Shibuya Startup Support (SSS) hosted "GB Pit In #Global," a one-on-one consultation session for international entrepreneurs, on May 18, 2026, in partnership with Global Brain. Global Brain has been a consistent partner of Shibuya Startup Support, participating in multiple events, including Creative Tech Shibuya. As two organizations rooted in Shibuya, GB Pit In #Global took place with a shared aim to build and energize the startup ecosystem in the neighborhood.
The event was held at Global Brain's Tokyo headquarters, bringing together 13 startups—including those supported by SSS—for hands-on discussions around entering the Japanese market, fundraising, and business expansion.
Global Brain is one of Japan's largest independent venture capital firms, with over 25 years of investment experience and a portfolio of more than 350 startups. The firm manages assets exceeding ¥400 billion and operates 10 offices across Asia, North America, and Europe, backed by a network of over 200 corporate partners.
"GB Pit In" is a casual one-on-one consultation program that Global Brain has been running since 2019. Primarily aimed at seed-stage startups, the program offers individual sessions not only with venture capitalists, but also with specialists across areas such as recruiting, PR, and growth strategy.
GB Pit In #Global marked the first edition of the program specifically designed for international entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses in Japan. English-speaking capitalists participated in the sessions, covering topics such as Japan market entry strategy and fundraising.
The event welcomed a number of startups supported by SSS, including startup visa holders. Topics covered ranged widely, from fundraising strategy and client acquisition in Japan, to business model validation and partnership opportunities with Japanese companies.
Each startup was matched with a capitalist who had relevant expertise in their sector, enabling in-depth conversations about specific challenges and concrete next steps.
Palance, which offers portfolio management solutions, met with Global Brain advisors to discuss fundraising options within Japan. The session led to a substantive exchange grounded in an understanding of their business, and the team is looking forward to continued follow-up as they move their fundraising efforts forward.
Edtech startup SkillYah shared updates on potential collaborations with academic institutions and domestic companies that emerged through EDIX, and discussed how to scale their business in Japan and how to prioritize across multiple ongoing projects.
LOGISTICAL discussed concrete steps on how to approach proof-of-concept projects and partnerships with Japanese companies. The team expressed their intention to continue building traction while maintaining an ongoing dialogue around investment opportunities.
Other participating startups used the sessions to explore client acquisition strategies in Japan or to gain clarity on their current challenges and business stage. By tailoring each session to the specific sector and challenges of each startup, the event created the foundations for meaningful follow-up going forward.
SSS will keep creating opportunities for startups to connect with VCs, build networks with Japanese companies and ecosystem players, and foster an environment where international entrepreneurs can thrive in Japan.
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