​🌏 Where is the Startup & VC World Heading?

​Japan’s startup ecosystem is evolving. Global venture capital is changing. New technologies, business models, and investment trends are reshaping how companies are built and funded.

​Join JVA for an interactive roundtable with Paul McInerney from Incubate Fund to explore what’s happening across the Japanese and global startup, VC, and innovation landscape.

​💬 Start with your perspective

​Before hearing from an industry expert, we want to hear from you.

​We’ll begin with an open discussion around the current startup and VC landscape:

• ​What trends have you been noticing?

• ​What do you think is changing?

• ​What questions are you curious about?

• ​How do you see Japan compared with the global ecosystem?

​You don’t need to have a background in VC or startups to join. The goal is to bring different perspectives to the table and hear what students are actually thinking about the ecosystem today.

​🔥 Then, dig deeper with Paul

​Paul will share his perspectives and experiences from working across the venture ecosystem, giving us a closer look at the trends shaping Japanese and global startups, venture capital, and innovation.

​The discussion will stay interactive throughout, with plenty of room to ask questions, exchange ideas, and challenge different perspectives.

​Whether you’re already involved in startups and VC or just starting to figure out what all this “VC” actually means, you’re welcome to join.

​👤 Meet Paul McInerney

​Paul McInerney
General Partner, Incubate Fund

​Paul has nearly 30 years of experience across digital business, venture investment, consulting, and technology. He began his career at Recruit before joining McKinsey & Company, where he became Senior Partner and held leadership roles across Asia-Pacific.

​Since 2021, he has served as General Partner at Incubate Fund, focusing on venture investment and supporting startups.

​🗓️ Schedule

​18:00–18:15: Welcome & Introduction

​18:15–18:45: Students × Paul: Opening Conversation

​18:45–19:45: Interactive Roundtable

​19:45–20:00: Group Photo & Closing

​👋 Come with your questions, observations, or simply your curiosity.

​No preparation or VC expertise required — just an interest in understanding where the startup and investment world is heading.