#Japan #Tokyo #startups #Corporate Venture Capital

Tokyo Revamps Startup Investment Landscape with Reverse Pitch

Tokyo is stepping up its efforts to invigorate the landscape for startups and small businesses by hosting a Reverse Pitch event aimed at fostering connections between corporate venture capitals (CVCs) and prospective entrepreneurs. The initiative is designed to amplify CVC investments and further enable the growth of Tokyo's vibrant startup ecosystem.

Corporate Participation Announced

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government recently finalized its roster of participating CVCs for the upcoming fiscal year. A total of ten major corporations are confirmed to take part in this initiative, marking a significant opportunity for small businesses looking to scale up.

The list of participating companies includes:

• - Asahi Kasei Corporation
• - KDDI Corporation
• - Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
• - Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.
• - Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.
• - Tokyu Corporation
• - Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
• - FamilyMart Co., Ltd.
• - Mizkan Holdings Co., Ltd.
• - Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.

This diverse array of corporations highlights the potential for innovative partnerships tailored to meet the emerging needs of startups, enhancing opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Opening Registration for Startups and Small Enterprises

With the corporate participants confirmed, the event is now actively seeking registrations from small businesses and startups that are keen on being matched with established CVCs. The entry criteria are straightforward:

• - Small enterprises that have their headquarters registered in Tokyo.
• - Startups that aim to leverage innovative partnerships with Tokyo-based companies for rapid business acceleration and are within ten years of establishment.

The support provided to selected participants will include hypothesis development and refinement for collaboration opportunities, as well as assistance in planning and managing proof-of-concept (PoC) implementations.

Key Details About the Registration Process

The registration period for interested small businesses and startups will commence on September 29, 2025, and remain open until March 2026.

Upon completion of the application process, the participating CVCs and the organizing committee will conduct a selection process to identify those businesses that will advance to the matching stage. The selection is based on a first-come-first-served basis, with approximately 200 matches anticipated before closing the entry period.

Upcoming Reverse Pitch Event

A pivotal aspect of this initiative is the Reverse Pitch event scheduled for October 28, 2025. This occasion is specifically designed for startups and small enterprises contemplating participation in the matching program. The event will showcase:

• - An explanation of the matching program.
• - Presentations from the selected CVCs during the Reverse Pitch segment, where each corporation will share insights into its past investments, industry collaboration successes, and future focus areas.
• - A networking session to facilitate direct communication and exchange of contacts among attending companies.

Event Details:

• - Date and Time: October 28, 2025, from 17:00 to 21:00 (doors open at 16:45)
• - Location: Tokyo Innovation Base, 2nd Floor (3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku) with online participation available.
• - Registration: Interested parties can register through the dedicated event website.

This initiative is aligned with Tokyo’s vision of fostering industrial growth leading up to the 2050 Tokyo Strategy, specifically focusing on Section 13: encouraging entry into and investment in growing industries.

For Further Inquiries

For further information regarding the program, interested parties can reach out to:

• - The Office for Industrial and Energy Policy within the Tokyo Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs.
• - The program administration office dedicated to the matching support initiative between CVCs and startups.

This project is being operated in partnership with Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd., ensuring a robust support system for engaged companies.