Introduction:
The pre-conference networking event, “Japan Meets Berlin,” organized by CROSSBIE set the stage for an incredible gathering of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and startup enthusiasts. With tickets selling out in just three days, the event proved to be a massive hit, attracting a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. Participants were treated to informative presentations, a thrilling pitch session, appetizing food and ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Event Highlights:
1. Event Details:
Title: Japan Meets Berlin
Date and Time: Sunday, June 11th, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM CEST
Venue: ProVeg Incubator Space
Organizer: CROSSBIE, in partnership with Asia Berlin Forum e.V.
Supported by: City of Yokohama, Shibuya Startup Support
Partners: Kirin Europe GmbH, BettaF!sh
2. Agenda Higlights:
Welcome Note: Chika Yamamoto, Founder & CEO of CROSSBIE GmbH, extended a warm welcome and emphasized the opportunity for networking and growth within the Japanese and Berlin startup ecosystems.
Opening Remarks: Mr. Kaname Araki, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in Germany, delivered inspiring remarks to kickstart the event.
The Future of Berlin’s Startup Ecosystem: Norbert Herrmann, representing Berliner Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe, shared valuable insights into Berlin’s thriving startup scene and its future prospects.
Japan: A Startup Ecosystem with Synergy and Innovation: Ayumi Fujimoto, Executive Officer and CMO at Plug and Play Japan, shed light on Japan’s vibrant startup ecosystem, its sectors, trends, and innovative players driving synergy and innovation.
Elevator Pitch: Attendees were thrilled to witness captivating pitches from renowned startups and representatives, who showcased their innovative solutions and left the audience in awe within a concise timeframe of 120 seconds!
Deniz Ficicioglu / BettaF!sh (Co-Founder)
Olivier Le Lann / Electric Visionary Aircrafts (CEO, )
Darja Gutnick / BUNCH (Co-Founder (Product & Tech), CEO)
Taiki Sato / TopoLogic Inc.(Chief Executive Officer)
Afterwards, we explored the advantages of three Japanese regions—Shibuya, Yokohama, and Kobe—as well as Berlin, highlighting their significance as thriving business hubs.
Mari Matsuzaki, Sayaka Nakashima / Shibuya Startup Support
Takehiro Kuribayashi / The City of Yokohama Europe Representative Office (Chief Representative)
Koji Omae / Business Kobe Europe, Kobe City Government (Director)
Closing Remarks: Swantje Gies, Managing Director at Asia Berlin Forum e.V., delivered the closing remarks, wrapping up the event on a high note.
Networking: Participants engaged in productive conversations, exchanged contact information, and explored collaboration opportunities, all while enjoying vegan delicacies provided by Miki Furue, Takumi Food Service GmbH, BettaF!sh’s vegan sandwiches, and refreshing Kirin beer from Kirin Europe GmbH.
3. Conclusion:
“Japan Meets Berlin” was a resounding success, bringing together the best minds from both Japan and Berlin’s startup ecosystems. The event fostered meaningful connections, facilitated knowledge sharing, and ignited a spirit of collaboration. Participants left inspired, armed with valuable insights, new contacts, and a renewed enthusiasm to drive innovation and growth in their respective fields.
This pre-conference event set the stage for the AsiaBerlin Summit 2023, promising an exciting platform for further exploration and exchange between Asian and Berlin-based startups. The success of “Japan Meets Berlin” reinforces the importance of cross-border collaborations and highlights the immense potential for future partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives.
Keep an eye out for more updates on the AsiaBerlin Summit 2023 and get ready to be part of a global movement driving innovation and positive change! Discover more event photos by clicking HERE!
