Genri Goto

Silicon Valley Ventures supports fast-growing startups in Japan and abroad, as well as large corporations, venture capital firms, CVCs, financial institutions, accelerators, universities, and governments. Japan Market Entry Support: 1) Localization of Marketing Materials 2) Branding Strategy for SNS and Media 3) Marketing: Promoting your services 4) Partnership: Introduction to business partners and employees 5) Investment: Introduction to investors

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📢【Important Announcement】 Lawson will delist from the Tokyo Stock Exchange on July 24th, marking a significant milestone. Established in Ohio, USA, in 1939 as "Mr. Lawson's Milk Store," Lawson entered Japan in 1975 and quickly became one of the top three convenience store brands. Lawson operates in Japan, China, Hawaii, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. On February 6th, Japan's telecom giant KDDI announced the acquisition of Lawson for $3.4 billion, with privatization expected by September. Post-acquisition, Lawson will be co-managed by KDDI and Mitsubishi Corporation, each holding a 50% stake. This acquisition opens new opportunities for Lawson. KDDI plans to leverage Lawson's 14,600 stores in Japan to promote banking and insurance products and offer remote smartphone support services. Additionally, KDDI will provide Lawson's products and services in its 2,200 mobile phone retail outlets. We look forward to Lawson's continued innovation and achievements under the new management. #Lawson #KDDI #MitsubishiCorporation #ConvenienceStore #StrategicTransformation #FinancialServices #SmartphoneServices

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The New Possibilities of Gifting After watching the press conference held by Min Hee-Jin, CEO of Ador, the company behind the world-famous K-pop group NewJeans, I wrote an article on our blog and here’s a summary: ✅ Two weeks ago, Min Hee-Jin, CEO of Ador, hosted a groundbreaking live press conference to address accusations from HYBE, their parent company. She brilliantly used the live media as a platform to show her sincerity for direct communication, effectively influencing public opinion in her favor. ✅ Interestingly, another unexpected winner emerged during the conference—the owner of a traditional Korean dessert company. By utilizing YouTube's Super Chat with an investment of less than $4 during the live event, they quickly raised their brand to viral fame. ✅ As a co-founder of SodaGift, a pioneering global gifting service, I've witnessed how real-time communication and contextual gifting can create impactful experiences. ✅ However, current platforms like YouTube and Facebook are limited to only monetary gifts. Imagine the possibilities if platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or even Zoom could facilitate real-time interactions that include not just money but also e-gifts and physical gifts, all without regional restrictions. ✅ SodaGift is ushering in a new era of global gifting which can make this happen sooner. Check out the full content on our blog. https://lnkd.in/g7XN6_X3

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South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups Unveils Strategy to Boost Exports The Ministry of SMEs and Startups in South Korea has announced a new strategy to support the globalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and venture companies. The plan aims to nurture 1,000 innovative domestic companies into export entities and help 3,000 companies achieve exports of $1 million each by 2027. Top 5 highlights of the strategy: 1️⃣ Expanding export support for tech service companies to 15% by 2030 2️⃣ Introducing an 'export doctor' system for tailored assistance throughout the export process 3️⃣ Establishing a scale-up program for rapidly growing export companies 4️⃣ Introducing a voucher exclusively for overseas expansion 5️⃣ Tapping into the potential of foreign students through the 'K-Export Warrior 1,000 Project' SMEs play a significant role in the South Korean economy, with sales 17.2 times and employment 5.1 times higher than the average industry. However, export numbers have remained relatively stagnant over the past decade, with approximately 94,000 companies engaging in yearly exports, hovering around $110 billion annually. The Ministry aims to address emerging demands by shifting focus from 'products' and 'exports' to 'technology' and 'overseas expansion.' The goal is to foster sustainable growth for South Korean SMEs and ventures on the global stage through collaborative efforts and adaptive support mechanisms.

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03.25.2024) Bank of Japan ends era of negative interest rates continued ca. 8 years. General prices are clearly increasing today in 🇯🇵, and many companies are forced to increase payroll (salary), too. Also, they will need to increase their prices of products. Not all, just from my point, many small to medium sized 🇯🇵 manufacturers they hesitate to increase their prices of products, compared to the manufacturers in western countries 🇪🇺🇺🇸. How to discuss with customers in foreign countries finding some reasonable agreeable prices, which requires knowledge of international business and it is challenging for many 🇯🇵 companies. Not a few companies are borrowing money from banks, now the interest rate increases (actually got rather normal though …😅) time for Japanese companies to challenge to change and grow in 🌏. Why I am saying this? quoted from Time magazine Dec 4, 2023 National wage growth 1990-2019: USA 145%. vs Japan 4% …. I feel US is too high Japan is unbelievably low … Time says Japan’s productivity languishes at the bottom of G-7 nations. #internationaleconomy #internationalcommunication #globalcommunication

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Kok Song NG and I had breakfast with David Su , founder and managing partner at Matrix Partners China, a venture capitalist, David focuses on software, technology and healthcare investments. He also cofounded San Si Institute, a community of entrepreneurial leaders who are committed to tackle big societal challenges. David who is a graduate of NTU, helps serve on boards of Nanyang Technological University Singapore ,CapitaLand & EDBI Pte Ltd ,has been investing in China for the last two decades , some investments include DiDi , Baidu, Inc. , Focus Group , Heptagon, Bona Films +++++. Was great to chat about geopolitics, Chinese (H share) equity markets, global macro, foreign exchange and about Chinese history. Some of these heavy conversations are best had with roti prata and a cup of coffee ! #venture #vc #venturecapital #geopolitics #macro #globalmacro #policy #healthcare #tech #technology #investments #medtech #biotech #deeptech

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Congratulations to Joanna Zeng from China for your outstanding achievement on becoming a Blackblot Certified Product Coach™! Our records show that you have passed all six BPMP certification program tests (core, advanced, and subspecialty). An outstanding achievement. Every Blackblot Certified Product Coach™ is also a Master Blackblot Product Management Professional™ (Master BPMP). The Blackblot Certified Product Coach™ accreditation is the answer to the growing need for an authoritative internal figure at modern companies that require internal product management coaching and mentoring programs for their employees. #blackblot #pmtk #productmanagement #productmanager #product #productmarketing #methodology #CertifiedProductCoach

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The Black Belt™ (Corporate Innovation Consulting & Fund) team, Itaru U. and I are attending SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program Official Account May 15 and 16 and would love to see you there! The Black Belt Fund solves market entry and expansion challenges for global tech companies with high potential in Japan, and also plays an important role in revitalising Japanese cities and prefectures outside of Tokyo. We are leveraging the combination of Innovation Dojo Japan's experience and network across the local and global innovation landscape, and Japan Tech's hands-on experience designing and managing both VC and CVC funds in Japan for this unique "Black Belt" platform. Financial institutions and Japanese corporations interested in our fund, book a time with us here! → https://lnkd.in/geazYZcV (you need to be registered for the Sushi Tech Tokyo to access) Global startups and scaleups with a strong position and track record in your first market and interested in a new model for funding for your Japan market entry strategy, book a time with us here! → https://lnkd.in/geazYZcV (you need to be registered for Sushi Tech Tokyo to access)

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( English follows Japanese ) 2024年6月6日に開催されるGoogle Cloud 公式ユーザー会 Jagu'e'r の年 2 回の全体MeetUp ”Jagu'e'r Park 24 Spring” に登壇します。 ◇ 生成 AI 活用事例 Lightning Talk：「生成 AI を医療の力に！」 本登壇では生成 AI が医療にもたらす変革を探ります。ヘルスケアにおける生成 AI の適用例、性能評価、及び使用上の注意点を概説。さらに Google Cloud で構築したデータ・ML 基盤上で開発・検証中の生成 AI アプリ概要についても紹介します。臨床現場への生成AI投入におけるポイントの一つは「生成 AI を生成に使わない」ことでした。これらの事例を通じて医療の未来をこのセッションで一緒に考察しましょう。 ### I will be speaking at the MeetUp "Jagu'e'r Park 24 Spring" of the Google Cloud official user group Jagu'e'r, held on June 6, 2024. ◇ Lightning Talk: "Harnessing Generative AI for Healthcare" In this presentation, I will explore the transformations that generative AI can bring to healthcare. I will outline examples of generative AI applications in healthcare, performance evaluations, and considerations for use. Additionally, I will introduce an overview of generative AI apps that are currently being developed and tested on the data and ML platform built with Google Cloud. One of the key points in deploying generative AI for healthcare field was "not using generative AI for generation." Through these examples, let's consider the future of healthcare together in this session. #generativeAI #GenAI #healthcare #GoogleCloud https://lnkd.in/g8-2U7vf

