M&A for Startups Conference 2026: A Catalyst for Growth in Japan's Economy

M&A for Startups Conference 2026: Unleashing Growth and Innovation

Forstartups Inc., a company dedicated to supporting growth industries, is proud to announce its collaboration with Mitsui Sumitomo Bank to host the upcoming M&A for Startups Conference 2026. Scheduled for September 4, 2026, the conference aims to invigorate the M&A market for startups and support the growth of both sellers and buyers in this dynamic landscape.

Event Overview

- Conference Name: M&A for Startups Conference 2026
- Theme: Innovative M&A Strategies Linking Startup Mobility with Buyer Capital
- Date: September 4, 2026 (Friday), from 13:00 to 19:00 (Networking from 19:00 to 20:00)
- Venue: 31st Floor, Mori JP Tower, Azabudai Hills, Forstartups Headquarters
- Hosts: Mitsui Sumitomo Bank and Forstartups Inc.
- Target Audience: Executives and representatives from companies, startups, venture capital firms, and financial institutions interested in M&A as a growth strategy
- Participation Fee: Free
- Special Website: Forstartups Conference 2026

The Background and Concept Behind the Event

The Japanese economy is at a pivotal moment, moving past what many refer to as the “lost 30 years.” With the government's Startup Development 5-Year Plan, the business environment is evolving rapidly. However, while Japan's startup ecosystem thrives, M&A remains an underutilized strategy compared to the Western market, where mergers often serve as a key method for companies to scale and innovate.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Startup M&A Guidance emphasizes the critical role M&A plays in achieving non-linear growth for both buyers and sellers. For larger corporations, M&A can lead to new ventures, enhanced existing operations, and improved productivity, while startups benefit from increased social credibility and access to new customer bases. Yet, practical challenges such as concerns over valuation, accounting for goodwill or impairment risk, and post-merger integration complexities often hinder many potential deals.

This conference will gather top stakeholders, including startups, buyers, investors, financial institutions, and policymakers, to discuss the fundamental bottlenecks in startup M&A and explore concrete approaches for overcoming them. The ultimate goal is to reshape Japan’s innovation ecosystem.

Agenda and Program Structure

The conference will feature six engaging sessions, beginning at 13:00, followed by a networking party designed to accelerate real deals and alliances.

- 13:00-13:10: Opening Remarks
- 13:10-14:00: [Opening Session] A New Growth Equation to Break Japan’s Stagnation: Startup M&A
- 14:10-15:00: [Session 1] Why Did That Startup Opt for M&A?
- 15:10-16:00: [Session 2] Startup M&A as a Survival Strategy for Buyers
- 16:10-17:00: [Session 3] Confrontation Between Startup Future Value and Buyer Depreciation
- 17:10-18:00: [Session 4] Turn Cultural Clashes into Synergy: The 100-Day PMI Plan
- 18:10-19:00: [Session 5] VC Perspectives on Conditions for Deal Success and Ecosystem Evolution
- 19:00-20:00: Networking

Featured Speakers

Prominent leaders in Japan’s innovation ecosystem are set to speak, including:

- Fumiyaki Kobayashi: House of Representatives Member and Chairman of the Economic and Industrial Division, Liberal Democratic Party
- Noboru Saito: CEO of BIPROGY Inc. and Chair of Keidanren’s Startup Committee
- Toru Miyagi: CEO of UPSIDER Holdings Inc.
- Yuhong Rao: Founder and Chairman of GRAND Inc.
- Kazuhiko Chuba: CBDO at Mizuho Financial Group and Mizuho Bank
- Masakazu Masushima: Partner at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
- Yusuke Asakura: Managing Partner of Animal Spirits LLC
- Mariko Yazawa: Founder and CEO of Yazawa Ventures
- Akihiko Ishikawa: Managing Director at Accenture
- Katsuzō Takeuchi: Managing Director at Accenture
- Yasuhiko Yurimoto: President of Global Brain Corp
- Tomotaka Soji: CEO of The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners
- Minoru Konno: Senior Partner at Globis Capital Partners

Summary

Through presentations and discussions, insights will be shared to enable participants to tackle the obstacles that have historically impeded successful startup M&As, ultimately leading to a more vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan.