Ripple has teamed up with Japan’s Web3 Salon to back blockchain startups with real money and real support. According to Ripple, each project can tap up to $200,000 in grant funding over the next year. There’s also a 1 Billion XRP commitment aimed at helping builders on the XRP Ledger grow their ventures. Grant Funding Aimed At Growth Based on a post on X, the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund will pick early-stage teams in Japan that work on DeFi, tokenized real assets and digital payments. Winners will get as much as $200,000 per project. There’s clear focus on projects that show promise through strong tech and plans to scale. Ripple says funding decisions will hinge on growth potential and how well each team aligns with its goals. Ripple and @Web3Salon , supported by JETRO, are launching a new partnership for Japan-based Web3 startups: https://t.co/TfcOf62srY Open to early-stage teams building on the XRP Ledger with a focus on DeFi, tokenization, and payments. Learn how this program will fuel the next… — RippleX (@RippleXDev) June 9, 2025 Mentorship And Workshops For Founders According to the Web3 Salon project, founders won’t just get money. They’ll also join hands-on workshops and one-on-one coaching. Mentors include seasoned entrepreneurs and policy experts. That means help with business plans. It means guidance on dealing with Japan’s rules. It also offers chances to sit at roundtables with regulators and potential backers. Community Events Line Up Through 2026 Ripple and Web3 Salon will co-host four big events between now and March 2026. Each gathering will put the spotlight on standout teams. There’ll be pitch sessions. There’ll be panels with voices from both inside Japan and abroad. Investor meet-ups will give startups a chance to find more funding. And workshops will cover token rules and cross-border work. Regulatory Support From JETRO Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO, is on board to smooth the path. Reports say JETRO will help connect fintech startups with government bodies. That’s key in Japan’s tightly regulated market. According to JETRO, this move aims to make it easier for new blockchain ideas to pass compliance checks and move forward without getting stuck in red tape. Bringing Global Partners Together Beyond cash and coaching, Ripple will open its global network to these startups. Based on statements from Christina Chan, Senior Director of Developer Growth at RippleX, teams will get access to Ripple’s customers and experts. That can speed up testing in foreign markets. It can also spark cross-border payment pilots or token launches with big names. Why Japan Is In The Spotlight Japan is known for strong rules and top technical talent. But its strict setup can slow innovation. According to Asia Web3 Alliance Japan President Hinza Asif, this tie-up aims to cut through complexity. It’s about giving founders the tools they need. It’s also about making sure blockchain projects fit local rules and global standards. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
