IssueHunt Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazumasa Yokomizo), a provider of bug bounty platforms and security services, announced on February 12 that Finatext Holdings Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will provide testing programs for "P3NFEST Bug Bounty 2026 Spring," a bug bounty event restricted to participants aged 25 and under.
The event will run from February 16 to March 31, 2026. Participants will conduct vulnerability testing on Finatext’s core securities and insurance systems, with the opportunity to receive rewards based on their findings.
The systems subject to testing are the securities business platform "BaaS (Brokerage as a Service)" and the SaaS-based digital insurance system "Inspire." Both are API-based systems that form the core of modern financial infrastructure.
Because financial systems require exceptionally high levels of security and robustness, it is rare for young external engineers to have the opportunity to participate in their testing. Satoshi Tajima, CTO/CISO of Finatext Holdings, encouraged young talent by commenting, "While students might feel there is a high barrier to entry, I hope they see this as a great opportunity to take that first step toward understanding these systems."
A key feature of this program is that rewards are not limited to security "vulnerabilities." General "bug reports" and "submissions of vulnerability detection methods" are also eligible for bounties.
This makes it easier for students with less experience in security audits to participate, allowing for verification from a wide range of perspectives. IssueHunt stated that through these initiatives, they aim to expand the venues where the next generation of security talent can hone their practical skills.
■ ICT Startup League
Launched in FY2023, this support program was triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project for Supporting R&D for the Creation of Startups."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
R&D expenses of up to 20 million yen are provided in the form of subsidies. In terms of hands-on support, selection committee members stay involved even after the selection process to promote growth. For companies that committee members find particularly promising, the members themselves provide continuous support—such as advice on business plans and access to growth opportunities—in a dedicated, "champion-style" support system.
2. Discovery & Nurturing
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to accelerate the business growth of league members. We also work to discover aspiring entrepreneurs to expand the ecosystem's foundation.
3. Competition & Co-creation
The league serves as a platform for positive competition, much like a sports league. Startups learn together and compete to win the specific amount of funding they need (up to 20 million yen). We also provide a space for "co-creation," where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through sessions with committee members and other networking opportunities.
4. Communication
We partner with media outlets to broadcast the initiatives of our league members! By increasing public awareness of these businesses, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and partnerships.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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IssueHunt Inc. (Official Site)
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IssueHunt Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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P3NFEST 2026 Spring (Official Site)
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Finatext Holdings Ltd. (Recruitment Site)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
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For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
