Kickoff Event for GEMStartup TOKYO: A New Era of Entrepreneurship in Tokyo

GEMStartup TOKYO Kickoff Event

On August 20, 2023, Tokyo kicked off its GEMStartup TOKYO initiative with an energetic event aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This program is designed to connect the expertise and ideas developed in large private corporations to new business and startup creation.

The kickoff event took place at the Tokyo Innovation Base, drawing around 120 participants who are either aspiring entrepreneurs or currently involved in developing new businesses. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for the opportunities ahead. During the event, attendees engaged in discussions about the realities of entrepreneurship and the key factors for success through entrepreneurship-related lectures and a panel discussion.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

The keynote speech was delivered by Yoichi Ito, the Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship at Musashino University and host on Voicy, who emphasized the significance of entrepreneurship in the rapidly changing world driven by technology. He encouraged attendees to embrace their dreams, stating that technology should be leveraged as a tool to help realize their passions.

"In the past, the focus was on swiftly identifying accurate answers," Ito noted. "However, entrepreneurship is about taking risks without fear of failure to create new value. You don’t have to be a business owner to possess an entrepreneurial mindset."

Ito also quoted Steve Jobs, highlighting the importance of following one's intuition and instincts. He encouraged the audience to be proactive, iterate on ideas, and see the future as something that can be created collectively, not merely predicted.

Panel Discussion

Following the keynote, a panel discussion took place with prominent leaders from various fields. Moderated by Kojiro Morikawa, CEO of Silicon Valley Ventures, the panel featured:

- Toshu Nagahori, CEO of AgriweB
- Kohei Fujii, Technical Division Manager at Takenaka Corporation
- Kenta Kasahara, CEO of Hootfolio

The discussion revolved around the theme of "The Reality of New Business Creation: The Possibilities and Choices of Internal Startups and Spin-offs." The panelists shared insights from their own experiences transitioning from large corporations to launching new ventures.

Nagahori emphasized the importance of connecting needs rather than focusing solely on numbers. He remarked that personal relationships could significantly expand the reach of a business. He recalled the initial uncertainties and doubts that came with starting out but highlighted that positive feedback from colleagues eventually made the journey worthwhile.

Fujii, on the other hand, shared that he does not have a defined career vision. Instead, he focuses on running towards success without worrying about conforming to others’ expectations. He advocates for allowing passionate individuals to lead business initiatives, emphasizing that genuine commitment is crucial for overcoming the challenges of launching new projects.

Kasahara echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the risks associated with leaving a stable corporate environment. He views uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and encourages leveraging various frameworks and support systems to foster a supportive startup culture within corporations.

Building a Thriving Ecosystem

Morikawa concluded the session by discussing the need for Japan to globalize itself through innovation and entrepreneurship. He suggested that individuals need to be proactive in seeking out experiences that broaden their perspectives, leading to stronger collaboration within the startup ecosystem.

GEMStartup TOKYO: Your Gateway to Innovation

GEMStartup TOKYO is more than just a project; it embodies Tokyo's commitment to nurturing new business ventures by harnessing the strengths of established industries and skilled professionals. Through workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the initiative aims to create a sustainable environment for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

For more details about GEMStartup TOKYO and how to get involved, visit GEMStartup TOKYO. For inquiries, contact the GEMStartup TOKYO Office at 050-8892-3544 or via email at [email protected].