Startup M&A 101: Who Should You Consult, and How? – The Role of Trusted Third Parties in Decision-Making

When startup founders begin considering M&A as part of their growth journey, many are unsure who to turn to — and how. With so many players involved — VCs, tax advisors, M&A specialists — it’s not always clear where to begin. As an entrepreneur facing tough and often solitary decisions, who should you really seek advice from? What kind of input matters most? Or do you even need outside advice at all? In this session, four key figures from across Japan’s startup ecosystem will take on this fundamental question with honesty and insight. You’ll hear from M&A experts who have been on the front lines of countless deals, entrepreneurs who have leveraged M&A and investment to unlock non-linear growth, and investors who have guided many founders through high-stakes decisions. What makes for a successful M&A outcome? How should founders interpret advice from their VCs or shareholders? Drawing from firsthand experience, the speakers will unpack the real tensions behind the headlines, and the pivotal moments when external perspectives reshaped a company’s future. If you’re thinking seriously about M&A — a force that will shape the future of Japan’s startup ecosystem — this is a session you can’t afford to miss.