My Reflections on Attending IVS2024

This year was my first time attending IVS2024, and here are my personal reflections:

Venue: Held at PULSE PLAZA, the venue was larger but remote, making transportation inconvenient. However, the organizers provided shuttle buses from the train station throughout the day. The separation between sessions was inadequate, resulting in overlapping noise.

Theme - Crossing Boundaries: This year's theme was "Cross the Boundaries," exploring topics such as Japan vs. overseas, Tokyo vs. regional areas, men vs. women, and business leaders vs. investors vs. politicians. The diverse discussions and exchanges were incredibly enriching. I also interacted with various cross-domain funds, such as Web3 Investors and traditional funds.

Content Focus: There were fewer discussions on pure technology topics, with more focus on service-oriented applications of mature technologies. Examples included AI services, manga creation, and video/image production based on large models.

International Participation: I found international projects limited, with non-Japanese participants and projects representing about 10% of those I encountered in various sessions, booths, and side events (based on my limited experience).

Japanese Startups and VC/CVC: Contrary to my previous beliefs, Japan has a vibrant startup scene and many local VCs/CVCs. This growth is likely due to government support and funding over the past two years. Many startup ideas were great but lacked cutting-edge technology. Japanese investors were humble, open to communication, and willing to listen.

Web3 and Crypto: Discussions largely centered on games and NFTs and their integration into existing business models. In the area of regulated digital assets, conversations focused on stablecoins, such as @noritaka_okabe discussing JPYC and @sonybank_jp and @Bank_of_Japan_j talking about stablecoins. Major financial institutions are expected to focus on stablecoins, wallets, and regulated asset infrastructure, indicating a promising future.

Entrepreneurial Dynamism: Contrary to my stereotype of Japanese entrepreneurs as product-focused and reserved, many entrepreneurs were adept at using social media and very articulate, much like their Western counterparts. For example, @shocolt in the field of logistics and robotics gave a compelling presentation and won the IVS LAUNCHPAD award.

Women Entrepreneurs and Investors: A dedicated sub-venue for female entrepreneurs and investors featured a variety of topics. I attended the @TokyoWVC Tokyo Women in VC's Networking Night and met many insightful and capable female entrepreneurs and VC leaders, which was refreshing.

https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUF040T80U4A700C2000000/

Overall, IVS2024 was a rich experience that introduced me to many interesting people and ideas, and left me with many insights. The IVS theme song was also very catchy.