GRIC2024 Side Event - Reverse Pitch to Startups [Aug 7]

Introduction

As a side event of the upcoming GRIC2024 (Growth Industry Conference), the reverse pitch and networking event aimed to connect startups with enterprises through an innovative “reverse pitch” system. With the main conference scheduled for November, this event provided an excellent opportunity for early networking and connection-building, especially for those eager to actively participate in the main event.

FYI, the main conference GRIC2024 tickets are already available (free) - https://gric.forstartups.com/

General Information

Event: GRIC2024 Side Event (one time event)

Event page: https://gric-reversetostartups.peatix.com/

Venue: Google for Startups Campus Tokyo

Date and time: August 7, 2024

Organizers: For Startups, Inc.

Visit experience

In the busy mazes of Shibuya’s forever ongoing construction zone, Google for Startups Campus was surprisingly easy to find. After a quick check-in process, I arrived at the venue, which made a very positive first impression.

By the start time, around 30 people had gathered, with more arriving throughout the event. With color-coded badges, it was easy to identify that the majority of attendees were from startups, along with a few VCs and other industry players.

The event featured a unique format: a “reverse pitch,” where investors, accelerators, funds, agencies, and other companies that can support startups present themselves. Each company explained how they could be beneficial, listed their areas of expertise, and accepted questions from the audience.

Here’s a quick summary of the companies that participated in the reverse pitches:

• Google for Startups Campus: Presented their facility, newsletter, and the various programs they run, highlighting resources available at Google Campus Tokyo.
• Forstartups Inc.: As the organizers, they promoted the GRIC2024 conference, inviting everyone to join in November.
• INTEC: A well-established player in the Japanese IT market, INTEC talked about their wide range of services, from funding to marketing and development.
• AaaS for Startups (with Hakuhodo DY): Focused on their marketing and advertising expertise, offering assistance with sales and advertising strategies.
• Tokyu Alliance Platform and Tokyu Land Corporation: Emphasized the diverse types of businesses they engage in, providing unique B2B opportunities and contact sharing.
• GNUS: Specializes in the growth of digital transformation companies, offering development assistance.
• Volkswagen Group Innovation Hub Tokyo: Targets startups with physical product businesses, helping with supply chains and sales.

Overall, the presentations were somewhat vague about specific conditions, services, and programs for startups. This was likely due to the 5-minute time limitation and the broad scope of their offerings. Fortunately, the event included a networking session afterward, where all presenters stayed to answer detailed questions and share contacts.

The networking session featured food and drinks, including alcohol, kindly provided by Google. This facilitated further discussions and connections, making the event a valuable opportunity for startups to engage with potential partners and supporters.

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for startups and entrepreneurs seeking support, mentorship, or funding, as well as investors and VCs looking to discover new opportunities and connect with emerging businesses. Tech enthusiasts who want to be part of the innovative startup community and network with like-minded individuals should consider attending.

Who Should Not Attend

Those not interested in collaboration, non-tech businesses, passive attendees, and job seekers focused on recruitment may not find what they ar elooking for.

Venue

The event was held at Google for Startups Campus Tokyo, located on the fifth floor of Shibuya Stream, with direct access from Shibuya Station. The space is managed by Google Japan and is known for its well-designed event areas and co-working spaces. It is spacious, featuring numerous workstations and a large screen with seating for events. For more information, you can visit their website here.

They also accept membership applications, so if you’re interested in working or hosting events at this location, it might be worth applying.

Conclusion

The reverse pitch event at Google for Startups Campus Tokyo was a great opportunity for startups, investors, and corporate reps to connect. The unique format let enterprises showcase their support programs, and the networking session provided a chance for deeper conversations. The venue was fantastic, with a great setup and refreshments provided by Google. Overall, it was a valuable and enjoyable event for anyone looking to build connections in the tech ecosystem.