Funds Startups CEO Hirohiro Maekawa to Speak at MUFG Startup Summit 2025

Funds Startups, a startup-focused financial services company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has announced that its representative, Hirohiro Maekawa, will present at the MUFG Startup Summit 2025. Scheduled for December 16 and 17, 2025, this prominent event aims to facilitate the creation of innovative business opportunities and provide practical management knowledge to accelerate business growth. The summit will take place at the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center.

Event Overview

Hirohiro Maekawa is set to take the stage on December 16 at 1:30 PM during a session titled “Weaving Growth Stories of Deep Tech Startups, as Narrated by Opinion Leaders.” In this session, he will delve into the essential funding strategies for deep tech companies, particularly focusing on debt financing. Maekawa's insights will be pivotal for entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of financial growth within this niche sector.

The MUFG Startup Summit 2025 serves as a platform for startups to showcase their innovative ideas and connect with key stakeholders in the business community. The primary goal is to foster collaboration and skill-sharing among various players in the startup ecosystem. With features including expert panels, networking opportunities, and workshops, attendees will leave with valuable insights to implement in their ventures.

Session Highlights

During his talk, Maekawa will dissect the growth trajectory of Japan's eminent deep tech startup, Kyoto Fusionering. This case study will include discussions on significant funding rounds and strategic global expansions that have defined the company’s success. Additionally, Maekawa will explore the core of growth strategies involving equity, grants, and debt financing—critical components for any deep tech startup aiming to scale.

Joining Maekawa in this discussion are prominent figures such as Takuma Uenodan from Kyoto Fusionering, Tomotaka Goji from the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners, Yuki Yoshimura from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, and Shinsuke Tsukihara from the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. Their combined experience and expertise will provide a comprehensive view of the funding landscape for deep tech startups in Japan.

Profile of Hirohiro Maekawa

Maekawa's expertise is rooted in extensive experience across various sectors. Before joining Funds in 2020, he served as an executive officer overseeing domestic operations and corporate planning at Enrishing, an HR startup. As a board member and CFO at Funds, he successfully led fundraising efforts totaling 5.4 billion yen from both domestic and international institutional investors, venture capitalists, and corporate entities. In 2023, he founded Funds Startups, where he currently oversees a venture debt fund of approximately 4 billion yen, fostering growth through innovative financing solutions.

At Funds Startups, the mission is clear: to develop mechanisms that ensure socially impactful startups achieve optimal growth trajectories. Operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Funds, the company focuses on managing the Funds Venture Debt Fund while supporting partnerships with financial institutions.

Conclusion

The MUFG Startup Summit 2025 promises to be a landmark event for startups, especially in the deep tech sector. Hirohiro Maekawa's session will equip attendees with essential strategies and insights necessary for navigating the complex funding landscape. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or stakeholder in the startup ecosystem, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

For more details and to register for the event, visit the official MUFG Startup Summit website.