Japan Pitch Night in Helsinki
Japan Pitch Night in Helsinki
Join us on Slush Day 1 for an exclusive evening connecting Japanese and European startups, investors, and ecosystem builders. Experience high-energy pitches, structured networking, and unique opportunities to explore partnerships and Japan market entry.
Event Details
Date & Time: Nov 19, 2025 (Slush Day 1), 18:30–21:30
Location: Balderin Sali
Organized by: Takeoff Tokyo, Helsinki Partners
Key Ecosystem Partners: Shibuya Startup Support, Blackbox, Fukuoka City, City of Kyoto
Who Should Attend:
European startups interested in entering the Japanese market
Investors and corporate partners
Ecosystem builders, local governments, and startup supporters
Event Timetable
18:30 Doors Open
19:00 Opening
19:05–19:10 Ecosystem Introductions
Blackbox (Sayaka Nakashima, Mari Matsuzaki)
Helsinki Partners (Sonja Malin)
19:10–19:15 Pitches by Japanese local governments
Shibuya City
Sapporo City
City of Kyoto
Tokyo Metropolitan government
Fukuoka City
19:15–19:45 Startup Pitches from Japan & Europe
Helsieni (Benoit Mantel)
BIOCOLL (Michael Healy-Rehn)
nolla_E (Nikolas Salomaa)
Innovet (Hina Sakai)
Kotoba Samurai (Ryoo Yamada)
OliOil (Laura Lepistö)
Genroks (Uros Stanimirovic)
Tribe Networks (Paul James Brennan)
19:45–21:30 Networking
Why Attend?
Showcase Japan’s startup ecosystem
Experience a rare opportunity where Japan’s startups, local governments, and ecosystem supporters unite in one evening.
Connect with investors and partners
Discover investment, partnership, and PoC opportunities for Japan entry.
Bridge Japanese and European ecosystems
Exchange insights, foster collaboration, and build lasting relationships across borders.
Join a continuous community
Continue networking and information sharing after the event through WhatsApp group.
Takeoff Tokyo:
Takeoff Tokyo is an international pitch event and conference for the most ambitious in & out of Japan. It brings together startups, investors, and ecosystem leaders from around the world.
The next edition of Takeoff Tokyo is scheduled for March 31 and April 1, 2026.
Helsinki Partners:
Helsinki Partners is the official marketing and investment agency of the City of Helsinki. Whether you are exploring opportunities in the Nordics or planning a lasting presence, we provide discreet, personalized support to connect you with the right partners, insights, and opportunities - always free of charge and with the utmost respect for trust and confidentiality.
Shibuya Startup Support:
Shibuya Startup Support is a government-backed program by Tokyo Shibuya City Office to help global entrepreneurs softlanding in Japan with visa assistance and business support.
Blackbox:
Blackbox is a global media platform offering open, accessible English coverage of Japan’s startup ecosystem — bridging the language gap and connecting global entrepreneurs and investors.
Fukuoka City:
Fukuoka City is a leading startup hub in Japan, ideally located just a short flight from major Asian cities. We are honored to join SLUSH 2025 as part of the ALL JAPAN team alongside other municipal governments. If you are curious about Fukuoka City, just say hi — we would love to connect!
City of Kyoto:
Kyoto is not only steeped in history and tradition but is also emerging as a vibrant center of innovation. Home to world-class universities, research institutions, and technology companies, Kyoto fosters an ecosystem that drives advanced research and groundbreaking discoveries. The city actively supports startups through incubation programs, collaborative research, international partnerships, and Japan's leading startup conference "IVS."
Pitch, network, and spark the next big partnership—see you soon in Helsinki!