#2 Why Japan, Why Now?

Japan's startup funding has grown roughly 10x in a decade, international VCs are entering the market, and the old "risk-averse Japan" perception no longer matches reality. In this episode, we are joined by Nori Sakamoto, Managing Partner and COO at UTEC and a three-time Forbes Japan Midas List honoree, to unpack what actually changed and where Japan's startup ecosystem is headed next.AGENDA:00:00 Introduction: Rising Edge and guest Nori Sakamoto01:08 Japan's ecosystem twelve years ago and the tenfold growth in startup funding03:52 Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) and the "missing unicorns" question07:01 Tokyo Stock Exchange's ¥10 billion rule and evolving exit strategies09:10 International VCs arrive, and how Japanese VC funds stack up on returns11:50 Talent mobility and government support for startups15:41 Japan's science and technology edge: patents, Nobel prizes, and key sectors19:56 The next decade: going global and Japan's unique opportunitiesLinks:Japan Startup Ecosystem Overview - ReportUTEC (The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners)Connect with the guest Nori Sakamoto and host Kiran Mysore:Nori SakamotoKiran MysoreStay tuned for more stories from the land of the rising sun!