JAFCO SEED 2026 Opens Second Recruitment for Pitch Contest and Event Participants

JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Keisuke Miyoshi; hereinafter “JAFCO”) announced that it has opened the second round of applications for the “JAFCO SEED Pitch” pitch contest, as well as registration for event participants, for “JAFCO SEED 2026,” a startup conference for seed-stage entrepreneurs to be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026. This year’s event will feature a session by Anthropic, a global AI company, as well as guests active across various industries. The program will include sessions on the front lines of AI implementation and the latest macroeconomic environment and market trends, offering content that seed-stage entrepreneurs need to know now. Special website: https://jafcoseed.com About “JAFCO SEED” JAFCO SEED is a conference for seed-stage entrepreneurs hosted by JAFCO, which supports startups from around the time of founding through bold investment and deep management support. Under the concept of “delivering the information, people, and funding opportunities that seed-stage entrepreneurs need,” the conference has provided programs offering entrepreneurial insights and cutting-edge startup information, a pitch contest, and networking opportunities connecting entrepreneurs, operating companies, and investors, including angel investors and CVCs. The event has attracted nearly 400 participants in total and will be held for the third time this year. Highlights of the “JAFCO SEED 2026” Program ・Policy, regulatory, and market trends surrounding domestic startups: Understanding startup winning strategies from a macro perspective This program brings together three public and private-sector organizations to explain macro-environment trends that entrepreneurs around the founding stage should understand, including startup policies and priority support areas from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, changes to listing maintenance criteria by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and how to use startup loans from Japan Finance Corporation. ・The front line of AI co-creation: Opportunities envisioned by leaders in models, infrastructure, and implementation Anthropic, AWS, and startups driving business development through AI utilization will take the stage to present strategies and practical knowledge for competing globally from three layers: AI models, infrastructure, and business implementation. Entrepreneurs will be able to directly experience the world-class speed embodied by global players. Event registration form: https://jafcoseed.com Eligible participants: ・Seed-stage entrepreneurs, generally within two years of company establishment ・Those preparing to start a business ・People from operating companies interested in collaborating with startups ・Angel investors, VCs, and CVCs, including individuals with experience investing in startups ・Other invited guests Pitch entry application form: https://forms.gle/CXQwBA9fH7VuCbbz6 Application requirements: ・There are no restrictions on whether a company has been established or whether the applicant belongs to a company; unregistered or idea-stage applications are also accepted ・If the company has already been established, it must be a startup with less than JPY 100 million in external equity financing Selection benefits: Applicants who pass the document screening will receive AWS Activate credits worth approximately USD 5,000. *This applies to those using the credits for the first time, or those applying for an amount exceeding what they have previously received. Usage conditions apply, such as not having reached the lifetime maximum and holding a valid organization ID. Selection process: 1. Document screening: Selection based on the application form 2. First interview: Individual interviews with applicants who pass document screening 3. Pitch brush-up session: Held for applicants who pass the first interview 4. Second interview: Final interview to determine finalists 5. Final pitch: Finalists pitch in front of attendees at “JAFCO SEED 2026,” with winners determined by judges and audience voting *Finalists may be asked to participate in individual brush-up sessions or pitch practice sessions. Selection policy: JAFCO aims to support startups aspiring to become next-generation leading companies as they take on further growth challenges. The selection process will place particular emphasis on the following perspectives: ・How clearly defined the problem being addressed is, and how much impact it can generate ・The significance of taking on the challenge at this timing, or “Why Now?” ・The growth potential of the target market and the scalability of the business *Final selection will be made based on a comprehensive assessment of future growth potential. Application deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2026, 23:59 JAFCO SEED 2026 Event Overview: ・Date and time: Thursday, August 6, 2026, 12:15–18:00 ・Venue: Bellesalle Iidabashi First ・Participation fee: Free ・Organizer: JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. ・Sponsor: Amazon Web Services Japan G.K. ・Special website: https://jafcoseed.com Contact: Public Relations, JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.: pr@jafco.co.jp About JAFCO Group: Since its establishment in 1973, JAFCO has consistently walked alongside entrepreneurs who lead their eras. The cumulative committed capital of funds managed in Japan and overseas exceeds JPY 1 trillion, and the total number of portfolio companies that have gone public exceeds 1,000. In addition to venture investment, JAFCO also engages in buyout investment. With the purpose of “creating a cycle of growth through investment in challenges,” JAFCO is committed to the creation of innovative technologies and services. With the desire to be closest to entrepreneurs and help realize their aspirations, JAFCO also provides support in HR, marketing and sales, back-office operations, and other areas. Company name: JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. President and CEO: Keisuke Miyoshi Website: https://www.jafco.co.jp/ Head office: Toranomon Hills Mori Tower 24F, 1-23-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Established: April 5, 1973 Capital: JPY 33,251 million Stock exchange listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market Number of employees: 133, non-consolidated, as of the end of March 2026