Next-Gen Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovations at HAKOBUNE Startup Contest 4th Demo Day
In a vibrant display of creativity and ambition, the HAKOBUNE Startup Contest held its fourth Demo Day, showcasing a host of innovative ideas from emerging entrepreneurs. This independent venture capital firm, specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups, aims to nurture the next generation of business minds. The event convened a diverse group of young aspirants and seasoned professionals eager to propel their ventures forward in a simulated startup environment.
The fourth batch of the contest, which began in May 2025, attracted a remarkable number of applicants, reflecting the increasing interest in entrepreneurship among the youth. Ultimately, out of the hundreds who applied, 50 individuals were selected to participate in the rigorous program, designed to cultivate their entrepreneurial skills. After a thorough pre-screening process, 10 finalists were chosen to present their business concepts before an audience of esteemed investors and stakeholders, including 100 prominent venture capitalists and angel investors.
The contest culminated in the awarding of top honors to the standout presenters:
1. Grand Prize (1st Place): IndustryAI Regulatory AI Guardrail presented by Tetsu Noguchi.
2. Excellence Award (2nd Place): Electrolysis Solutions for a Green Hydrogen Revolution by Aisaku Oda.
3. Encouragement Award (3rd Place): AI Supervision Platform Focusing on Character IP Business by Atsushi Oshima.
The success of the previous three batches was notable, with 17 out of 30 presenters having successfully launched their startups, securing a total of 10 seed funding deals. The excitement is palpable as the current cohort of 10 finalists also looks poised for success, indicating a promising future for these new ventures. HAKOBUNE is committed to providing ongoing support as these entrepreneurs take their next steps toward launching businesses and raising capital.
1. Daichi Hiruma: Next-generation manga production tools co-creating with AI agents.
2. Hota Kitaya: Emotion-based voice solutions.
3. Keigo Takeuchi: Community self-operating platforms that capitalize on relationships.
4. Aisaku Oda: Innovations in electrolysis for a green hydrogen revolution.
5. Kitaaki Nishimura: A scent sensor utilizing bee antennae technology.
6. Kaori Yagomi: An AI-driven platform democratizing nursing expertise.
7. Taichi Saito: Automated customer management through a phone-based AI service.
8. Tetsu Noguchi: IndustryAI Regulatory AI Guardrail.
9. Atsushi Oshima: AI supervision platform specializing in character IP business.
10. Naoto Ando: An AI-driven recruitment process dubbed 'Mach Recruitment'.
Applications for the 5th Batch of the HAKOBUNE Startup Contest are now open!
Application Deadline: September 7, 2025.
Apply here.
HAKOBUNE operates under the concept of investing in transformative "changes that create symbols of the era." By supporting outliers within large organizations, HAKOBUNE aims to build a cycle for producing innovative entrepreneurs. The firm has successfully invested in over 20 startups during their pre-seed and seed phases. They plan to enhance their support structure further through incubation programs, community development, workshops, and initiatives to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent.
For more insights about HAKOBUNE, watch our interactive video here.
For queries regarding startups and funding, please visit here. For inquiries specific to the HAKOBUNE Startup Contest, reach out at: [email protected].
The fourth batch of the contest, which began in May 2025, attracted a remarkable number of applicants, reflecting the increasing interest in entrepreneurship among the youth. Ultimately, out of the hundreds who applied, 50 individuals were selected to participate in the rigorous program, designed to cultivate their entrepreneurial skills. After a thorough pre-screening process, 10 finalists were chosen to present their business concepts before an audience of esteemed investors and stakeholders, including 100 prominent venture capitalists and angel investors.
The contest culminated in the awarding of top honors to the standout presenters:
1. Grand Prize (1st Place): IndustryAI Regulatory AI Guardrail presented by Tetsu Noguchi.
2. Excellence Award (2nd Place): Electrolysis Solutions for a Green Hydrogen Revolution by Aisaku Oda.
3. Encouragement Award (3rd Place): AI Supervision Platform Focusing on Character IP Business by Atsushi Oshima.
The success of the previous three batches was notable, with 17 out of 30 presenters having successfully launched their startups, securing a total of 10 seed funding deals. The excitement is palpable as the current cohort of 10 finalists also looks poised for success, indicating a promising future for these new ventures. HAKOBUNE is committed to providing ongoing support as these entrepreneurs take their next steps toward launching businesses and raising capital.
Detailed Presentations of Participants:
1. Daichi Hiruma: Next-generation manga production tools co-creating with AI agents.
2. Hota Kitaya: Emotion-based voice solutions.
3. Keigo Takeuchi: Community self-operating platforms that capitalize on relationships.
4. Aisaku Oda: Innovations in electrolysis for a green hydrogen revolution.
5. Kitaaki Nishimura: A scent sensor utilizing bee antennae technology.
6. Kaori Yagomi: An AI-driven platform democratizing nursing expertise.
7. Taichi Saito: Automated customer management through a phone-based AI service.
8. Tetsu Noguchi: IndustryAI Regulatory AI Guardrail.
9. Atsushi Oshima: AI supervision platform specializing in character IP business.
10. Naoto Ando: An AI-driven recruitment process dubbed 'Mach Recruitment'.
Pitch Results:
- - 1st Place (Grand Prize): IndustryAI Regulatory AI Guardrail by Tetsu Noguchi.
- - 2nd Place (Excellence Award): Electrolysis Solutions for a Green Hydrogen Revolution by Aisaku Oda.
- - 3rd Place (Encouragement Award): AI Supervision Platform (Audience Award) by Atsushi Oshima.
- - HAKOBUNE Award: Scent sensor using bee antennae technology by Kitaaki Nishimura.
Announcing the 5th Batch:
Applications for the 5th Batch of the HAKOBUNE Startup Contest are now open!
Application Deadline: September 7, 2025.
Apply here.
About HAKOBUNE:
HAKOBUNE operates under the concept of investing in transformative "changes that create symbols of the era." By supporting outliers within large organizations, HAKOBUNE aims to build a cycle for producing innovative entrepreneurs. The firm has successfully invested in over 20 startups during their pre-seed and seed phases. They plan to enhance their support structure further through incubation programs, community development, workshops, and initiatives to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent.
For more insights about HAKOBUNE, watch our interactive video here.
For queries regarding startups and funding, please visit here. For inquiries specific to the HAKOBUNE Startup Contest, reach out at: [email protected].
Topics Business Technology）
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