Osaka is the heart of the historic Kansai region, the 2nd biggest economy in Japan, and plays a key role as the gateway to Asia. Winning the 2025 World Expo, Osaka will become a showcase of innovation for future society, to a global audience.
Our mission is to interconnect local, domestic, and global members, to help Osaka & Kansai become a truly global startup ecosystem.
Centrally located with excellent access to the rest of Japan, the Kansai region with its 20+ million population is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, with a GDP comparable to the Netherlands. Osaka, with its rich history, high (and relatively low-cost) quality of life, strong GDP, the largest tourism boom in history, and the upcoming 2025 World Expo, is an ideal stage for startups to test & demonstrate their technologies in a region of the Japanese market with relatively low-competition, make key partnerships to assist their expansion, and gain domestic & international attention.
We invite various entrepreneurs, country managers, investors & startup ecosystem supporters to share their wisdom, successes and failures, to help startups navigate a successful market entry in key markets globally.
Startup Grind originated in Silicon Valley, and is characterized by its "Fireside Chat" format, which involves a casual and open atmosphere.
Startup Grind Osaka is held in Osaka each month (held online until further notice).
Startup Grind’s annual gathering of startups building the next big thing.
View detailsDec 20, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
Pitching A to Z with Martin Barnes
Osaka
Dec 20, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
Looking Ahead: Digital Themes and Trends Shaping 2023 with Simon Kemp
Osaka
Nov 30, 2022
Livestream Event (Free)
Founders Fundraising: Lessons from the Front Lines
Osaka
Oct 21, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
How to Raise Funds When You're Out of Investor Intros w/ OpenVC
Osaka
Oct 20, 2022
In-Person Conference
The Upside of Downturns
Osaka
Oct 14, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
How to Navigate Startup Ecosystems Globally w/ Sissel Hansen (Startup Guide)
Osaka
Oct 11, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
Osaka Workshop: Business Opportunities in Osaka’s Tourism and Entertainment Industry
Osaka
Oct 7, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
Go To Market insights from Silicon Valley w/ Chris Foltz (Responsible Solutions)
Osaka
Sep 30, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
The Future of Work & Workplaces w/ Charlotte Ekelund (Teemyco)
Osaka
Sep 8, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
The Art of Venture Building for Global Expansion with Boris Jitsukata, Goodpatch
Osaka
Aug 4, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
池森裕毅氏と考える、日本のスタートアップのメンタリング事情
Osaka
Jul 27, 2022
Virtual Event (Free)
Winter is coming for the Startup Scene: Let's overcome it by entering the Asian market!
Osaka
Rainmaking Innovation Japan
Chapter Director
RAINMAKING INNOVATION JAPAN
Co-Director
McLEAR
Event Host