Event Details
When: Wednesday, November 26th
Schedule:
9:00–17:00 — Office Hours with Professionals
18:30–20:30 — Main Workshop (In-person)
20:30–21:00 — Networking Session (optional)
Where: Shibuya Startup Support (map)
Entrance fee: Free
Overview
HerRise is an action-driven entrepreneurship program empowering women founders to grow their businesses across Japan and beyond. The fourth session of this ongoing series takes place on Wednesday, November 26, bringing together investors, founders, and startup mentors in Tokyo for a focused session on investor readiness.
Unlike traditional lectures, HerRise emphasizes learning by doing. Participants will refine their investor mindset, practice their pitches, and receive live feedback from seasoned venture capitalists and angel investors.
The evening’s workshop, titled “Investor Readiness: The Mindset for Engaging with Investors and How to Refine Your Pitch,” offers hands-on experience in understanding how investors think and what truly makes a pitch resonate.
Workshop Highlights
Participants will gain practical insights on:
Developing the entrepreneurial and investment mindset
How to connect and communicate effectively with investors
What key metrics and milestones matter in early-stage fundraising
Live pitch sessions with real-time feedback from investors (1–2 startups featured)
Tailored advice from investors with both Japanese and global experience
By the end of the session, attendees will leave with sharper pitching skills, a confident investor-facing mindset, and connections that could accelerate their startup journey.
Speakers
Founder, BOOT Inc. | Angel Investor | Former CEO, Peraichi
Kazuhide has invested in over 70 startups and runs Shibuya Startup Oasis, a leading hub for Tokyo entrepreneurs. His experience spans engineering, founding, and funding — providing a rare 360° view of Japan’s startup ecosystem.
Founder, Yazawa Ventures | Venture Capitalist
A prominent voice in Japan’s venture capital community, Mariko supports founders in growth strategy, global expansion, and social impact. Her mission: to champion entrepreneurs who build value through innovation and inclusion.
Mentors
HerRise connects participants with an exceptional group of mentors who understand the realities of entrepreneurship in Japan. These professionals bring diverse expertise spanning leadership, finance, product strategy, and cross-cultural communication. Each mentor provides targeted feedback and actionable advice to help founders accelerate their growth. Whether you’re refining a pitch or reshaping your business model, this mentorship network gives you the insight and confidence to move forward.
Lead Mentors
Moeko Suzuki, Startup Lady Association
Heather Dobbin, HD Coaching
Kazumasa Ito, Business Advisor
Our core mentors work closely with participants throughout the day, offering one-on-one guidance and structured office hours. They focus on the fundamentals of leadership, strategy, and market entry in Japan’s evolving startup landscape. With years of experience across corporate and entrepreneurial domains, they help founders translate ideas into sustainable business momentum.
Guest Mentors
Joe Hüg, Angel Investor & Entrepreneur
Guest mentors bring global perspective and specialized expertise to each HerRise session. They share candid insights on communication, funding, and scaling in Japan’s competitive ecosystem. Their interactive sessions are designed to challenge assumptions, sharpen focus, and strengthen each founder’s ability to engage with investors and partners.
Join us at HerRise #4 to elevate your investor engagement strategy, connect with Japan’s startup ecosystem, and gain the mindset that attracts meaningful capital.