International Delegation

November 10-12, 2025

Get ready to discover Japan’s innovation ecosystem!

The GCV Asia: International Delegation is back, giving you insider access to Japan’s leading CVCs and VCs through highly curated investor meetups and corporate site visits, culminating in our flagship GCV Asia: Congress (November 12, 2025).

The Japanese ecosystem is renowned for its cutting-edge advancements in deeptech, university spinouts, mobility, biotech and sustainability. With a unique blend of world-class R&D, strong corporate-startup collaboration and a growing CVC industry, the country offers unparalleled opportunities for global investors and innovators alike.

This year, we will also bring you unforgettable cultural experiences and networking activities you won’t want to miss.

We’re still finalising this year’s agenda, but check out the 2024 edition below for a taste of the GCV Asia: International Delegation.

※ Congress 前日に開催される『 International Delegation（国際代表団）』（11月10日～11日） は、主に海外からご参加の CVC 関係者向けのプログラムです。

日本国内に拠点を置かれていらっしゃる CVC の皆様には、同日程開催の『 GCV Institute 』養成コースへのご参加をお勧めしております。

Monday, November 11, 2024

18:00 - 20:00

Welcome Drinks

Enjoy some refreshments and get to know your fellow delegates before the main programme starts on November 12.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

10:00 - 12:00

Meet & Greet Event with Japanese VCs and International CVCs powered by JETRO and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Connect with some of the leading investors in the Japanese investment ecosystem, from corporate venturers to venture capitalists to government agencies, and gain exclusive first-hand insight into the expansive APAC corporate venture landscape.

10:00-10:15 Networking refreshments & registration

10:15-10:30 Welcome remarks:

  • Tomoko Suemura, Deputy Director General, Office for Startup and Global Financial Strategy, Tokyo Metropolitan Government

  • Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Vice President, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

  • Charlie Hayward, Deputy Managing Director, Global Corporate Venturing (GCV)

10:30-10:50 Fireside Chat: The Art of Cross-Border Investment – International VCs and Japanese Startups

  • Olivia Jones, Director, In-Q-Tel

  • Kiyoshi Seko, COO and Director, Kyoto Fusioneering)

10:50-11:20 Introductions from Japanese VCs

11:20-12:30 Speed Networking

12:30 - 13:45

Networking Lunch

14:00 - 18:00

Techstars Tokyo Demo Day 2024 powered by JETRO and Mitsui Fudosan

Enjoy complimentary access to the Tech Stars Demo Day! Techstars is known for its Techstars Accelerator, a three-month sector-agnostic programme committed to advancing world-class startups focused on emerging technologies through mentorship, funding and fundraising opportunities, workshops and curated resources aggregated by an international network of corporate partners, investors and alumni.

This Demo Day is your chance to hear directly from Techstars founders about the innovative products they have been building throughout the project, learn more about their strategy for success, and explore emerging technologies across industries including deeptech, fintech, cleantech and climatetech.

18:30 - 21:30

Networking Dinner hosted by TDK Ventures

Enjoy this intimate networking opportunity accompanied by authentic Japanese cuisine – prepared with seasonal and fresh ingredients – on a traditional boat with an astonishing view of Tokyo Bay!

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

08:45 - 19:00

GCV Asia: Congress 2024

Join local Japanese delegates for a full day of immersive learning and building connections, including:

  • Engaging sessions with star industry speakers

  • Sector-specific discussions that take a deep dive into an industry - tackling its issues, opportunities, and future

  • Women in Venture programme tacking DEI in the world of corporate venturing

See the full agenda for more information.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

09:00 - 20:00

Growth Industry Conference - GRIC 2024

Head over to ‘Japan’s premier global startup conference’ to connect with innovative startups and ecosystem builders from Japan and beyond. You’ll have the chance to: listen and learn from industry leaders sharing their expertise on the main stage through fireside chats; get to know startups and their innovative products through lively pitch sessions; and network with your peers from across the globe in a speed-dating activity and casual meetings.

Registering for the GCV Asia: International Delegation automatically registers you for GRIC 2024 as a member of the delegation. Delegates will also be invited to be pitch judges.

Friday, November 15, 2024

14:30 - 20:20

Startup Horizon 2024 in Osaka

Although not an official part of the programme, all delegates are encouraged to join this complimentary event in Osaka co-hosted by JETRO and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Own travel and accommodation arrangements in Osaka required.