Discussion: Is it time for Japanese corporations to get involved in the startup scene? (#StartupAsia preview)

Business deals in Japan often run along friendship lines. Entrepreneurs who have never worked for a large company are more likely to lack the personal networks necessary to jumpstart their businesses. For this reason, Japanese corporations have historically not embraced the country’s startups and entrepreneurs. Take a look at the industry today, however, and you will find a changing picture.

The government’s startup initiatives, which include the US$3 billion Innovation Corporation Network of Japan investment fund, are partially designed to link startups and large companies together as business partners. It’s no quixotic quest either – corporations are regularly paying Deloitte’s startup support arm for introductions to that company’s vast network of young ventures.

Though the wall between startups and corporate Japan seems to be crumbling, there are still some questions about how their relationship will continue to develop. Will companies, pleased with the cheap, fast, and reliable work they receive decide to nurture the startup community further by increasing investments? Will these corporations move beyond soliciting contract work and start acquiring the teams they like?

A panel of Japanese entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and government representatives will answer these questions and more during a panel discussion at our upcoming Startup Asia Tokyo 2014. Coming to the stage are Kensuke Okabe, chief planning director at Nissha Printing Co., Ltd., Yoichiro “Pina” Hirano, founder and CEO at Infoteria Corporation, Yoshihiko Kawamura, senior vice president at Mitsubishi Corporation, Yoichiro Hamazaki, GM, corporate planning and strategy Office, Infocom Corporation, and Yoshiaki Ishii, Director for New Business Policy Office at Ministry Of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Moderating the proceedings will be Ken Koyanagi, publisher of the Nikkei Asian Review.

If you want a peek at how Japan’s startup ecosystem is evolving, this is one talk you won’t want to miss!

See: Is there a startup bubble brewing in Japan? (#StartupAsia preview)

9月3日と4日にスタートアップアジア＠東京を開催します！8月29日まで、割引コード を使ってみて下さい！
Startup Asia Tokyo 2014 is on Sep 3 and 4. Until Aug 29th, unlock secret level using code