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n Zen, an ensō exemplifies the various dimensions of the Japanese wabi-sabi perspective and aesthetic: fukinsei (asymmetry, irregularity), kanso (simplicity), shizen (without pretense; natural), yugen (subtly profound grace), datsuzoku (freedom), and seijaku (tranquility). It also symbolizes the mu (the void). The circle may be open or closed. In this Maitri Money (MM) ensō, the circle is incomplete, allowing for movement and development as well as the perfection of all things, the way they are at the moment. Since July 2022, many people including kids have directly been a part of this receiving- sharing circle. Some participated by offering a contribution and the others by simply asking for micro gifts to support themselves/ their projects. At MM, we believe that all needs are equal, thus we are learning to operate from a space of suspended judgment. Whoever writes to us, is supported with whatever amount is available and without thinking if their need is small or big, ordinary or important, frivolous or critical. It's a space where all needs can be expressed, acknowledged and fulfilled in some/ all capacity. The long list of people who have benefited from this initiative. https://shorturl.at/EISV0 A work in progress website of Miatri Money https://lnkd.in/gkZsRBng Thank you for reading and being part of my crazy experiments! May we be free of the mind and let our bodies create all the unexpressed ensos, Deepa P.S. - Wabi sabi celebrates the passage of time and its sublime damage where the notion of prettiness through imperfection is present - Thank you Nayanika for doing so many versions of this creative till we go it right, Adil from Chit Chat Fund for listening to my daily thoughts (mostly repetitive) around MM and still being here, the back end MM team who manages the gpay- paytm- open account sheet and so many others for hand- holding and manifesting this dream

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Unlocking New Horizons: Xiaohongshu Cross-Border E-Commerce for Hong Kong Supplement Brands 🚀 Let’s carry on and don’t stop! 🚀 After successful ventures on JD.com and Tmall.hk, our next station is none other than Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)! The Upcoming Seminar 📅 Save the Date: May 24, 2024 We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming seminar on Xiaohongshu Cross-Border E-Commerce for Hong Kong Supplement Brands. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Health Food Association (HKHFA), GS1, and The Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong, we’ll explore: - Platform Insights: Learn how Xiaohongshu’s algorithms work, what content resonates with users, and how to optimize your brand presence. - Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Navigating cross-border e-commerce requires understanding regulations, labeling, and compliance. Our experts will guide you. - Success Stories: Hear from brands that have conquered Xiaohongshu and leveraged its potential. - Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry peers, influencers, and potential partners.

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"Memelicious Solana Foundation Support✅Tax 0/0💎No Private Sale✅Renounced at Launch ✅Top KOL + Partner Onboarded✅CMC & CG PRE🇨🇳 China marketing⏰Pre-Active and Experienced Team🚀✅Twitter and Telegram Campaigns ✅Dextools Logo + #1✅SOLtrend ✅ BUY/SELL TAX: 0% ✅ Big partnerships ✅ CMC and CG fast tracking" #Memelicious #MEME #crypto #Tokens #Nft’s

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The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), with whom we collaborated on a recent hearing, has unveiled its interim healthcare startup promotion plan. My personal focus for the future is on interoperability. Following the challenges brought on by the pandemic, it's clear that Japan has fallen behind other developed countries in both digital health and life sciences. This reality presents a critical issue, and it's time we move beyond our isolated "Galapagos" approach. We envision a data infrastructure similar to the NHS API and NICE syndication API in the UK, which would greatly enhance our capabilities. At a minimum, the government should provide a comprehensive score master for medical and long-tern care reimbursements. It's problematic that system vendors often obscure necessary updates during the usual revision cycle every two or three years. Nonetheless, we are immensely grateful for the MHLW's initiative in this area. We are committed to continuing our efforts from the pre-seed stage to improve the startup ecosystem for healthcare entrepreneurs. 「ヘルスケアスタートアップ等の振興・支援策検討プロジェクトチーム」の中間とりまとめを公表します｜厚生労働省 https://lnkd.in/gEj-V_5X

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The growth of Japanese SaaS companies is accelerating rapidly. Three years ago, only four companies had an ARR exceeding 10 billion yen, but this year that number has increased to ten. This simultaneous growth is clear evidence that Japan's cloud software market is taking off. Key drivers of this growth include: 1/ The widespread penetration of SaaS among the majority of large enterprises and SMEs in Japan. 2/ Successful execution of multi-product strategies by SaaS vendors. 3/ Enhanced ARPU resulting from strategic pricing adjustments. Leading SaaS companies are maintaining high growth rates, and further expansion is expected. Here is the download link for the full report: https://lnkd.in/ez57d_3Z

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So what is the potential of applying AI in this field in Vietnam and what challenges need to be resolved for AI applications to truly be effective and optimal? To bring more useful and updated information on this issue, VnEconomy Times and the Future Technology Connection Center (Tech Connect) coordinated to organize The WISE Talk No. 11... https://lnkd.in/gHUKjEJr

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It was great to reconnect with my old friend, Minh Beta, on Vietcetera’s "Business BFF," where he served as the host, and to talk with communications veteran Huong Tran. We discussed effective strategies for managing communication crises, emphasizing the importance of preparation and maintaining composure during PR challenges. Watch the full interview here https://lnkd.in/gE95iUpz Join the conversation on effective crisis management! #Communications #CrisisManagement #PR #Vietcetera #Leadership

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