The Colombia Japan Startup Forum: Fostering Global Collaboration
On July 23, 2026, the vibrant city of Bogotá, Colombia, played host to the highly anticipated Colombia Japan Startup Forum. Organized by B Venture Capital (BVC), led by CEO and GP Mitsuyoshi Nakayama from São Paulo, this forum aimed to strengthen the ties between Colombia and Japan in the startup ecosystem.
Skylight Consulting, a Tokyo-based company, played a pivotal role in supporting this forum, with its representative Toshiki Habutsu invited as a keynote speaker. This event sought to promote collaboration between startup founders, investors, venture capitalists, and key players within the innovation ecosystem from both nations.
Key Highlights of the Forum
The forum featured various engaging segments, including keynote speeches from angel investors and pitch presentations from innovative startups. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities in corporate AI innovation, titled "Challenges on Corporate AI Innovation."
Toshiki Habutsu from Skylight Consulting participated in the panel alongside Hiroki Hashikawa, President and CEO of Monster Lab, and Marcela Valencia Tello, the Head of Open Innovation at BBVA Colombia. The session was moderated by BVC’s Mitsuyoshi Nakayama, who expertly guided the discussion. Each panelist shared insights from their respective fields, tackling topics such as the return on investment (ROI) in the age of AI business innovation, governance during global expansion, and regional collaboration strategies.
The exchange of ideas during this panel sparked significant interest among attendees, emphasizing the crucial role AI plays in shaping the future of business and investment. The collaborative spirit resonated throughout the forum, with participants eagerly engaging in discussions and networking opportunities.
About B Venture Capital (BVC)
BVC focuses on investing primarily in Latin American startups while supporting local innovation ecosystems. They emphasize international growth with a spotlight on collaboration with Japanese businesses. Since 2022, the firm has organized meet-up events where local investors and startups can convene and share insights, thus cultivating a vibrant network of innovation.
Past BVC meetup events included notable gatherings in various cities, showcasing their commitment to building a strong community across the region. Some key events were held in São Paulo in November 2022, followed by Bogotá in June 2023, and further events scheduled for Mexico City, Lima, and more in the upcoming years.
Skylight's Strategic Role
Skylight Consulting has established a strategic partnership with BVC since 2021, playing a crucial role in promoting global open innovation by linking Japanese innovations with opportunities overseas. This partnership is not only vital for Skylight but also for the broader landscape of international collaboration between Colombia and Japan.
For more information about Skylight Consulting and its initiatives, please visit their official website at
Skylight Consulting.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this event, please reach out to:
Skylight Consulting Inc.
Email:
[email protected]
Address: 2-17-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Founded: March 10, 2000
Representative: Toshiki Habutsu
All company names and product names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.