Overseas startup research
Covalent specializes in extensively identifying startups around the world.
We are also good at correctly identifying KSFs (critical success factors) and features of overseas startups.
We have a track record of successful technology and business development for our customers and partnerships with overseas startups by utilizing our information network that can identify startups from all over the world and our know-how in analyzing the future vision and competitiveness of each company.
If you want to understand the details of the service such as the output image, please request detailed materials from the following.
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I want to know about various startups in related fields in order to expand my business model options when considering new businesses, but I don't know how to find them.
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I want to identify startups that can be potential partners for accelerating business and technology development, but I don't know how to find them.
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I want to know about Chinese startups and startups from European countries such as Northern Europe where the startup ecosystem is growing rapidly, but it is difficult to research due to the lack of information and language barriers
Problems when identifying overseas startups
Problems when identifying overseas startups
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I want to evaluate and select startups in order to identify examples that should be used as reference for new business considerations and partner candidates, but I do not know the best way
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I want to know the success factors of promising startups and their business model/technical superiority, but I don't know what to look for
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I want to know the threat level and aim of startups that can bring about disruptive innovation to the industry, but I don't know what to look at and how to analyze them
SERVICE MENU
service menu
Investigation of foreign startups
We will identify overseas startups with products and solutions that match the customer's purpose. Based on the public information survey, we identify overseas startups that correspond to the research theme, compile information on each company, and present promising startup companies through our analysis. In addition, it is also possible to appropriately summarize and present the views obtained from the startup trend survey.
Investigation of foreign startups
We will analyze the strengths of overseas startups with products and solutions that match the customer's purpose in terms of technology and business model. Based on information collected through public information surveys, interviews, and direct visits, we compile detailed information on the businesses and technologies of promising startups, and identify KSFs through our analysis.
APPROACH
approach
Investigation of foreign startups
1
1
survey design
About 2‐3 weeks
2
Survey/Summary
About 1.5 months~
(For a survey of approximately 1,000 companies)
3
analysis
about 1 month
(When narrowing down to about 50 companies)
1
survey design
about 2-3 weeks
Through discussion with the customer, we will understand the theme of interest and set the research target. We will understand the purpose of the survey, specify the items to be surveyed with priority and the items to be analyzed, and clarify the specific image of the deliverables.
2
Survey/Summary
about 1.5 months
We identify startups based on public information surveys (Internet, articles, magazines, etc.) and compile information on each company according to the survey items. Through our network, it is possible to search for startups in regions where it is difficult to obtain information in Japan, such as China and Northern Europe, as well as lesser-known but promising early-stage startups.
Output: long list
Detailed information on surveyed startups can be summarized in Excel, making it possible to list survey results and compare companies by survey item.
3
analysis
about 1 month
Through analysis by members who are good at startup business analysis, we will present the trends when looking at the survey results and the results of extracting promising companies.
Output:
・Heat map
Organize the distribution of surveyed startups by business and technology area. It is also possible to consider the distribution by region, such as Europe, the United States, and China, and the market trends behind the distribution results.
・Shortlist: List of promising startups
We evaluate each company based on market evaluation, etc., and extract promising startups. Examples of promising startups include companies that have achieved disruptive innovation and companies that have a high reputation in the market. It can be used to determine the priority of information collection in the future.
*The support period will vary depending on the number of surveyed companies identified from the survey theme and the desired output.
Example: When conducting a survey of 1,000 companies and narrowing down promising companies, it takes a total of 2 months.
Investigation of foreign startups
1
survey design
About 2‐3 weeks
2
Survey/Summary
About 2-3 months~
3
analysis
about 1 month
1
survey design
about 2-3 weeks
Through discussions with customers, we understand startups of interest and set research targets. We will understand the purpose of the survey, specify the items to be surveyed with priority and the items to be analyzed, and clarify the specific image of the deliverables.
We are also aware of the decision-making process of our customers' investments, partnerships, and new business launches, and reflect the necessary information to lead to the next action in the survey items.
2
Survey/Summary
about 2-3 months
Based on public information surveys, interviews with relevant parties, and direct visits to overseas bases, we compile information on promising startup companies according to the survey items.
By carefully picking up the transmissions of startups and their key persons in chronological order, directly interviewing the target startup CXO as necessary, and analyzing it in combination with our startup business knowledge, we can understand the "aim" behind the startup's efforts. (medium- to long-term business model and short-term focus area) and "system" (backward profit source and source of superiority) can be clarified.
Regarding technology, primary information from technical documents and related players can also be used for research, and detailed and specific information can be obtained.
Output: Detailed survey results of start-up companies
The survey results will be converted into PPT materials with images of products and cases. Can be used for company introduction etc.
3
analysis
about 1 month
Through our analysis, we identify the KSFs (Critical Success Factors) of promising startups.
Output: KSF analysis results
We identify the advantages of startups based on the market needs targeted by each company, the products, and the technical and business features behind them. It can be used by customers to consider new businesses, partner with startups, and make investment decisions.
ADVANTAGE
advantage
Primary information from technical documents and related players can also be used for research to obtain detailed and specific information about the technology.
It is also possible to conduct detailed research on technology and startup trends in regions where it is difficult to obtain information in Japan, such as China and European countries where the startup ecosystem is growing remarkably, such as Northern Europe. Even lesser-known but promising early-stage startups can be explored through our network of overseas VCs, accelerators, startups, and others.
(Examples of research methods: Public information survey on trends of IT giants such as overseas startups, specialized research institutes, GAFA + BAT, search for venture DB, overseas VCs, accelerators, startups, other key person interviews through our network, academic papers, white Analysis of papers and other technical materials, research through affiliated research institutions (China, India, etc.)
We can conduct surveys from useful information sources built from our experience and our own network.
It is not possible to understand the future vision, business development, or mechanism for gaining competitiveness hidden behind the startups' past and current efforts and transmissions from a superficial level.・It may be difficult to consider a collaboration scheme.
Therefore, we carefully pick up the transmissions of startups and their key persons in chronological order, directly interview the target startup CXO as necessary, combine it with our startup business knowledge and analyze it, Compile hypotheses for competitiveness mechanisms.
Through the analysis of "aim", we can identify the business model that the startup is trying to realize in the medium to long term and the short-term focus area for that purpose. In addition, through the analysis of the "structure", we can identify hidden revenue sources, technological and operational strengths, partnering utilization methods, etc. that do not appear in the superficial business model.
It is possible to analyze not only the activities and achievements of overseas startups, but also the "aims" and "mechanisms" behind them.
Technology with high technical specs, technology with many implementation records, startups with a track record of investment by prominent investors, etc., do not necessarily create results for your business. Therefore, we analyze the customer's strategic emphasis, issues, QCD effect of on-site operations, etc., identify the technology and startup requirements that will lead to the creation of the customer's effect, and reflect it in subsequent surveys and evaluations.
Based on the customer's business and business conditions, we can design the evaluation axis for cutting-edge technology and startups.
Even if we collect examples of advanced technologies and startups and present the possibility of creating effects for customers, there are many cases where it does not lead to technology introduction and collaboration with startups. Therefore, when designing the survey, we will confirm the customer's internal persuasion / approval process necessary for proceeding to the next step, and also investigate the information necessary for that purpose. As a result, we have realized the next actions such as advanced technology PoC, full-scale introduction examination by customers, and partnership with startups.
We place the utmost importance on research that leads to the customer's next action.
OUTPUT
Output
heat map
Organize the distribution of surveyed startups by business and technology area. It is also possible to consider the distribution by region, such as Europe, the United States, and China, and the market trends behind the distribution results.
Detailed survey results of startup companies
The survey results will be converted into PPT materials with images of products and cases. It can be used for company introduction etc. within the customer's company.
KSF analysis results
We identify the advantages of startups based on the market needs targeted by each company, the products, and the technical and business features behind them. It can be used by customers to consider new businesses, partner with startups, and make investment decisions.
TRACK RECORD
achievement
KPIs
Number of client industries17Industry
Cumulative number of surveyed overseas startups Approx.230,000company
Percentage of clients with multiple contracts Approx.95.5%
Percentage of surveys conducted overseas Approx.98.3%
Average survey period approx.3.5for a month
Number of business models surveyed and analyzed Approx.61,700
CASE STUDY
 ロボティクススタートアップ調査建設用ロボティクスおよび関連技術の導入に向けたスタートアップ調査支援 |  自動車関連Digital Twin技術分析国内大手自動車部品メーカー様に対して自動車業界におけるDigital Twin関連の将来の技術動向分析を実施 |  海外CCUS関連技術分析欧米中におけるCCUS関連の技術特性を調査し、各地域における主要な技術マップと各プレイヤの技術成熟度を分析 |
|---|---|---|
 建設Robotics技術調査現場の自動化を目指す建設企業に対し、自動化に資する技術ラインナップを整理の上、現場導入に繋がるRobotics技術をその関連技術を含めて調査 |  FA関連CPS技術調査Edge技術を主とする日本のFAメーカーに対し、欧米中の主要プレイヤーが進めるCPS関連技術を洗い出し全体像を整理 |
CLIENTS' VOICE
customer's voice
major car manufacturer
Top quality Chinese startup research
While we were unable to find startups in Japan and North America that met our needs, we were interested in Chinese startups, but due to language problems and a reliable source of information, it was difficult to proceed with our research. As a result of asking Covalent to conduct a survey, we were able to find an attractive startup from a huge long list of Chinese startups, and we were able to collect undisclosed information, which was very helpful. In addition, we were introduced to a promising company from Northern Europe, which we hadn't paid much attention to, and it was a new discovery.
Major auto parts manufacturer
Startup analytics technology is amazing
Thanks to your understanding of our field work and what we are making, and finding a startup with technology that fits them, we have opened up a path to introducing new technology. We also requested detailed information such as performance figures and necessary measures during on-site operation.