【7/2 Kyoto・IVS Side Event】Co-hosted by Keeplayers' Hidetoshi Takano and OnlyStory's Tetsuya Hirano: "Top Decision-Maker Networking Event"

OnlyStory Inc. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Tetsuya Hirano), which operates Japan's largest decision-maker matching platform with over 7,000 pre-vetted members, will co-host the IVS2026 side event "Top Decision-Maker Networking Event" with Keeplayers Inc. (CEO: Hidetoshi Takano) on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 19:00 in Kyoto. This invitation-only networking event will bring together decision-makers, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs attending IVS2026.

Event Overview

Event Name: Top Decision-Maker Networking Event

Date and Time: Thursday, July 2, 2026 (Thu), 19:00–

Venue: Dining Darts Bar Bee Kawaramachi Branch (Narayamachi, Kawaramachi-dori, Takoyakushi-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)

Co-hosts: Keeplayers Inc., OnlyStory Inc.

Target Audience: Decision-makers, executives, investors, entrepreneurs (by application and review)

Event Type: IVS2026 Side Event

Background: Maximizing IVS Kyoto's "Evening Hours"

IVS (Infinity Ventures Summit) is Japan's largest invitation-only conference, held annually since 2007, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate executives, and cutting-edge creators. Recent editions in Kyoto have featured not only main-stage sessions attended by around 10,000 people but also hundreds of participant-organized side events simultaneously held across Kyoto—at cafes, co-working spaces, temples, and more.

If the main program serves as an "official meeting space," side events function as "casual evening spaces for honest conversations." In fact, many IVS attendees say they come just as much for the evening side events as for the main program.

The "Top Decision-Maker Networking Event" is designed to make IVS's evening hours even more valuable, creating an invitation-only networking space exclusively for decision-makers, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Co-host Introductions

Hidetoshi Takano (CEO, Keeplayers Inc.)

Conducted over 11,000 career counseling sessions

Advised on hiring for over 4,000 executives

Invested in over 55 startups, five of which have gone public

Extensive and deep connections within startup and investor networks

Tetsuya Hirano (CEO, OnlyStory Inc.)

Operates Japan's largest decision-maker matching platform, with over 7,000 pre-vetted members

Raised approximately 2.6 billion yen in funding to date

12 years of experience in decision-maker matchmaking, with over 500 decision-maker-focused events organized

Though normally operating in different spheres, these two hosts will jointly lead an event during IVS2026's evening. The convergence of Takano's startup and investor network with Hirano's decision-maker and executive network creates rare, high-value connections for attendees from both communities.

Three Key Benefits of This Event

1. Access to decision-makers not typically encountered during main IVS sessions

While main-session attendees are highly engaged, many are too busy to engage in one-on-one conversations. This event offers a relaxed environment hosted by two industry leaders, enabling meaningful dialogue with top decision-makers and executives.

2. Unique connections through the synergy of two major networks

The intersection of Hidetoshi Takano's startup and investor network with Tetsuya Hirano's decision-maker and executive network creates opportunities for connections that rarely occur at standard IVS side events.

3. Honest conversations in a casual Kyoto evening setting

Held at Dining Darts Bar Bee in Kawaramachi, the venue offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere—perfect for candid talks over drinks. The event is designed to foster authentic dialogue beyond mere business card exchanges.

Ideal Attendees

Those planning to attend IVS2026 and seeking deeper connections beyond the main program

Entrepreneurs and startup founders aiming to connect with decision-makers and executives

Individuals seeking to access the networks of Hidetoshi Takano and Tetsuya Hirano

Those looking to turn Kyoto IVS evening hours into business outcomes—such as deals, partnerships, hiring, or investments

Application and Attendance Process

Application: Pre-registration via the application page

Review: A brief screening process to ensure participant quality

Confirmation: Notification of acceptance upon passing the review

Attendance: Arrive at the venue by 19:00 on July 2

Event Day Details

Dress code: Casual (direct attendance from IVS venue allowed)

Bring: Business cards

Format: Open networking; entry and exit permitted during the event

Attendance at the main IVS2026 program is not required

【Apply Here】

https://4s.link/ja/onlystory20260702

About OnlyStory Inc.

Mission: "Supporting the ambitions of SME and growing company CEOs through real connections." OnlyStory operates Japan's largest decision-maker matching platform, with over 7,000 pre-vetted members. The company has raised approximately 2.6 billion yen in funding to date.

—— OnlyStory Inc. Company Overview ——

Head Office: 515, Dai-35 Koowa Building, 1-14-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Representative: CEO Tetsuya Hirano

Founded: 2013

Business Activities: Operation of decision-maker matching platform, comprehensive B2B sales support, CXO introduction services, etc.

Web: https://onlystory.co.jp/

【Inquiries】

TEL: 03-6821-7872

Web: https://onlystory.co.jp/contacts/new

Contact: Public Relations, OnlyStory Inc.