Japan Sends Impact Startups and Investors To SOCAP23 Conference In San Francisco
HuffPost
The delegation was part of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s (METI) newly launched J-StarX program, created to support the overseas expansion of Japanese entrepreneurs and startups.
From Oct. 22–26, a delegation of 20 Japanese entrepreneurs and members of the impact startups ecosystem attended the SOCAP23 social entrepreneurship conference in San Francisco. Each year, SOCAP brings together investors, entrepreneurs and social impact leaders with the aim of solving some of the world’s toughest challenges with market-based solutions.
Early in 2023, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) launched an entrepreneurship development and overseas dispatch program called J-StarX. J-StarX aims to produce entrepreneurs with an international presence, and the program provides these ambitious entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect and learn from business leaders from around the world. In October, 20 companies were selected to participate in the program and receive concentrated support.
Japanese impact companies took the spotlight
Aiming to solve social and environmental issues by reconciling both public interest and economic viability, five Japanese impact startups introduced their companies and pitched their ideas to potential investors and business partners.
Katsuji Imata, president of the Social Impact Management Initiative (SIMI), described the current situation in Japan, including the growth of impact investment. He also discussed government support through J-StarX and the five-year plan for startup development.
