About Out of BOUNDS

Out of BOUNDS

"Out of BOUNDS" is our startup support program held several times a year. The name signifies our commitment to creating startups that challenge existing frameworks without fear of failure.
Over approximately two and a half months, participants work on discovering and validating business themes, developing business hypotheses and plans, and presenting on Demo Day, aiming to launch their ventures post-program.
Would you like to join us in this entrepreneurial journey?

プログラム開始時に検証資金を調達し、
MVP開発やトラクションを作り3ヶ月のデモデイで大型調達を目指す

スケジュール
  • 1市場・競合リサーチ支援
    業界動向/市場構造のリサーチによる課題仮説の精緻化、提供価値の検証と仮説アップデート、海外・国内ベンチマーク企業の特定と分析
  • 2プロダクト・事業開発支援
    PMF探索、MVP設計・開発支援、資本政策・競争優位性の戦略設計
  • 3セールス・マーケティング支援
    セールス資料/LPの作成支援、営業戦略・顧客獲得チャネルの設計支援、マーケティング実行のための基礎設計・ツール支援
  • 4ファイナンス・法務支援
    資本政策とIPOに向けた戦略設計(IPOプロセスの理解含む)、契約・リーガルドキュメントの基礎整理と相談窓口紹介、法律事務所/IPOコンサルとの接点形成
  • 5経営勉強会・特別講義
    テーマ別勉強会(PMF、営業、資金調達、IPO準備 等)、上場企業・ユニコーン企業創業者による特別講義、プロダクト開発会社/法律事務所など外部専門家による講義
  • 6ピッチ・デモデイ支援
    投資家・ステークホルダー向けピッチ資料の作成支援、プレゼンテーションの個別指導・ブラッシュアップ、デモデイ向けの準備・フィードバック

Schedule

ScheduleProgram Timeline

Entry/Selection Period

  • Eligibility: Only current or future interest in founding a startup.
  • See the "Entry Form" for detailed submission requirements.
  • Selections are ongoing; successful candidates will be notified by 1/23.
  • Individual instructions will be provided to successful candidates.

Kick-off Program Start

Kick-off and networking event after selection.
Details (location and date) will be provided after selection.

Discovery and Selection of Business Themes

Customer Interviews, Insight Discovery, Hypothesis Building

Prototype development as needed.

Business Planning & Demo Day Presentation

Startup Support Program - 2st Session "Out of BOUNDS for BIz" Briefing Session

Date:January 10 (Fri) 19:00-

ON&BOARD members will provide a detailed explanation of the second phase of our startup support program, “Out of BOUNDS for Biz.” If you are considering applying, please join this session.In addition to the explanation, we will feature a special session with entrepreneurs who participated in the first phase of “Out of BOUNDS.”

Video of the presentation

Hot Business Theme

AI

Next-Generation ERP Utilizing Generative AI and LLM

In North America, companies like Nominal are leveraging generative AI and LLM technology to automate and streamline back-office functions. This theme is gaining attention in Japan due to population decline and the need for increased productivity.

Contact:Masato Shimodaira
Robotics

Industrial and Industry-Specific Robotics

With Japan's declining population, robotics are being rapidly implemented as a means to supplement the workforce. Companies like Bear Flag Robotics are automating agricultural equipment, highlighting the potential for industry-specific robotics.

Contact:Kosuke Nakayama
Security

Dual-Use (Military and Civil) Ventures

In the United States, the security sector has seen significant growth in startups. For example, SkySafe has expanded its drone detection technology across both sectors. In Japan, the Ministry of Defense and METI are actively encouraging startup involvement in this field. Leveraging civilian technology for defense applications, known as the "spin-on" approach, is a viable direction for Japan.

Contact:Shunsuke Hasegawa
Security

Mission-Critical Security Solutions

In the current climate of increasing geopolitical risks, the demand for reliable military and medical technology in Japan is growing. In mission-critical areas such as healthcare and military, even minor bugs or data leaks can be catastrophic. Thus, ensuring precise software operation is crucial. For instance, DARPA's COOP proposal uses formal methods like side-channel analysis and mathematics to guarantee software performance. Identifying and correcting software or system errors instantaneously is a critical focus to prevent malfunctions and cyber-attacks.

Contact:Yuki Takeuchi
Healthcare

Digital Communities for Seniors

In the UK, platforms like "rest less" are growing rapidly, catering to individuals over 50. With Japan's baby boomer generation entering second careers, there is a need for communities addressing diverse life planning concerns.

