The Japan Startup Support Association will host "The JSSA KYOTO Meetup Vol.66" on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Kyoto Keizai Center. Under the theme "From Using to Co-Creating with AI," the event aims to bring together AI startups, large enterprises seeking AI integration, venture capitalists, and M&A experts to foster business partnerships and accelerate fundraising.
Translating AI adoption into tangible business outcomes requires not only a deep understanding of the technology, but also a precise grasp of corporate challenges, proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives, fundraising, and concrete touchpoints among stakeholders. This event is designed to create an environment where entrepreneurs and supporters can engage in direct dialogue from both technological and managerial perspectives.
The event will feature a keynote speech by Kunihiro Tanaka, CEO of Sakura Internet Inc. Additionally, three panel discussions will be held focusing on "Leveraging AI Agents and AI SaaS," "EXIT Strategies for AI Startups," and "M&A for AI Companies," where industry leaders and experts will share their insights.
The organizers are currently seeking companies to exhibit at AI- and M&A-related booths, as well as startups interested in presenting pitches or reverse pitches. Group mentoring sessions and one-on-one consultations with VCs will also be conducted to support the development of an ecosystem that accelerates startup growth.