Ripple Doubles Down on Japan with Web3 Startup Fund Targeting XRPL Projects
Ripple's betting big on Japan's crypto renaissance—launching a structured program to bankroll local Web3 startups building on the XRPL. Because nothing screams 'adoption' like throwing money at the problem.
The move comes as Japan's regulators finally stop pretending blockchain is a fad—though they'll still probably tax your NFT pet rock as income. Priorities.
No dollar figures disclosed (classic), but expect splashy announcements once the first grantees pass the 'does this actually need blockchain?' litmus test.
Grant Program or a Multi-Stakeholder Platform?
The chosen startups will receive financial backing and ecosystem support from Ripple, while Web3 Salon will offer mentorship, workshops, and curated opportunities for founders to scale their projects.
“Through this partnership with Ripple, we aim to support visionary founders and strengthen the bridge between global innovation and Japan’s tech landscape,” said Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan.
Ripple calls the initiative more of a multi-stakeholder platform. It brings together diverse groups to address the gap between traditional financial systems and Web3 innovation.
Further, the initiative comprises of four major events across Japan through 2026. These gatherings aim to boost Web3 innovation, policy alignment, and investor engagement through pitch competitions, policy panels, and investor networking.
Ripple Initiative Fosters Japan’s XRP Boom
Early this year, Japan’s banking sector validated XRP, signalling a turning point for institutional adoption.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) confirmed that by the end of 2025, every bank in the country will adopt XRP for payments.
Besides, Ripple head Brad Garlinghouse said last year that the company is in the process of launching a stablecoin in Japan soon, subject to regulatory approval and licensing.
Recently, Mercari, one of Japan’s biggest e-commerce players, launched XRP trading functions on its Mercoin crypto exchange app.
