compliance and support. Ripple’s initiative, backed by JETRO and Web3 Salon, directly addresses these challenges—offering founders not just funding, but operational guidance and community integration.
📈 XRPL’s Rising Momentum in Japan
Japan is rapidly becoming a hotbed for XRPL adoption, with developments such as:
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Banks across the country preparing to integrate XRP for payments by late 2025
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Mercari, the leading Japanese retail app, enabling XRP trading via Mercoin
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Open House Group, a major real estate company, now accepting XRP for property purchases
This increasing traction makes Japan a fertile ground for XRPL-native startups to build and scale impactful blockchain-based solutions.
👨💻 What This Means for Founders
For Japanese startups exploring XRPL, this program delivers:
✅ Up to $200K in non-dilutive funding
✅ Direct access to Ripple’s enterprise network
✅ Localized mentorship and strategic support
✅ Exclusive access to investor and regulatory events
Whether you're building a DeFi protocol, asset tokenization platform, or a next-gen payment solution, this initiative gives you both the capital and the ecosystem to accelerate.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Ripple’s new XRPL startup program is a game-changer for Japan’s Web3 space—blending funding, mentorship, and regulatory expertise into a structured program that empowers homegrown innovation. For ambitious founders ready to build on XRPL, this may be the perfect launchpad to turn vision into reality.
Interested builders can follow Ripple and Web3 Salon for program application details and upcoming event announcements.
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