Shibuya District Hosts Its 17th Growth Hub Event for Startups

Shibuya District's Growth Hub: A Catalyst for Startup Growth

On July 29, 2023, Shibuya's mayor, Ken Hasebe, will kick off the 17th installment of the startup support initiative, "Growth Hub," a key component of the "Shibuya Startup Support (SSS)" program. This event is dedicated to fostering a community where entrepreneurs can share knowledge, connect, and grow together.

The 17th Growth Hub will feature a distinguished guest, Vik Kashyap, founder and CEO of the Silicon Valley-based health tech startup, Toi Labs, Inc. The primary theme for discussion will center around strategies for overseas startups exploring the Japanese market and the integration of AI in the healthcare sector. This conversation becomes especially pertinent as Japan grapples with an aging population and the necessary adaptations required in business practices.

Event Overview

Since its inception in January 2023, the Growth Hub has served as a valuable community platform for startups. With past events featuring an array of notable figures including entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders from both domestic and international landscapes, the Growth Hub has consistently focused on essential themes such as fundraising, sales strategies, legal considerations, international business expansion, and the application of AI in startups.

This session will be moderated by Francisco Dalla Rosa Soares, a special advisor for Shibuya Startup Support, enhancing the quality and depth of the discussion. The panel aims to explore how international startups can gain trust and navigate the Japanese market, leveraging AI and computer vision technologies. The discourse will also address collaborations with Japanese companies to innovate and expand market presence.

Toi Labs: A Driving Force in Health Tech

Toi Labs, Inc. has recently intensified its efforts to penetrate the Japanese market, actively participating in major local events such as CareTEX Tokyo and SusHi Tech Tokyo. During the session, Vik will share insights into the motivations behind entering the Japanese market, the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the go-to-market strategies employed as a global startup.

Vik Kashyap boasts an impressive background, with a Harvard University education and experience at Battery Ventures, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm. After founding the digital health company Canopy, Kashyap successfully sold it to U.S. healthcare giant Aetna. His journey into the healthcare sector was fueled by a personal battle with severe ulcerative colitis at the age of 28, amplifying his dedication to medical and health issues. As CEO of Toi Labs, he is at the forefront of incorporating AI into health monitoring technologies.

Endorsement from Industry Leaders

Shiho Watanabe, a Global Ambassador for Shibuya Startup Support and former president of Shibuya Startups, praises Kashyap as an entrepreneur with a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding global aging and healthcare needs. She emphasizes the growing importance of preventive healthcare and expresses hope that Kashyap's insights gained from his experiences will inspire startups to undertake new challenges and innovations in the industry.

Event Details

- Date: July 29, 2023
- Time: 16:30 to 18:00
- Location: Shibuya Startup Support (1-29-3 Higashi, Shibuya)
- Theme: Overseas Startups Exploring the Japanese Market and AI Application in Healthcare
- Languages: English and Japanese
- Registration Link: Event Registration
- Hosted by: Shibuya District

Previous Events and Notable Guests

Previously, notable entrepreneurs have shared their experiences at Growth Hub. One session featured Keita Morikawa, founder of OPERA TECH, who discussed customer acquisition, product improvement, and organizational structure, including insights about successful cross-border M&A deals.

The platform of Shibuya Startup Support is of immense value, merging the cultural and technological vibrance of the area, attracting diverse talents and companies. With its ecosystem of startups, investors, major corporations, and creatives, Shibuya serves as a fertile ground for startup growth and international expansion.

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