Laundry-folding robot maker will represent Japan at startup competition

A Tokyo-based startup recognized for its laundry-folding robot has gained entry to an international competition for venture firms, and hopes to represent Japan as a country of innovation. Seven Dreamers Laboratories Inc. was chosen as Japan's entry for the Startup World Cup on Wednesday night in Tokyo, beating out nine other competitors in a business presentation contest. The Startup World Cup was launched last year by Silicon Valley-based Fenox Venture Capital with the aim of connecting more startups and investors worldwide. The final round in this year's competition will be held in San Francisco in May, and will feature 32 firms that have each won their regional preliminary rounds. The overall winner will receive a $1 million (about ¥113 million) investment.