VCs/Investors

In this session, we’ll explore how corporate venture capital is shifting from cheque-writing to strategic ecosystem building. We’ll share best practices, common missteps, and our framework for the “five degrees of intimacy” between corporate partners and startups. Whether your CVC goals are strategic, financial, or both—we’ll cover the KPIs that matter most.

The panel explores how VCs and portfolio companies are adapting to revolutions brought about by AI and what lessons can be learnt across markets. How has AI impacted investment strategies? What are some examples of portfolio companies that are adapting to trends driven by AI? How do differences such as regulatory headwinds, etc. impact adaption across regions? Join us as we hear experts talk about their expertise in the respective regions.

The panel would offer Japanese LPs a unique opportunity to hear directly from top-tier venture capital firms from the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Each participating VC will highlight their investment thesis and standout portfolio companies, blending focused fund spotlights with a moderated discussion on global trends, fund structures, and best practices.

In this discussion, we will explore the challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs in Japan.
Despite progress in global entrepreneurship, Japan lags behind in gender equality. The session will compare data from Japan and the world. Anecdotes from Japan will shed light on the hurdles women face, such as sexual harassment. Yet, the discussion will not dwell solely on challenges—it will pivot to actionable solutions to foster diversity and strategies to empower women entrepreneurs.
The overarching theme is clear: diversity drives innovation and builds valuable companies.

Why is Andreessen Horowitz, one of the world’s top-tier venture capital firms, supporting its portfolio companies in expanding to Japan? Techstars, the world's most active pre-seed investor, has also entered the Japanese market, supporting startups succeed globally from Japan through Techstars Tokyo. Today, startups, investors, accelerators, and ecosystem builders are accelerating the flow of innovation between Japan and the world, creating and shaping an international ecosystem in Japan. Joined by their portfolios - Eleven Labs, a Generative AI text-to-voice model company, and Dondon Animation Technologies, providing software development tools for professional 2D animation - this discussion will explore how global players view the Japanese market, as well as diving deep into the growing attention and expectations toward Japan's startup ecosystem

The session looks to see what is needed for startups, especially in Japan, to make significant growth and for some to become the next unicorn. Panelists will discuss topics such as “what are the necessary regulations and/or market structure to induce growth amongst startups?”, “what are some factors needed for startups to grow in to `unicorn`”, “what do the investors expect from investors?”

As the need for technological advancements like AI increases, so does the need of startups for innovation. With global startup market becoming more and more competitive, what are Europe’s unique strengths in the global startup race? How is policy helping Europe’s innovation landscape? What will it take for Europe to lead globally in the next 5–10 years? What beneficial role can Japanese Corporations play in the growing success of　European innovation?

The panelists will examine how Middle Eastern countries are diversifying their economies through ambitious innovation initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's NTDP and NEOM, UAE’s Dubai Future Foundation and G42. They'll discuss how these projects are attracting global talent, fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, and positioning the region as a global innovation player.

Will also touch on Japan-Middle East collaboration opportunities in advanced technologies including AI, robotics, PropTech and sustainable infrastructure. How Japanese technological expertise and Middle Eastern investment capacity create complementary partnership advantages

Join us for an 1 hour session where we hear from five capitalists who will each introduce their funds, share their investment theses, and offer candid insights into today’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape.

Fireside chat with Nasdaq Private Market to explore the growth potential of global PE market. Questions explored includes: How did we get here over the past 25 years? What changes were significant? What is the state of Global VC growth equity private markets in 2025? What role has Nasdaq Private Market played in this evolution?

As breakthroughs in quantum computing, synthetic biology, advanced materials, and space technologies accelerate, deep tech is quickly emerging as the next frontier of innovation. Panelists well-versed in deep tech will discuss topics including and not limited to current trends, implications of evolution of deep tech in various industries, commercialization potential and management of long R&D cycles.

This panel explores how leading VCs identify, invest in, and scale startups across diverse global markets. From navigating cross-border regulations to supporting founders in new territories, panelists will share how they build international investment theses, adapt to local market dynamics, and unlock value across ecosystems.

Legal and tax regulations are one of the important factors to consider, when considering entering a new market. The panel looks at the importance of such regulations and discuss improvements that could be made to streamlining the process to further induce for overseas companies to Join the Japanese market

Israel is often seen as a resilient nation—technologically, socially, and strategically. What makes Israel resilient? Looking beyond Israel, how is technology enabling resilience on a global scale today—across industries or countries? What are the biggest challenges—and opportunities—for scaling Resilience Tech?

This session aims to explore how healthcare delivery is shifting beyond hospitals and to highlight the role of startups in addressing urgent challenges like aging populations, chronic conditions, and workforce shortages.

Asia’s venture capital landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by shifting macroeconomic dynamics, rising regional innovation hubs, and evolving regulatory environments. What are the trends seen in VC markets in Asia and how trends may shift in the future? Looking at the development of the global startup market, what are some of the industries to pay attention to for growth and returns?

In a world where venture capital is becoming increasingly global and innovation knows no borders, how do the best investors stay ahead? They don’t go it alone—they tap into the power of community.
This session explores the Kauffman Fellows experience and how it’s helping shape the next generation of VC leaders across the globe. With 940 Fellows from 65+ countries and 680+ firms, Kauffman is more than a two-year program—it’s a lifelong community designed to accelerate both personal and professional growth.
We’ll share real stories of how Fellows have leveraged this global network to go from fund to franchise, making sharper decisions and building stronger firms. From portfolio construction to partner dynamics, platform strategy to sourcing and exits—Kauffman offers a unique peer-based system that sparks innovation and drives results.
Join us to see how openness, connection, and a commitment to lifelong learning can be a VC’s biggest edge in a fast-changing world.