HerRise is a highly practical, action-driven program designed for women entrepreneurs and startup founders looking to expand into Japan and beyond. This is not just about gaining knowledge—it's about learning by doing, and immediately applying it to your business.
On Wednesday, November 26, we will hold the 4th session of our ongoing program. In addition to the Open Hour where participants can bring their own challenges, we will host a workshop themed “Investor Readiness: The Mindset for Engaging with Investors and How to Refine Your Pitch.”
In this workshop, participants will learn:
The fundamental concepts and mindset of entrepreneurs and investment
How to meet investors and deliver an effective pitch
Key points entrepreneurs should know when raising investment
Live pitch sessions (1–2 startups)
Feedback sessions of about 5–10 minutes for each company
Through a combination of lectures and workshops, participants will gain both theoretical and practical skills in investor engagement and pitching. By the end of the session, participants will have developed the mindset and basic skills to confidently pitch their own company to investors.
Speakers
Kazuhide Hashida
Born in Tokyo in 1983. Graduated from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Tokyo University of Science in 2007, and joined NTT Data Corporation. After working as an engineer at Uluru Co., Ltd., he founded Hot Startup Inc. (now Peraichi Inc.) in 2014 and served as CEO. He stepped down from all positions in April 2023 and founded BOOT Inc., an organization supporting startups. He operates Shibuya Startup Oasis, a free community space for startups located five minutes from Shibuya Station. As an angel investor, he has invested in 77 startups between 2022 and 2024. In 2024, he established OASIS FUND, a VC supporting startups from inception.
Mariko Yazawa
A venture capitalist with extensive expertise in supporting startups and early-stage investments both in Japan and abroad. After working at an international investment bank and a major domestic VC, she founded Yazawa Ventures, focusing on innovative technology and social impact startups. She specializes in building fundraising strategies, supporting growth strategies, and assisting global expansion. She is particularly committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and those from diverse backgrounds, striving to foster entrepreneurs who create new social value. Guided by the belief of “walking the first step together with entrepreneurs who dare to challenge,” she provides comprehensive support not only in funding but also in networking, talent strategy, and management.
【Event schedule】
9:00–17:00 Office hours with professionals. Get individualized mentorship, coaching, and support from various experts on a variety of themes.
18:30–20:30 Main Workshop (In-person)
20:30–21:00 Networking (optional)
〈Office hours with professionals〉
Core MentorsMoeko Suzuki (President, Startup Lady Association)
Assists women founders in Japan with startup basics, company registration, and business model development.Heather Dobbin (Founder, HD Coaching)
Guides entrepreneurs to develop a sustainable leadership mindset and clear sense of purpose.Yoshifumi Hoshino (Representative Director, Taylor Innovations Inc.)
Provides practical, Japan-language mentorship on startup philosophy, sales, and team structure.Kazumasa Ito
Offers comprehensive support from business fundamentals to finance, technology, and daily operations.Guillame Hansali (Founder & Country Manager, Wizcorp)
Supports the entire entrepreneurial journey from founding to acquisition, including organizational management, culture, strategy, leadership, and executive coaching.
Guest MentorsHelen Iwata (Sasuga Communications K. K., President, Representative Director)
Supports women professionals to transform mindsets and develop practical skills that improve work results, relationships, confidence, and well-being.
Joe Hüg (Entrepreneur | Bootstrap founder | Academic/"Professor of Practice" | Angel Investor)
Mentors founders on lean growth, customer discovery, and Japan market entry—offering strategic insights, warm introductions, and practical guidance backed by 20+ years in healthcare, education, and SME research.