IVS 2019: Bringing The World’s Startups A Step Closer To Japan

Japan has the third-largest economy in the world, after the United States and China. Thanks to its traditional strengths of manufacturing and high-tech industry, Japan has been able to have a strong say on global trade Despite this, the startup ecosystem of Japan is still at a very nascent stage, it ranks 22nd in the global startup ecosystem, according to one study.

While investors, entrepreneurs and the government itself is striving to change this domestically by encouraging startup innovation, they have also turned to international markets to boost the startup economy and independent innovation. As such many organisations have opened up opportunities for global startups to interact with their Japanese counterparts.

Since its inception in 2008, Infinity Ventures has looked to support startups to not only make it big in Japan but also get exposure to international experts and mentors.

Through its flagship Infinity Ventures Summit (IVS), it created a platform for startup founders, corporate executives and companies from all over the world to come together and discuss market trends, management strategies and business ideas. Now, the summit has evolved into a three-day event that provides startups with curated networking opportunities, sessions with stalwarts discussing important strategies, upcoming innovations and more.

Having toured Taipei, Kanazawa, Kyoto and other cities in Asia, this winter, IVS will reach Bangkok on December 2, 2019.

What Can Startups Expect At IVS?

IVS is primarily about helping the ecosystem grow by bringing all the leading names from the global startup and tech community together with early-stage founders so that they can share knowledge, ideas and understand the changing dynamics of the tech industry.

Presentations And Fireside Chats

The leaders of the biggest tech companies come together to share their thoughts on the current challenges and bright spots in the industry. These sessions help startups get up-to-date with the new trends that are disrupting the startup industry.

IVS LaunchPad

The LaunchPad provides an opportunity to 12-14 selected early-stage startups to attract media and investor attention through a six-minute presentation. The panel here includes prominent names from the global startup ecosystem.

The selected startups will receive benefits such as $9 Mn (1Bn Japanese yen), an opportunity to meet and network with investors, and explore business opportunities with Fortune 500 companies and more.

Criteria And Process For Selection

LaunchPad is providing startups and individual innovators the platform to show their business models and ideas to a jury with a few most prominent VCs, entrepreneurs as well as the winners of past LaunchPad sessions.

For the selection of startups, IVS has put in place a three-stage review process:

• Document review: Startups can submit their documents describing their startup and idea on the website. After which 25 to 30 startups will be chosen for the next stage.
• Meeting: The shortlisted startups will then be a part of a meeting in Taipei. Upon further evaluation based on this meeting,12-18 startups will proceed to the final stage.
• Final Rehearsal: Gathering again in Taipei, the startups will fine-tune their pitches and presentations at a rehearsal.

The final 12 startups will then make their presentations on stage at IVS Bangkok LaunchPad on Wednesday, December 4.

Speakers From Past Editions Of The Summit

The summit has roped in many prominent names from the global ecosystem as speakers for the event such as:

• Kentaro Tokusei, product management director, Google
• Pranay Gupta, cofounder and director, 91SpringBoard
• Ray Chan, cofounder and CEO, 9GAG
• Hong Lu, director, UTStarcom
• Mikkel Svane, CEO, Zendesk
• John Lagerling, director of global partnerships, Android, Google
• Kentaro Kawabe, CEO, Yahoo Japan

Applications are filling in fast. Apply now to be a part of the IVS and get a chance to meet the stalwarts of the startup ecosystem from across the world.

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