for Startups, Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuichiro Shimizu), which promotes the growth industry support business in Japan, announces the participating companies for “SPEED DATING” at GRIC2025, a large-scale conference connecting Japan’s growth industries with the world, taking place this November.
About “SPEED DATING”
This program offers one of Japan’s rare “no pre-screening, walk-in” opportunities where entrepreneurs can directly consult with investors and leading enterprises on site. Usually these conversations require prior selection and scheduling. At GRIC2025, founders can engage in short “wall-talk” style discussions with top domestic and international investors and decision-makers from major corporations. This is a highly valuable chance not only for fundraising but also for exploring business co-creation and global expansion.
A total of 23 organizations will participate, each with diverse objectives such as investment, partnership development, and overseas business collaboration. Their areas of focus range widely from deep tech to SaaS, mobility, and environmental energy, enabling founders to choose the most relevant advisors for their stage and challenges.
Participating Companies (partial list)
• Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited
Targets mid to later-stage companies. Exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in climate tech, disaster prevention/mitigation, AI, VoC, and mobility.
• SoftBank Group Corp.
Targets seed to mid-stage companies with GPU utilization needs. Explores investment and business collaboration opportunities in AI models and AI SaaS across industries.
• SMBC Edge
We are looking for potential unicorn companies across all sectors and stages that can drive the creation of new industries in Japan.
•INTEC INC.
Exploring collaboration opportunities with companies addressing major social issues such as financial inclusion, decarbonization, health challenges, and regional revitalization.
• Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corporation
Open to collaboration across stages. Focus areas include environmental technologies, Greater Shibuya enhancement, and local asset utilization.
• SMBC Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
Targets all stages with emphasis on companies in space, defense, and security with innovative technologies.
• AGS Capital Partners Co., Ltd
Targets Series A and beyond. Seeks collaboration and investment opportunities with companies facing management or IPO preparation challenges.
• JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.
Targets Series A companies. Focus on strong core management teams and sustainable revenue models.
• Sony Ventures Corp.
Mainly Pre-A. Seeking companies with clear differentiation such as unique GTM strategies, aiming for large markets.
How to ParticipateParticipation requires registration for GRIC2025. Please select “Startup” under “Type of affiliation” in the registration form.Steps
- Register via the official website form
- Receive a registration confirmation email
- Review the timetable and identify target investors and corporates
- * Pre-published investment focus and target stage information is available on the official website
- Visit the SPEED DATING area at the venue on November 13 (Thu) between 10:30–17:45 and queue for your preferred booths
- * No prior reservation needed. Early arrival recommended due to expected congestion.
Event Overview: SPEED DATING at GRIC2025
- Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:30–17:45
- Venue: Shibuya Hikarie, within GRIC2025
- Eligibility: Registrants selecting “Startup” under “Type of affiliation”
- Format: Walk-in, wall-talk format (approx. 5 minutes per session)
- Details & Full Participant List: https://gric.forstartups.com/contents/speed-dating
- Participants: 23 VC/CVC and corporate partners from Japan and overseas
- Example Consultation Topics: Fundraising, business strategy refinement, partnership exploration, and more
■ “GRIC 2025” Participant Registration Now Open
・Offline ticket Day 3
Target: Those Who Wish to Celebrate the Shibuya Hikarie Hikarie Hall on 11/13 (Thursday) Online Benefit: You Can Also Watch Online Sessions on the 11th and 12th (available via EventHub)
・Online ticket Day1-3
Target: those who wish to view the online streaming from 11/11 (Tue) to 13 (Thu) Contents: You can watch all online sessions and partial streaming of the offline event
Register for free HERE
Sponsorship opportunities
We are pleased to welcome sponsor companies. If you are afraid, please feel free to inquire via the form below.
Event Overview: GRIC2025
“GRIC2025” is Japan's largest conference dedicated to growth industries, held for the sixth time under the theme “Adopting Japan's Startup Ecosystem to the Global Stage.”At last year's GRIC2024, more than 11,000 people registered, with over 30 Sessions And from 63 countries.
- Event Name: GRIC2025
- Dates:
- Nov 11 (Tue): Online sessions 10:00–17:00 (tentative)
- Nov 12 (Wed): Online sessions 10:00–17:00 (tentative)
- Nov 13 (Thu): Online & offline sessions at Shibuya Hikarie Hall 10:00–17:00 (tentative)
- (Subject to change without notice)
- Venue: Hybrid (Online via EventHub / Offline at Shibuya Hikarie Hall)
- Admission: Free
- Hashtag: #GRIC2025
- Official Website: GRIC2025 Website
About GRIC (Growth Industry Conference)
GRIC is Japan's largest hybrid global conference and community dedicated to growth industries. Talks in January 2021, the first conference was held fully online, and from the second edition, all sessions have been bilingual (Japanese-English). The fifth edition, GRIC2024, was held as the first hybrid (online + offline) event, won over 11,000 registered employees from 63 countries. GRIC aims as both a global stage for top-tier ecosystem builders and a community hub for challengers driving innovation and growth.
