This year, the national government announced the "Strategy for Forming a Startup Ecosystem Base that is Comparable to the World", in which it will select two or three global base cities in Japan at the end of this year, and will provide intensive support in terms of institutional and financial aspects. doing.
"Isn't Shibuya the most suitable for a global base city?" Ken Hasebe At the request of the Mayor of Shibuya, volunteers to nurture startups in Shibuya with the aim of forming a consortium to improve the environment as a base city. An event was held to meet all of you.
Startup Crossing Shibuya kick-off event
Thursday, December 19, 2019 19: 00-21: 00 @EDGEof
By the time the opening time was reached on the day, the venue was already full. There is a lively exchange here and there.
"I called out to 60 companies, but it seems that more than 150 people have come to the event."
At the beginning, Mayor Hasebe greets with a smile of expectation.
"If you look at the materials on the maturity of the startup ecosystem in each city in the world, Japanese cities are not included in the ranking. Shibuya must lead it in order for Tokyo to enter here."
Regarding the formation of the consortium, he is enthusiastic about "I want to create the enthusiasm that Shibuya cannot be excluded in the selection of a global base city. Let's make a noise in Tokyo and the world from this city."
"Given what the government can do to create an ecosystem, financial backup is difficult, but there are many things that can be done in terms of acting as a conduit to the country or deregulation.
However, it is difficult for the government to say "let's do it" without permission. I think this driving force comes from the private sector. I grew up surrounded by a culture born from the private sector. Takenoko-zoku ... DC brand ... Shibuya-kei ... All of them are cultures born from the streets, where various people are mixed, and I think that what the administration did there was, for example, the creation of a pedestrian paradise. In that way, the government wants to create a stage.
I would like you to take advantage of this place so that your business can be expanded by working with the government. I want to firmly create such a community. "
Next, a greeting from the guest.
Mr. Masashi Yonezu, General Manager, Special Zone Promotion, Strategic Policy Information Promotion Headquarters, Tokyo
"I would like to do my utmost to support the leaders of innovation to fly to the world. Shibuya's cooperation is indispensable for Tokyo to become its base."
Iku Hayashi, President and CEO of Digital Garage Co., Ltd.
"Through the Seed Accelerator Program, a program run by Digital Garage that supports entrepreneurs aiming for global expansion, more than 100 startups have spread to the world. We will continue to be a hub for global incubation and a new ecosystem. I would like to cooperate with Shibuya Ward for the sake of
Mr. Ryosuke Higashiura, Executive Officer, General Manager of Shibuya Development Division, Tokyu Corporation
"I can't talk about Japanese startups apart from Shibuya. I always say that I should implement it, not just a social demonstration experiment, but I will continue to do my best to make Shibuya more innovative. I want to go.
I hope that today's meeting will be a great opportunity for Tokyo and Shibuya Ward to join hands and send innovation to the world based in Shibuya. "
Then in networking time. There was a place where key persons from Shibuya startups gathered together, and a lively dialogue continued until the closing time.
With the liveliness of this venue, you can fully realize that tonight has become one of the big steps toward Shibuya as a global hub city of the startup ecosystem in 2020.
It is expected that this consortium will continue to be a hub for startups aiming for higher levels, but it will be an opportunity for everyone to work together to make the city of Shibuya a more global leap forward.
