Startup Lady’s Go Global Hub #6 Recap
🎯 Takeaway
AI accelerates social division — yet what unites us is the ignition of solution proposals from startup companies.
A solid product vision shows your success strategy deductively. You gain a blueprint of key people, resources, and market needs aligned with your business purpose.
While putting your business into action, four points will keep you on track:
“Product ownership,” “non-defensive listening,” “local partners,” and “adaptability.”International expansion requires deep research into both market and societal needs.
For instance, the Netherlands government strengthens market entry support for Japanese startups. The authorities offer a one-year visa and local ecosystem connection support.
The reverse pitch ignited sparks of borderless solutions and collaboration.
If you are facing challenges, let’s put our heads together!
Hello, everyone!
This blog is a brief report on “Go Global Hub #6 Global Connector Salon.”
“Go Global” is a startup entrepreneur–investor connection event series supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This time, we enjoyed our sixth gathering on February 2nd in Shibuya, Tokyo.
If you care for the details, please check out the official website from here.
We at Build+ are truly excited to support these fantastic business opportunities for startup stakeholders.
Now, let us step onto the showcase. Chop-chop! :)
🗣️ Lessons from the Keynote Speakers
Each time, we welcome guest speakers who share cutting-edge industry insights and a forward-looking vision. The evening led us through global expansion tactics.
Chika Yamamoto (CEO, CROSSBIE JAPAN K.K.): Ecosystem Perspective
Main Theme: “A solution view is the north star for an entrepreneur!”
Here are Chika’s four key points for entrepreneurs. The foundation of borderless business is a sharp product vision.
Let’s dive in!
The Business Purpose:
“Social Division by AI vs. Business Unity through Startups”
Individualisation is expanding with AI acceleration. With the emergence of AI, social division is also intensifying.
What unites us globally is a business solution to a social problem.
A solid understanding of your business purpose becomes your north star — guiding you to future collaborators, supporters, and market entry opportunities. ⭐️
Diversity and Local Collaboration: Business Culture Tapestry Across 4 Cities
As a business owner, Chika observed different business dynamics in four cities:
🇫🇮 Helsinki: Trust-building plays a crucial role in the white city of the north. You work toward long-term, sustainable value.
🇬🇧 London: Narrative matters in the city of fog. Stay true to your product purpose and remain aware of policy landscapes.
🇺🇸 New York: Energy is your companion in the city that never sleeps. Stay updated and be bold in capturing opportunities.
🇩🇪 Berlin: The city of freedom embraces inclusive co-creation. You tackle social challenges and experimentation alongside diverse communities.
Each city has unique preferences and business priorities. Thorough market research beforehand will stabilise your overseas market entry.
The Business Model: 4 Factors
The entrepreneur and ecosystem representative introduced four strategic pillars:
Product Ownership
What social value does your product create? What is your product vision? These questions crystallise your core strategy and clarify what you manage internally versus what you leverage from the ecosystem.
Non-Defensive Listening
Receive feedback openly, without protecting your current style. With honest analysis and a fair mindset, you can refine your strategy for long-term growth.
Local Partners
Local partners act as powerful advisors with market expertise. Ask accurate questions to build trustworthy relationships — not just receive flattering applause.
Adaptability
A flexible mindset ensures survival. You need both consistency in your message and adaptability to local cultures and market tides.
The Startup Key Stakeholders
Four players are essential for global expansion:
Startup
Stay agile. Execute flexibly and iterate rapidly.
Partners
They provide golden insights before and after market entry. Scale strategy and refine direction together.
Ecosystem
Connects you to networks, local startups, and government support.
Government
A door opener — not a gatekeeper. Many countries offer special visas and networking programs to attract entrepreneurs.
And yes, a global journey can be long. Sometimes it’s “fake it till you make it.”
Alright — now we move to the panel discussion with three more guests. Onward!
🗣️ Lessons from the Panel Discussion
Three additional startup stakeholders joined the stage.
Guest Speakers
Chika Yamamoto (CEO, CROSSBIE GmbH): Ecosystem Perspective
Taisuke (Alex) Odajima (Japan Representative, Start2 Group K.K.): Partnership Perspective
Hans Kuijpers (Minister Counsellor for Economy and Trade, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan): NL Government Perspective
Natsuko Mitsugi (Pivot Tokyo K.K.): Moderator
Agenda
What is the focal point for agile global expansion?
What preparation is needed before expansion?
What makes Japan attractive to foreign business owners?
Messages to aspiring entrepreneurs
Border-crossing insights filled the stage. Here are the highlights.
Agenda 1: Focal Point for Agile Global Expansion
Partnership Perspective
Understanding and respecting local customs is key. Culture and social conventions shape business practice. Priorities and criteria may require localisation.
Ecosystem Perspective
Clarity of business purpose is crucial. Bridge your solution to a real social problem. Then find the ecosystem to fill remaining gaps.
NL Government Perspective
The Netherlands encourages expansion with one-year startup visas and ecosystem networking support.
Agenda 2: Preparation Before Global Expansion
Partnership Perspective
Analyse business purpose and market needs. Planning is essential for future success.
※ Japan’s GDP accounts for roughly 4% of global GDP. The remaining 96% represents overseas opportunity.
Ecosystem Perspective
Deeply understand your mission. Then focus on collaborators and media exposure. Strong networks and marketing discussions create momentum.
※ Your mission acts as your guiding north star.
NL Government Perspective
DX and rapid iteration enable smoother collaboration with authorities.
Agenda 3: Japan’s Appeal for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Partnership Perspective
Japan is known for persistence. Once established, you can build long-term stability. However, entering the market may take time.
Ecosystem Perspective
Japan’s hyper-aging society presents major opportunities in healthcare and insurance.
Agenda 4: Messages to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Chika Yamamoto: Focus on the social value of your business.
Your vision connects you to key supporters and supply chains.
Taisuke (Alex) Odajima: Conduct thorough pre-launch research.
Preparation fertilises future growth.
Hans Kuijpers: The door is open.
The Netherlands welcomes Japanese startups.
What do you think of these perspectives?
If you want to build new connections in the startup sector, consider joining upcoming sessions. The 7th gathering will be the final event in this series.
Seize the moment!
For those of you who’d like to build a brand new connection in the startup sector, please join the final event on February 17th at Tokyo Innovation Base.
Register here: https://luma.com/d4amw8dh
Now, let us go through the reverse pitching.
💡 Reverse Pitch & Solution Time
This was our second reverse pitch session — a collaborative brainstorming format focused on speakers’ real challenges.
Format
3 minutes: Presenter introduces business needs
4 minutes: Audience shares ideas
Next presenter follows
Participants included entrepreneurs, academia, and government representatives.
Sectors: Startup (FemTech, AdTech, CyberTech), Government (NL)
Market Base: International, multi-sector, various company sizes
Growth Stage: From multi-country startups to academic initiatives
Outcome
Sparks flew — both online and offline — from strategy refinement to bureaucratic pain points.
Quick note: We used LinkedIn’s “post and reply” function during discussions. If you haven’t explored it yet, now’s your chance. Jump in and join the ride! 🏄
🙌 Conclusion
Thank you for walking through this energising experience.
The 7th and final session will take place on February 17th.
Please seize the opportunity!
We hope this report brings a spark of inspiration to your professional journey.
We regularly share cutting-edge tech industry and recruitment updates in both English and Japanese. Stay tuned 🙂
