#Japan #Tokyo #NIKKEI THE PITCH #THE SEED #BANK SUMMIT

The SEED Collaborates with NIKKEI THE PITCH for BANK SUMMIT 2026

On November 9, 2026, the third edition of the BANK SUMMIT will take place in Onarimon, Tokyo, organized by pre-seed investor THE SEED. They have announced a special collaboration with NIKKEI THE PITCH, an open innovation initiative by the Nikkei Inc. This partnership aims to enhance the platform where regional finance and startups can meet and collaborate, leveraging the strengths of both organizations.

The aim of the BANK SUMMIT is to create a venue for bank employees to gather as agents of change beyond organizational boundaries. Since its inception in 2024, the event has successfully facilitated direct encounters between local financial institutions and startups, and participation has grown with each installment. However, there were challenges regarding the effective dissemination of information among participating bankers and their ability to share insights internally.

NIKKEI THE PITCH has been instrumental in showcasing the challenges and achievements of startups seeking growth, facilitating connections with businesses and investors alike. By utilizing NIKKEI THE PITCH's extensive knowledge and communication capabilities, the BANK SUMMIT aims to elevate its purpose of breaking down barriers to information exchange. The mutual goal of creating new industries in Japan drives the collaboration.

Combining the networks and trust of regional banks with the media's outreach, the collaboration aspires to transform the single-day event into a sustained movement for industrial creation. This connection between NIKKEI THE PITCH and BANK SUMMIT supports material such as media outreach, content improvement, and resource sharing.

A Commitment to Sharing Insights

Nobuyuki Kitamura, the project leader of NIKKEI THE PITCH, expressed, "It is vital to communicate the challenges and insights emerging from local financial scenes as valuable information to society. Through collaboration with BANK SUMMIT, we will visualize opportunities, discussions, and practices, fostering a fertile ground for continued co-creation between finance and startups."

NIKKEI THE PITCH also supports not only startups nationwide but also ventures undertaken by successor entrepreneurs and emerging social entrepreneurs driving reforms in existing businesses. This effort has highlighted the significant potential of various regional companies and stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of regional financial institutions.

In this light, the collaboration with BANK SUMMIT represents a heartening and reassuring step forward, according to Kitamura.

A Vision for Creating New Industries

Hirozawa Daiki, representative of THE SEED, shared insights on the startup ecosystem he has cultivated since founding THE SEED in 2018. Coming from Osaka and drawing on connections with Hyogo, he noted that despite the vibrant GDP of the Kansai region, the share of total funding for startups remains disappointingly low. Observing successful investments, such as supporting the entrepreneur Kato from FiT, Hirozawa became convinced of local financial institutions' indispensable role in creating larger industries in Japan. This conviction laid the foundation for the BANK SUMMIT, which has become a platform for financial institutions and startups to converge and support each other's growth.

By incorporating the expertise of NIKKEI THE PITCH into the event, they anticipate the evolution of a more meaningful space for information sharing and dissemination, benefiting all participants.

Event Details

• - Event Name: BANK SUMMIT 2026
• - Edition: Third
• - Date: November 9, 2026
• - Location: Bellesalle Onarimon, Tokyo
• - Organizer: THE SEED (Seed Capital Co., Ltd.)
• - Target Participants: Regional Banks, Banking CVCs, Startup CEOs, and Executive Members
• - Further Information: More details will be published on the official site at a later date
• - Registration: Interested participants can register via the provided link.

Conclusion

The BANK SUMMIT 2026 will mark a significant step in bridging local finance with innovative startups. The collaboration with NIKKEI THE PITCH is set to enhance the event's potential for creating a robust platform that encourages dialogue between financial institutions and startup ecosystems, ultimately driving industry innovation in Japan.