Unlocking Japan: Investor Night in London
Why Japan? Why Now? — Opening Up Japan’s Startup Ecosystem with Shibuya
Japan’s startup ecosystem is often described as a “black box” — hard to access, hard to understand, and even harder to navigate from the outside. But things are changing, and Shibuya is at the heart of it.
Shibuya Startup Support, a program backed by Tokyo Shibuya City, is coming to London for an evening dedicated to opening up that black box, and answering two simple questions: why Japan, and why now?
Join us to learn about:
The current state of Japan’s startup and investment landscape
Why Shibuya has become Tokyo’s key hub for innovation and international startups
How Shibuya City’s programs support global startups and investors entering the Japanese market
Opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Japanese ecosystems
This event is designed primarily for investors — VCs, CVCs, angels, and family offices — who are curious about Japan or already looking for ways to engage with the market. That said, startups and ecosystem builders are also very welcome to join, especially if you are considering Japan as your next market.
The evening will feature a fireside chat with speakers from the Japanese and UK ecosystems on the theme “Why Japan? Why Now?”, followed by networking with drinks.
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Time: 18:00–21:00 (Doors open 18:00, event starts 18:30)
Location: Central London (the exact venue will be shared with approved guests only)
Agenda:
18:00 — Doors open
18:30 — Opening remarks: introduction to Shibuya Startup Support and Japan’s investment landscape
18:40 — JETRO: support for UK startups and investors, including matchmaking with Japanese LPs
18:45 — Ecosystem partner introductions: Grow London Global and London Venture Capital Network
18:55 — Fireside chat: “Why Japan? Why Now?”
19:25 — Group photo
19:30 — Networking with drinks
21:00 — Close
Timings are approximate and may change slightly on the day.
Speakers:
Naoki Kamimaeda — Venture Partner, IQ Capital (formerly Partner & Europe Division Head, Global Brain)
Dama Sathianathan — Senior Partner, Bethnal Green Ventures
Alex Gover — Executive Vice President, Intralink
Jiella Esmat — CEO, 8 Lions
Supporting Partners:
Registration
Due to high demand, registration is now waitlist-only, and all registrations will be reviewed by the organiser. Approved guests will receive the venue details by email.
If you are approved but can no longer attend, please cancel your registration on Luma as soon as possible, so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. Thank you for your understanding!
Photography & Filming
Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event and may be used by Shibuya Startup Support and its partners for communications purposes, including our website, social media, and reports. By attending, you agree to this use. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let our team know at the reception.
About Shibuya Startup Support
Shibuya Startup Support is a Shibuya City government-backed program that helps international startups enter the Japanese market, offering support such as visa assistance, local network access, business matching and pilot projects in Shibuya.
Website: https://www.shibuya-startup-support.jp/?r=0
We look forward to seeing you in London!🇬🇧