How WingArc Singapore Supports Startups Entering Japan — Tictag’s Market Entry Journey

Expanding into Japan can be challenging for overseas startups due to cultural and language barrier, complex business practices, and the importance of trusted relationships. Since 2022, WingArc Singapore has been supporting innovative startups looking to enter the Japanese market through its accelerator programs.

One such startup is Tictag, a Singapore-based company specializing in data-centric applied AI solutions, including high-quality data collection, annotation, and data marketplace services.

After participating in the WingArc Singapore Accelerator Program in 2022, Tictag began exploring opportunities in Japan. We spoke with CEO Kevin Quah about why Japan became a strategic market and how WingArc Singapore helped them navigate their entry.

Why Japan?

According to Kevin Quah, Japan was a natural market for Tictag’s technology.

Japan’s demographic profile—particularly its aging population and declining workforce—creates a strong demand for AI solutions that can address labor shortages. At the same time, Japan is home to many large enterprises capable of adopting advanced data and AI technologies.

“From both a demographic and business standpoint, Japan made a lot of sense for us,” Quah explains.

However, recognizing the opportunity was only the first step. Successfully entering the Japanese market required the right partner.

Discovering WingArc Singapore

Tictag first connected with WingArc Singapore through its Accelerator Program in 2022.

“At that time, we had very limited brand recognition in Japan,” says Quah. “Working with a company that already had credibility and strong relationships in the Japanese market was extremely attractive.”

Because WingArc is also a data-focused company, Tictag quickly saw the potential for deeper collaboration beyond a typical accelerator relationship.

“We knew they understood our business and the importance of data. That made the partnership feel very natural.”

The Importance of a Local Partner in Japan

For many startups, Japan can be difficult to enter without local support.

“The market moves more slowly, and relationships are extremely important,” Quah explains. “Without someone on the ground helping you navigate introductions and processes, it’s very hard to gain traction.”

This is where WingArc Singapore played a critical role. Acting as a bridge between the startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia and Japan’s enterprise market, WingArc provided both credibility and practical support.

How WingArc Singapore Supports Market Entry

Through its accelerator and ecosystem network, WingArc Singapore supported Tictag in several key areas:

1. Market Navigation and Local Insights

WingArc helped Tictag understand how Japanese companies operate, including communication styles, negotiation processes, and decision-making structures.

“They helped us interpret responses that might otherwise be difficult for us to understand,” says Quah. “They advised us on how to respond, how to follow up, and how to move discussions forward.”

This guidance was particularly valuable in navigating Japan’s consensus-based decision-making process.

2. Business Introductions and Credibility

Personal introductions and trusted networks are essential in Japan.

WingArc facilitated connections with potential clients and partners through its existing corporate network, significantly accelerating Tictag’s market entry.

“Manual business development without introductions rarely leads anywhere in Japan,” Quah explains. “WingArc provided the credibility and introductions we needed.”

Seeing Tictag alongside a trusted Japanese company also helped build confidence among potential clients.

3. Opportunities Through Events and Exhibitions

WingArc also helped Tictag participate in exhibitions, pitch events, and ecosystem activities where they could meet potential partners and customers.

These opportunities enabled Tictag to generate warm leads and start meaningful conversations with Japanese companies.

“Our strategy was to visit Japan regularly, attend events, and follow up on opportunities,” says Quah. “WingArc made that process much more effective.”

4. Cultural and Communication Support

Japan’s business culture can differ significantly from other Asian markets.

For example, response times and decision-making speeds can be interpreted differently.

“In Singapore, quick responses signal professionalism,” Quah notes. “In Japan, taking time to respond often shows careful consideration.”

WingArc helped Tictag understand these nuances and adjust their approach accordingly.

Even with Tictag’s CTO speaking Japanese, having a partner who could guide conversations both linguistically and culturally made a significant difference.

Expanding Opportunities in Japan

Through WingArc’s network and business-matching programs, Tictag was able to explore industries beyond their initial targets.

“Many of our focus industries were similar to those in Singapore and Korea,” Quah explains. “But through WingArc, we were also introduced to entirely new sectors.”

This broadened the company’s potential footprint in Japan.

Building Trust in the Japanese Market

Trust-building is a gradual process in Japan, often extending beyond formal meetings.

One memorable moment for Quah was a dinner with a potential client.

“It was eye-opening to see how much relationship-building happens outside the office,” he says. “Many meaningful discussions and trust-building moments happen over meals and drinks.”

Being introduced through WingArc helped facilitate these connections and made the relationship-building process smoother.

Looking Ahead: Long-Term Growth in Japan

Tictag sees significant long-term potential in Japan and aims to build a full local operation in the future.

“We see even more growth potential in Japan than in some other markets,” says Quah. “Our goal is to establish a strong presence and continue expanding through local partnerships.”

Their collaboration with WingArc Singapore will remain an important part of that journey.

“We see WingArc Singapore as a long-term partner,” Quah adds. “They continue to advise us on deals, generate leads, and support us operationally. It’s a much deeper collaboration than what you usually see with market-entry consultants.”

Advice for Startups Entering Japan

For startups considering international expansion, Quah emphasizes the importance of finding the right ecosystem partners.

Organizations such as JETRO can provide institutional support and access to government-backed programs. At the same time, private partners like WingArc Singapore offer deeper business collaboration and long-term strategic alignment.

“Each organization has different strengths,” he says. “Understanding how to leverage those strengths is critical for success.”

About Tictag

Tictag is a Singapore-based startup specializing in data-centric applied AI solutions, providing high-quality data collection, annotation, and marketplace services. Since its inception in 2019, the company has expanded into Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and is now actively building its presence in Japan.

Address: 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #01-01, Singapore 139951

Tel: +65-9793-9073

https://www.tictag.io/en/