A groundbreaking initiative connected Japanese entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley’s resources, networks, and mentorship, empowering startups to scale globally.
On September 4th, Stanford University hosted a landmark event that highlighted the growing interconnectivity of global startup ecosystems: the Japan-US Startup Ecosystem Roundup. The gathering explored policy and market-driven opportunities for cross-border growth, bringing together visionary leaders, influential investors, and pioneering entrepreneurs shaping the future of innovation between Japan and the United States.
The event offered a comprehensive dialogue on the intersection of technology, policy, and entrepreneurial strategy. Networking and refreshments followed until 8:00 PM, creating opportunities for direct engagement. For participants in Japan, virtual access was provided the following morning, ensuring inclusivity despite physical space limitations.
At its heart, the Japan-US Startup Ecosystem Roundup was more than a conference, it was a strategic forum designed to accelerate international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment. By connecting Japanese corporates, U.S.-based investors, and emerging entrepreneurs, the program fostered a sustainable pipeline of innovation that transcended national borders.
The Roundup was anchored by Stanford’s US-Asia Technology Management Center (US-ATMC), a program devoted to integrating research insights with real-world market applications. Since its inception, US-ATMC has served as a critical platform for exploring emerging technologies, investment trends, and international innovation management.
A central figure behind the initiative was Alec Walker, a Stanford MBA graduate and twice-exited founder. Walker spent years building communities and enabling cross-border innovation. His leadership ensured that participants gained not only exposure to research and trends but also actionable strategies for scaling startups internationally.
The program’s dual emphasis on research and practical application distinguished it from other conferences. It convened policymakers, venture capitalists, corporate innovators, and industry leaders, offering nuanced perspectives on navigating both Japanese and American business environments. By combining case studies, technology analysis, and mentorship, US-ATMC equipped startups with tools to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and align their innovations with market realities.
The Roundup was tailored for investors and corporates engaging with startups, featuring expert panels, keynotes, and interactive discussions. The hybrid model, blending in-person and online participation, underscored the organizers’ commitment to global engagement.
The structure reflected an understanding of the fast-moving startup world. Sessions on policy, funding, and cross-border operations equipped attendees to make informed decisions in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Featured Speakers
The event featured an extraordinary lineup spanning academia, corporate leadership, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.
- Richard Dasher, Director of US-ATMC, had long been part of Stanford’s innovation ecosystem. In 2023, he received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his contributions to U.S.-Japan economic relations.
- Kenta Yasukawa, Co-Founder and CTO of Soracom, advanced cloud-native cellular connectivity and AI. His company, later listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, reflected Japan’s role in global IoT development.
- Kathy Matsui, Co-Founder of MPower Partners and architect of the Womenomics framework, continued to influence Japan’s startup ecosystem through ESG-focused investments.
- Yutaka Matsuo, a leading authority on AI strategy, chaired Japan’s AI Strategy Council and shared insights from his academic and corporate roles.
- Kazuki Ohta, CEO of Treasure Data, scaled his company into a global leader in Customer Data Platforms, showcasing the potential of AI in customer engagement.
- Jorge Cortell, Executive Director of TECH-Tokyo, brought experience from six startups, including one unicorn, emphasizing healthcare innovation.
- Don Butler, Managing Director at Thomvest Ventures, shared expertise in fintech and cybersecurity investments.
- Shiho Watabe, Chairman of Shibuya Startups KK, leveraged her experience at Google, Morgan Stanley, and Mercari to guide startups across APAC, EMEA, and Silicon Valley.
- Simeon Bochev, Co-Founder of Compute Exchange, introduced the world’s first open marketplace for AI compute, highlighting the link between innovation and social impact.
Additional speakers included representatives from Mitsubishi Electric, Sony Ventures, Morrison Foerster, Nomura Strategic Ventures, and others, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise across venture capital, mobility, healthcare, and fintech.
Among the guests this exceptional event brought together – Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, business experts, and investors- we also noticed media personalities and brand strategists. “This is a remarkable initiative,” says Victor Migalchan, EMMY Awards Judge and Showrunner. “I was honored to be invited and to share insights on brand development and how startups can genuinely connect with American audiences. The understanding of branding and marketing in Silicon Valley is fundamentally different from the approach top Hollywood players use, and that perspective can make all the difference. Success is not just about individual achievement—it’s about nurturing the entire business community. When the ecosystem thrives, everyone within it, including myself, thrives as well. Collaboration, shared knowledge, and mutual growth are what drive real impact.”
Another standout guest at the event was Allison Zhang, a renowned expert in real estate development and management, as well as a respected media personality. Her deep understanding of market dynamics, strategic project execution, and innovative approaches to property development has earned her recognition across both industry and media circles. Allison brings a unique blend of practical expertise and visionary thinking. Her presence reinforced the event’s commitment to showcasing leaders who are shaping industries, bridging business strategy with public engagement, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Japan-US Startup Ecosystem Roundup represented a critical juncture for cross-border innovation. By combining insights from investors, corporate leaders, policy experts, and entrepreneurs, it created a comprehensive knowledge platform addressing every aspect of startup growth, from funding and product development to market entry and regulatory compliance.
The event also functioned as a strategic networking hub, opening doors to investment, partnerships, and mentorship opportunities. Its hybrid structure reinforced inclusivity, enabling both in-person and virtual participants to benefit.
With topics ranging from AI and IoT to ESG investment and mobility, the Roundup illuminated emerging trends while demonstrating how U.S.-Japan collaboration could drive global startup success. Attendees left with practical strategies and visionary inspiration to compete on an international scale.
In an era when entrepreneurship was increasingly global, the Japan-US Startup Ecosystem Roundup stood out as a catalyst for collaboration and long-term growth. For startups seeking to scale, investors pursuing opportunities, and corporates integrating innovation, the event offered actionable insights and enduring connections.
By convening diverse voices and showcasing leaders from both nations, the Roundup reinforced the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and strategic foresight in shaping the future of international startups.
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