Press Release Asia

Endeavor Entrepreneur Tour & Summit 2024: Fostering Global Collaboration and Innovation in Japan’s Growing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Tokyo, Japan – The Endeavor Entrepreneur Tour & Summit 2024, held from October 9-11, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan, brought together over 50 participants for the tour from Southeast Asia and across the world, including countries like Brazil, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the United States. Over the course of three days, attendees had an exclusive look into Japan’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and strategic growth opportunities.

The event kicked off with a lively Welcome Reception on October 9 in Tokyo, marking the second Endeavor Asia Entrepreneur Tour, following last year’s success in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This time, however, it also marked a special milestone: the very first Endeavor Summit hosted by Endeavor Japan. 

The reception featured an inspiring opening speech from Teruhide Sato, Founder & CEO of Beenext Capital Management Pte. Ltd., who set an ambitious tone for the days ahead. Sato emphasized the power of networking in today’s entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting how meaningful connections can lead to breakthrough collaborations. He introduced the Japanese concept of ICHIGO ICHIE (一期一会), which means “one time, one meeting.” He urged attendees to seize every moment and interaction as a unique opportunity, underscoring the value of making the most of the time spent at the event, as such moments may never happen again.

Participants also visited some of Japan’s leading companies, gaining behind-the-scenes insights into how these businesses are setting new standards in innovation:

  • AnyMind Group: Showcasing how BPaaS is revolutionizing marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation
  • Yamato Holdings: Highlighting cutting-edge logistics operations that redefine efficiency in land, sea, and air transportation
  • SBI Holdings: Demonstrating how this financial conglomerate is shaping securities brokerage, banking, insurance, and investments
  • Vector: Sharing the strategies behind Japan’s top PR agency and Asia’s No. 1 Total Communication Group, ranked 6th globally
  • Tokyo Tatemono: Japan’s oldest real estate developer, known for its leadership in innovation hubs and redevelopment in top business districts

 

Key Takeaways from the Tour:

  1. Advanced Logistics Insights: Participants gained firsthand knowledge of Japan’s state-of-the-art logistics operations and innovations, learning about highly efficient parcel processing technologies and next-generation transport solutions.
  2. Navigating Japanese Business Culture: Attendees gained crucial insights into understanding the nuances of Japanese business practices, cultural dynamics, and investment opportunities for foreign startups seeking entry into this complex yet promising market.
  3. Strategic Investment Approaches: Participants were introduced to effective global investment strategies and learned the importance of forging international partnerships as a means to drive sustainable business growth.
  4. Leadership and Resilience: Through key discussions, the emphasis on leadership transparency and fostering a culture that celebrates both successes and challenges emerged as key factors in building resilient companies.
  5. Networking for Success: The tour presented invaluable networking opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs to form relationships essential for penetrating the Japanese market and fostering long-term, cross-border collaborations.

 

Endeavor Japan Summit

The tour culminated with the Endeavor Japan Summit, which brought together over 190 attendees from the global tour and Japan’s local entrepreneurial ecosystem. This dynamic gathering featured notable speakers, panel discussions, and networking sessions. The summit opened with a keynote speech by Taizo Son, Co-founder and Visionary of The Edgeof.

 

Highlights from Taizo Son’s Keynote:

In his address, Taizo Son explored the parallels between art and science through a vivid analogy, asking the thought-provoking question, “Can AI make sushi?” He explained how sushi represents a blend of art (neta, the fish) and technique (shari, the rice), symbolizing the intersection of creativity and technology that entrepreneurs must embrace to succeed. Son underscored the importance of nurturing local knowledge clusters as the future battleground for AI development shifts from Silicon Valley to ecosystems across the globe. He encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage Japan’s rich local networks and data to drive AI innovation and sustainable business growth.

Taizo also spoke about his alignment with Endeavor’s mission and the importance of building a strong global network of trusted partners and innovators to bring about positive change in the world.

 

Other Key Speakers at the Summit:

The summit also featured prominent speakers and thought leaders who delivered invaluable insights:

  • Sogo Kosuge, CEO & Co-founder, AnyMind Group
  • Koichiro Nakamura, Co-founder & Senior Managing Director, Sozo Ventures
  • Oliver Rippel, Co-founder & Partner, Asia Partners
  • Nobutake Suzuki, President & CEO, MUFG Innovation Partners
  • Wagner Ruiz, Co-founder & Board Member, EBANX
  • Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investments, BNI Ventures

 

Key Takeaways from the Summit:

  1. AI’s Transformative Potential: Taizo Son emphasized how AI is reshaping industries, encouraging entrepreneurs to blend creativity and technology to succeed in the global marketplace.
  2. International Expansion Insights: The summit’s panels provided crucial advice on scaling businesses internationally, highlighting the importance of navigating cultural and regulatory challenges when entering markets like Japan.
  3. Investor Expectations: Venture capital experts shared valuable insights into what investors look for, emphasizing the significance of metrics, strategic market entry, and the essential elements needed to secure capital for global expansion.
  4. Building Innovation Ecosystems: Fireside discussions highlighted the role of collaborative ecosystems in driving innovation, with governments and private sectors working hand-in-hand to nurture tech startups and scale-ups
  5. Real-World AI Applications: Panelists explored how AI is making a positive impact in healthcare, education, and other sectors, underscoring its potential to improve lives on a global scale.

 

This year’s Endeavor Entrepreneur Tour & Summit was made possible through the generous support of our partners:

  • Main Partner: Sozo Ventures
  • Official Partners: Carta, Mitsui Fudosan
  • Tour Partners: Vector, AnyMind, Yamato Holdings, Tokyo Tatemono, SBI Holdings
  • Experience Partners: Bonx, Studio Stark, Flitto, Schmatz
  • Community Partners: dealroom.co, Mugen Links
  • Media Partner: Forbes Japan

 

Reflecting on the event, Manny Ayala, Endeavor Asia Regional Managing Director, said: “The Japan market offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to collaborate and innovate. This tour has shown how bridging ecosystems can unlock new potential for growth and partnerships across borders.”

Rina Otsuka, Executive Director of Endeavor Japan, added: “The connections made during this tour and summit will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking collaborations in the future. Endeavor Japan is proud to have facilitated such a vibrant exchange of ideas and innovation.”

The Endeavor Entrepreneur Tour & Summit 2024 was a resounding success, laying the foundation for continued collaboration and growth between Japan and Southeast Asia’s entrepreneurial ecosystems.