Colombia Japan Startup Forum: Bridging Innovation Between Two Nations

Colombia Japan Startup Forum: A Hub of Innovation

On July 24, 2025, the vibrant city of Bogotá, Colombia, witnessed the remarkable gathering known as the "Colombia Japan Startup Forum." Hosted by B Venture Capital (BVC) from São Paulo, Brazil, the event, which started in 2022, aimed to strengthen the ties between Colombian and Japanese startup ecosystems. Skylight Consulting, based in Tokyo and represented by CEO Toshiki Habutsu, also participated as a sponsoring company, contributing to the discussions with valuable insights during interview sessions.

The event was a resounding success, attracting over 100 participants and reaching full capacity. Attendees included founders and executives from emerging companies, investors seeking opportunities in startups, and representatives from major corporations, particularly in the finance sector. Throughout the day, a range of lectures, panel discussions, interviews, and networking sessions encouraged active exchanges of ideas between speakers and attendees.

The forum served as a testament to the aspirations for both countries' startup ecosystems, fostering a day filled with anticipation for collaborative innovation.

Sessions Overview

The agenda included several enlightening sessions, focusing on diverse themes such as:

1. Pathways of Startups: Insights and visions shared by founders and investors.
2. Japanese Entrepreneurs on the Global Stage: Stories of inspiration and authentic experiences in expanding business internationally.
3. Synergies for Global Impact: The roles of co-creation and open innovation in expanding influence.
4. Collaboration Between Corporations and Startups: Potential and challenges seen from Japan's leading edge.

The session titled "Collaboration Between Corporations and Startups" featured Mr. Nakayama from BVC as the moderator, with Mr. Habutsu from Skylight Consulting sharing his perspectives. This session delved into critical topics including:

- Open Innovation: Exploring how Japanese firms tackle budget allocation, establish Corporate Venture Capital (CVC), and engage startups through open calls for proposals and product enhancement.
- Keys to Success: Highlighting the essential commitment from top management and involvement of suitable on-ground personnel as pivotal elements for triumph.
- Case Studies: Real-world examples such as Sendai’s disaster prevention innovation project, and Japan's partnerships with local startups in Africa to improve electric vehicle (EV) bike development were discussed.
- Challenges: It was noted that many large companies often remain passive, only engaging when a good proposal arises. This hinders progress, especially when adequate personnel is not involved in the process.

This session provided a timely opportunity to share specific activities and challenges faced by Japanese enterprises in their open innovation initiatives. The discourse illuminated conditions for success and the vital points for collaboration with startups, offering insights essential for driving forward innovation within Japanese companies.

For more detailed reflections on the sessions, check out Mr. Nakayama's coverage on note.

About B Venture Capital

B Venture Capital focuses its investments on startups in Latin America, supporting the region's innovation ecosystem while emphasizing international growth through collaborations with Japanese companies. They have organized meet-up events since 2022, drawing local investors and startups together. Recent meet-up locales include São Paulo in November 2022 and Bogotá in June 2023, with future events planned in Mexico City and Lima.

About Skylight Consulting

Founded on March 10, 2000, Skylight Consulting has been a partner since 2021, specializing in global open innovation—facilitating partnerships between Japan and international innovators. For further information, please visit their website.

Should you have any inquiries regarding this event, please contact Skylight Consulting: