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New Commerce Conference 2025: Connecting Startups and Corporates

On October 15, 2025, New Commerce Ventures Inc. (NCV), a venture capital firm based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, will host the second edition of the New Commerce Conference. Designed to create new opportunities for startups in the commerce and retail sectors to connect with established corporations, the conference is set to feature an engaging program designed for both learning and networking.

Overview of the Conference

The New Commerce Conference aims to foster new connections between startups, corporates, and venture capitalists (VCs) through a carefully curated agenda that includes four key segments:

1. Reverse Pitch by Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
2. Guest Talk Session
3. Startup Pitches
4. Networking Opportunities

Last year's conference saw participation from over 300 industry stakeholders, showcasing the immense interest and potential of the commerce and retail sector.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Edition

This year's KConference will again feature a reverse pitch session from CVCs highlighting investment opportunities and open innovation activities. An exciting guest talk is set to include the manager of TikTok Shop's Japan operations, who will discuss the platform's rapid growth since its launch in Japan on June 30, 2023. Noteworthy startups will also be given the chance to pitch their innovative solutions.

The Event Details

• - Date and Time: October 15, 2025, from 14:00 to 20:00
• - Hosts: Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd. and Toshiba TEC Corporation
• - Registration: Link to application form

Program Breakdown

1. Reverse Pitch

This segment features short pitches from 14 corporations in the EC, retail, and logistics sectors. Each pitch will provide insights into the respective companies' CVC activities and investment priorities.

Last year's participants included major players like AEON Mall, SG Holdings, and Toshiba TEC, showcasing their commitment to open innovation.

2. Guest Talk Session

We are thrilled to welcome Carlos Qiu, General Manager of TikTok Shop Japan and Executive Officer, to share insights on the app's successful entry into the Japanese market. He will discuss strategies for leveraging TikTok Shop while spotlighting promising startups that contribute to its growth.
- Guest Profile: Carlos Qiu joined TikTok Japan in 2022. With a storied background in business development and management, he oversees user growth strategies across Asia-Pacific and EMEA regions.

3. Startup Pitches

Eight standout startups in the commerce and retail domains will showcase their innovations. This segment is particularly beneficial for startups seeking to connect with potential partners and customers, with numerous successful collaborations resulting from past events.
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

4. Networking

The conference will conclude with a networking reception, allowing attendees to interact with startup representatives, corporate executives, and VCs. Numerous booths from participating startups and CVCs will be set up, creating a prime opportunity for relationship-building.

Startup Pitch Application Guidelines

• - Presentation Format: 7-minute pitches covering various business aspects—introduction, target market, product details, business model, competitor analysis, achievements, case studies, growth strategies, and collaboration offers.
• - Application Requirements: Open to startups focused on solving challenges within the commerce, retail, and logistics sectors. All stages of startups are welcome, regardless of funding.
• - Submission Link: Apply here

- Note: Applications will undergo document screening followed by interviews.

Company Info

New Commerce Ventures Inc.

• - CEO: Keita Matsuyama and Kohei Okubo
• - Location: Shinagawa, Tokyo
• - Website: newcommerce.ventures
• - Fund: New Commerce Explosion Investment Limited Liability Partnership

Join us at the New Commerce Conference 2025 to explore the future of the commerce and retail sectors while forging valuable connections in the industry!