Contact:Yoshihiko Ishizuka

Support Members

Masataka Ogasawara

Masataka Ogasawara

CEO & Co-founder, Legal On Technologies

Kosuke Sogo

Kosuke Sogo

Co-founder & CEO, AnyMind Group

Hidekazu Watanabe

Hidekazu Watanabe

President & CEO, Concord Executive Group

Riku Sugie

Riku Sugie

President & CEO, Paidy, ON&BOARD Advisor

Jin Nishikawa

Jin Nishikawa

ON&BOARD Advisor

Hitoshi Matsubara

Hitoshi Matsubara

Director, Center for Informatics Education and Research, Kyoto Tachibana University

Kenji Fujita

Kenji Fujita

General Manager, Business Design Department
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.
Investment Development Partner, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Capital Co., Ltd.

Yuichi Katayori

Yuichi Katayori

Co-Founder / Representative Director & Managing Partner
Tokyo University of Science Innovation Capital Co., Ltd.

Kohei Hamada

Kohei Hamada

ON&BOARD Growth Advisor

Hiroshi Miyakawa

Hiroshi Miyakawa

Representative Director
IID, Inc.

Tomohiro  Furuta (Okazaki)

Tomohiro Furuta (Okazaki)

CEO, MOLE Inc. Engineer / UI UX Designer

長期サポートメンバー

AIエンジニアリングハンズオンチーム
AIエンジニアリングハンズオンチーム

ON&BOARD株式会社は、自身の有するスタートアップスタジオにおいて、AIエンジニアリング機能を強化するため、AIエンジニアリングハンズオンチームを新たに結成しました。当社の「AIエンジニアキャピタリスト」である竹内が中心となり、人工知能学会元会長の松原仁氏と、AIスタートアップの元CTOである西川仁氏を含む国内トップティアのAI研究者、UIUX作成やWebデザイン&開発者として深い知見を有する株式会社MOLE代表取締役社長の岡崎友宏氏らが、AIプロダクト開発における知見を提供し、AI、LLM領域のプロダクト開発の技術戦略構築やMVP作成、コーディング等を、実践的なハンズオン形式でサポートします。

Support Members

Masato Serizawa

Masato Serizawa

Representative Director & CEO
SmartHR, Inc.

Merit

Five Benefits of Participating in the Program
Out of BOUNDS
01

Discover Promising Business Themes and Refine Them with Experts

We provide ideas for promising business themes and perspectives. Participants can discuss and verify these with experts, including our experienced business developers, and refine their product development and competitive strategies. ON&BOARD offers resources from professionals in various fields, including global IT business developers, startup exit experts, venture capitalists, product managers, engineers, AI researchers, lawyers, pharmacists, accountants, HR specialists, and organizational developers.

02

Minimize Startup Risks by Continuing Your Main Job

Participants can continue their main jobs while progressing with their validation, minimizing startup risks. This program is ideal for entrepreneurs looking for high novelty themes while maintaining a cash-cow business, similar to Facebook's early days.

Out of BOUNDS
Out of BOUNDS
03

Support for Startup Funding, Finding Founding Members, and Global Expansion

For promising ideas, we provide funding support from ON&BOARD or introduce suitable VCs, CVCs, and individual investors. We also offer numerous opportunities for participants to meet and discuss with other aspiring entrepreneurs, potentially finding future founding members. Leveraging our network, we assist in introducing overseas VCs and management personnel for global expansion, focusing on early global product development and system building.

04

Practical Management Know-How for Startup Founders

We provide a 500-page resource on startup management and conduct practical lectures based on these materials. Additionally, we invite Series A and pre-IPO entrepreneurs to share real-world insights about being a startup founder.

Out of BOUNDS
Out of BOUNDS
05

Development, Design, and Marketing Support. We assist with everything from validating promising ideas to executing early marketing strategies.

Our team includes ON&BOARD’s active full-stack engineers and product managers, collaborating with experienced external design and development funds. We support product development, MVP creation, LP production, and early-stage marketing.

Out of BOUNDS Participants

Comments from the Participants of the first phase of “Out of BOUNDS”
Ratio Co., Ltd.

CEO: Ryo Kagaya

View comment

Participating in “Out of BOUNDS” provided me with a significant growth opportunity. Specialists like Mr. Shimodaira and Mr. Nakayama offered practical advice on technical and sales aspects. The program stands out for its entrepreneur-focused support, consistently providing actionable steps toward realizing ambitious ideas.
By breaking bold business concepts into achievable processes, it enables participants to take confident next steps. “Out of BOUNDS” is the perfect program for those ready to take on new challenges. Based on my experience, I highly recommend it.

Participating in “Out of BOUNDS” provided me with a significant growth opportunity. Specialists like Mr. Shimodaira and Mr. Nakayama offered practical advice on technical and sales aspects. The program stands out for its entrepreneur-focused support, consistently providing actionable steps toward realizing ambitious ideas.
By breaking bold business concepts into achievable processes, it enables participants to take confident next steps. “Out of BOUNDS” is the perfect program for those ready to take on new challenges. Based on my experience, I highly recommend it.

Trissino, Inc.

Co-founder and CEO: Takahiro Morinaga

View comment

I discovered the “Out of BOUNDS” program when I had yet to define a clear business theme and applied immediately. While I had a general idea of my business domain, I lacked primary information and unique insights, which left me unsure about the direction to take. Through regular mentoring, introductions to experts, and examples of overseas startups shared in the program, I was able to clarify my path forward.
The evening lectures, which provide essential entrepreneurial knowledge, were particularly appealing as they allowed me to prepare while continuing my main job. As this was my second time founding a startup, I found the program to be highly valuable not only for first-time founders but also for subsequent ventures.
The early stage of a startup is especially critical. Participating in “Out of BOUNDS” during this phase and receiving direct support from top professionals is an incredibly rare opportunity. I strongly recommend this program to anyone considering starting a business in the future.

I discovered the “Out of BOUNDS” program when I had yet to define a clear business theme and applied immediately. While I had a general idea of my business domain, I lacked primary information and unique insights, which left me unsure about the direction to take. Through regular mentoring, introductions to experts, and examples of overseas startups shared in the program, I was able to clarify my path forward.
The evening lectures, which provide essential entrepreneurial knowledge, were particularly appealing as they allowed me to prepare while continuing my main job. As this was my second time founding a startup, I found the program to be highly valuable not only for first-time founders but also for subsequent ventures.
The early stage of a startup is especially critical. Participating in “Out of BOUNDS” during this phase and receiving direct support from top professionals is an incredibly rare opportunity. I strongly recommend this program to anyone considering starting a business in the future.

Lobby AI Inc.

CEO: Kyotaro Takahashi

View comment

Participating in the program was an invaluable opportunity that greatly accelerated our business planning. I received support directly addressing key challenges, such as refining our strategy, preparing for fundraising, and redefining customer targeting.
The program also provided a valuable platform to connect with experienced mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs, share ideas, and improve them. The guidance on market analysis methods and customer interviews was especially beneficial.
This program helped me outline a clear path toward fundraising and confidently move to the next stage. I highly recommend it to all aspiring entrepreneurs.

Participating in the program was an invaluable opportunity that greatly accelerated our business planning. I received support directly addressing key challenges, such as refining our strategy, preparing for fundraising, and redefining customer targeting.
The program also provided a valuable platform to connect with experienced mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs, share ideas, and improve them. The guidance on market analysis methods and customer interviews was especially beneficial.
This program helped me outline a clear path toward fundraising and confidently move to the next stage. I highly recommend it to all aspiring entrepreneurs.

Omisay Inc.

CEO: Maika Kaneda

View comment

I believe this program is ideal for those with a clear purpose and a specific business they want to pursue with support. Experts with deep knowledge in various fields provided me with invaluable assistance, particularly in creating LPs and sales sheets.
Thank you for all the support!

I believe this program is ideal for those with a clear purpose and a specific business they want to pursue with support. Experts with deep knowledge in various fields provided me with invaluable assistance, particularly in creating LPs and sales sheets.
Thank you for all the support!

Startup Support Program - 2st Session "Out of BOUNDS for BIz" Briefing Session

Date:January 10 (Fri) 19:00-

ON&BOARD members will provide a detailed explanation of the second phase of our startup support program, “Out of BOUNDS for Biz.” If you are considering applying, please join this session.In addition to the explanation, we will feature a special session with entrepreneurs who participated in the first phase of “Out of BOUNDS.”

Video of the presentation

Offer Detail

Application Method:
Apply via the entry form
Entry
Program Overview:
  • - ~January 20, 2025: Entry/Selection Period
  • - ~Late January 2025: Kick-off Program Start
  • - ~Late February 2025: Discovery and Selection of Business Themes
  • - ~Late March 2025: Customer Interviews, Insight Discovery, Hypothesis Building
  • - ~Mid-April 2025: Business Planning & Demo Day Presentation
Application Period:
December17, 2024, to January 20, 2025
Eligibility:
Currently or in the future interested in founding a startup.
Submission Documents
Refer to the entry form.
Selection Process:
  • - Selections are ongoing; successful candidates will be notified by January 23, 2025.
  • - Individual instructions will be provided to successful candidates.

FAQ

Q.Can we participate as a team?
Yes, team participation is allowed.
Q.Can I participate if I have already started a business?
Yes, you can. The program offers opportunities for business validation and feedback from various capitalists.
Q.Can students apply?
Yes, students are welcome to apply.
Q.Are there risks in quitting my job to start a business?
You can continue your job during the program and start your business after securing funding, reducing risks.
Q.What is the program duration?
The program lasts about 2.5 months, requiring 20-30% of your time.
Q.Can I apply without a business idea?
Yes, we provide promising business themes and ideas.
Q.Is there support for product development without an engineer?
Yes, experienced engineers provide mentoring.
Q.Are there any fees or salaries for participating in the program?
There are no fees or salaries, but we provide free entrepreneurial knowledge.