European incubator sees potential of Japan’s startup scene, holds pitch event in Tokyo

Helsinki-based incubator Startup Sauna wants to see the startup scene in Japan in a pitch event that will be held at the Open Network Lab in Tokyo on September 17.

The incubator is expecting to gather around 1,000 startup companies, 5,000 participants, and 600 investors. Startup Sauna director Miki Kuusi says they have targeted Japan because there is a lot in common in Finland and Japan, like the solid education system and the ability to produce leading engineers.

The event will also bring together leaders in the tech industry such as Peter Vesterbacka of Rovio, GungHo chairman and Movida Japan CEO Taizo Son, and Naoki Aoyagi, the chief executive of Gree International.

Startup Sauna will bring the winner of this event to Helsinki’s Slush 2013 where they will have the opportunity to connect with international investors. Interested participants can still register until September 13.

Tokyo is the first in Asia of the 25 cities it is set to visit worldwide. Apart from Tokyo, it will also hold a similar event in other Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Jakarta, and Seoul.

(Editing by Steven Millward)