GRIC (Growth Industry Conference), organized by for Startups, Inc. ("for Startups"), will be suspended until further notice in light of recent changes in the startup ecosystem.
Background and Reasons for the Suspension
GRIC was first launched in 2021 with the goal of further advancing Japan's startup ecosystem by bringing together startups, corporations, investors, and other key stakeholders from Japan and around the world.
Since then, the conference has continued to evolve under its current name and has been held annually as a hybrid event combining both online and in-person experiences.
In recent years, however, the startup ecosystem has entered a period of significant transformation. With IPO activity declining due to changes in the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market and revisions to listing maintenance requirements, creating a healthier and more diverse exit environment has become one of the most critical challenges facing the startup ecosystem.
To address this challenge, for Startups launched a startup M&A matching service to support the development of new exit opportunities for startups. In addition to regularly hosting events focused on this area, for Startups will co-host the M&A for Startups Conference 2026 with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in September 2026. These initiatives reflect the growing need for more focused, high-value, invite-only events centered on specific market challenges.
In response to these changes in the business environment, for Startups has decided to reassess and redefine the future direction of GRIC over the medium to long term. While GRIC has played an important role as a platform for open innovation and broad-based connections across the startup ecosystem, we believe the conference should evolve into a forum that enables deeper, more focused dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing the market today.
As part of this process, GRIC will be suspended until further notice.
We will continue to share updates regarding future initiatives and developments through the for Startups website and other official channels.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
