The Seed Capital to Host Pitch Contest Judged by 12 Regional Financial Institutions, Fostering Co-Creation Between Traditional Industries and Startups
Overview of BANK SUMMIT PITCH
The Seed Capital, Inc. has announced that it will host its first startup pitch contest, "BANK SUMMIT PITCH," at the "BANK SUMMIT 2026" (3rd installment) conference scheduled for November 9, 2026, at Bellesalle Onarimon in Tokyo. This event aims to create opportunities to accelerate the collaboration between industries driving the regional economy and startups through financing, investment, and business partnerships.
Judges and Application Requirements
In this contest, executive management from a total of 12 regional financial institutions and venture capital firms across Japan will serve as judges to discover next-generation startups leading Japan's industrial transformation. Eligibility requirements stipulate that the business must be one that regional financial institutions can support through loans, investments, or partnerships, and the startup must have a cumulative fundraising record of 100 million yen or more.
Background and Objectives of the Event
While past startup support has tended to skew toward digital services in the Tokyo metropolitan area, collaboration with "real economy industries" such as logistics, primary industries, and real estate is indispensable for the further growth of the Japan's economy. By leveraging regional financial institutions—which are deeply rooted in local communities and well-versed in industry sectors—as hubs, the initiative intends to build a new ecosystem where startups can directly access local community challenges and generate co-creation.
Schedule and Awards
The application deadline is October 18, 2026. Following the primary screening (document review) and secondary screening (video or interview), seven companies will take the stage to pitch at the main event on November 9. The winning company will be awarded a special feature article in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun's "NIKKEI THE PITCH."