🚀 Welcome to the Global Ecosystem Update
We are charging into the second half of February with massive upgrades to the Manabu Hubs network. Our mission has always been to build real, actionable bridges across the APAC corridor. This week, we are proving it with high-level advisory partnerships, heavily discounted tickets to Japan's biggest conferences, and an exclusive delegation to Taipei.
Here is everything you need to know to scale your startup this week.
🤝 New Strategic Partner: Epiport Consulting
We are thrilled to officially announce our partnership with Epiport Consulting to power the growth of our 2026 cohort.
Manabu Hubs Partnership
The Value Proposition: Epiport specialises in Market Entry & Sales Management strictly for the Japan 🇯🇵, Taiwan 🇹🇼, and Australia 🇦🇺 corridor. Their specific collaboration for this cycle is to help our startups achieve 20–30% revenue growth through high-level strategic advisory.
Exclusive Member Access: Active Manabu Hubs members automatically unlock:
Preferred Rates: A 5–10% discount on all standard advisory packages.
"Founder-First" Mentoring: Private group sessions included in your subscription to tackle specific sales and scaling blockers.
🇹🇼 Investment & Expansion: Smart City Expo Taipei
Our founders and startups partners are heading to one of the most dynamic exhibitions in APAC, and we are bringing the community with us. The Smart City Summit & Expo 2026 kicks off from March 17–20, and the energy in Taipei is going to be unmatched.
We are proud to announce our collaboration with the Smart City Expo team and Innspatial. We are bringing a curated delegation of over 10 startups and founders to Taipei.
What to expect:
VIP access and exclusive forum entry.
1-to-1 B2B matchmaking meetings with Taiwanese partners and ecosystem leaders.
AI Bootcamp: We are hosting a specialised bootcamp kicking off on March 19, 5pm.
Register for the bootcamp before spots fill up, and let us know if you will be in Taipei!
🎟️ Takeoff Tokyo 2026: Exclusive Coupons
Big news! Manabu Hubs is officially a Community Partner for Takeoff Tokyo 2026.
We are joining forces with Japan's premier international startup conference, bringing together 5,000+ founders, investors, and innovators on March 31 – April 1, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight.
Why you need to be there:
Connect directly with 150+ VCs and institutional investors.
Watch (or participate in) pitch competitions with real funding opportunities.
Expand your network across the global startup landscape.
Your Member Perk: As a Community Partner, we hold exclusive discount codes 20% OFF for the Manabu Hubs network. Get your code before standard ticket prices jump exclusive in our private discord community!
Dates: March 31 - April 1, 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Details: takeoff-tokyo.com
⏳ Final Call: 2026 Strategic Partnerships Closing
By the end of February, we are officially closing our strategic partnership window for the 2026 calendar year. We are locking in our focus to ensure maximum value delivery for our ecosystem, startups and incubator.
Why partner with us for the year? Strategic partners get unparalleled access to our global pipeline:
Exclusive Access: Direct entry into our private global network of scaling startups.
VIP Passes: Priority invitations and tickets to major tech conferences, including SusHi Tech, Ramen Tech, and Takeoff Tokyo alongside our team.
Brand Sponsorship: Feature your products and services directly across our global newsletter, articles and community private channels.
Don't miss the window to embed your brand into the APAC corridor's fastest-growing founder tech community.
📢 Ecosystem News: "Voices of Fukuoka" (VoF)
A massive shoutout to the team at Fukuoka Now, who just unveiled an incredible upcoming project: Voices of Fukuoka (VoF).
Launching in April 2026, this year-round media initiative will highlight the international residents and founders shaping our city. Through video, podcasts, and live events at CIC Fukuoka, VoF will document the city's growing diversity.
The Opportunity: VoF is currently opening sponsorship and partnership discussions for companies seeking a meaningful way to support and gain visibility within Fukuoka’s international community.
Learn More: Check out the announcement here
Newsletter #47: The 7-Liters Lesson 🐟🚀
Can a tiny aquarium in Fukuoka redefine how we build startup ecosystems?
This week, a 7L nano-tank taught me a hard truth: Diversity is our Stability Protocol. In my latest newsletter, I share why losing a shrimp in my home aquarium changed my strategy for Manabu Hubs. From managing "bioloads" to integrating traditional businesses alongside agile startups, building a resilient ecosystem requires more than just "fast fish."
We are moving beyond the siloed startup model. We are building a diverse biome where corporates, collaborators, and disruptors thrive together.
Inside this edition:
✅ Why "clear water" isn't enough for growth.
✅ Lessons from the Fukuoka startup scene.
✅ Why Manabu Hubs is opening doors to traditional partners.
🍜 Join Colive Fukuoka 2026 with EUR25% OFF Don’t miss it
Dates: October 1st – 10th, 2026
We are excited to announce our collaboration with the Colive Fukuoka team for another amazing year!
What is Colive Fukuoka? It is a community designed for nomads, founders, and creators who want to build their global life in Japan's most livable startup city. It’s the perfect blend of urban convenience, nature, and entrepreneurial opportunity.
🤝 The Partnership: As the largest private incubator in Southern Japan, Manabu Hubs has supported Colive since the beginning. This year is special because the main program coincides with Ramen Tech, the largest startup conference in the region.
Come for the community, stay for the Ramen (and the startups).
Use code: MANABUBUNDLE and get 25 EUR OFF of your PASS! dont miss the chance to join another year with US!
🎟 Get your tickets below & see you in October: [Link to Colive Ticket Page]
See you in Taipei! 🇹🇼✨
The Manabu Hubs Team