#Japan #Tokushima #Skyland Ventures #S Venture Lab

The 46th S Venture Lab: A New Frontier for Startups in Tokushima

On September 3, 2025, the 46th S Venture Lab is set to take place in Tokushima City, marking the first time this event has been held in Shikoku. In collaboration with SMBC Nikko Securities, the event aims to explore the potential of local startups in the region. This initiative, organized by Strike Co., Ltd., brings together industry experts and innovators to discuss the digital transformation and support of local businesses.

Event Overview

• - Date: September 3, 2025
• - Time: 18:30 - 20:30
• - Location: Awa Kanko Hotel / Zoom
• - Co-organizers: SMBC Nikko Securities, S Venture Lab (Strike Co., Ltd.)
• - Supported by: Tokushima Prefecture
• - Cooperation: Independent Nonprofit Organization Independents Club

The event will consist of several segments: an introductory session, a talk session with industry leaders, startup pitches, and a networking opportunity for on-site participants. This format aims to foster meaningful exchanges and collaborations among stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.

Featured Speakers

The event will highlight influential figures in the startup landscape who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Yosuke Kondo, CEO of Denno Kotsu

Born in 1985 and hailing from Tokushima, Yosuke Kondo returned to Japan after studying in the United States. In 2009, he joined Yoshinogawa Taxi in Tokushima, and later became the CEO in 2012, steering the company from the brink of insolvency to recovery. In 2015, he founded Denno Kotsu and has since been dedicated to advancing digital transformation in the taxi industry. His efforts have also led to the establishment of XTaxi, a network aimed at nurturing the next generation of taxi company managers, enhancing sustainability in public transportation throughout Japan.

Yoshihiko Kinoshita, CEO & General Partner of Skyland Ventures

Also born in 1985, Yoshihiko Kinoshita is a venture capitalist based in Yokohama. He founded Skyland Ventures in 2012, focusing on investments in seed-stage startups led by young entrepreneurs. In 2022, he launched a new ¥5 billion fund targeting emerging domains like Web 3.0 and generative AI. Kinoshita is also active on social media platforms, leveraging Twitter, YouTube, and podcasts to engage with the entrepreneurial community, and he holds a degree from Waseda University’s School of Science and Engineering.

Naoto Matsumoto, CEO of ABAKAM

Naoto Matsumoto joined Future Venture Capital in 2002 and became Japan’s youngest CEO of a publicly listed financial company in 2016. Under his leadership, he raised nearly ¥24 billion through about 50 funds without relying on IPOs. After stepping down in 2022, he became an executive partner at Strike Co., Ltd., contributing his extensive experience to foster innovation.

About SMBC Nikko Securities

Founded in 1918, SMBC Nikko Securities has been a trusted name in the finance sector for over a century. As a member of the SMBC group since 2009, the company aims to provide comprehensive financial services to its clients under the brand motto, “Together, for tomorrow.” Their dedication to innovation and client success underscores their role as a leading player in the financial industry.

About S Venture Lab

S Venture Lab is part of Strike's mission to create allies that change the world. It facilitates interaction between startups and corporations by disseminating information that fosters collaboration.

Company Overview - Strike Co., Ltd.

• - Headquarters: 15th Floor, Mitsui Bussan Building, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - President: Kunihiko Arai
• - Established: July 1997
• - Business Focus: M&A Advisory
• - Phone: 03-6848-0101
• - Website: www.strike.co.jp

For more details and to register, please visit the event's official page or contact the S Venture Lab team via email at [email protected]. Join us for an insightful experience that could shape the future of Tokushima's startup landscape.