90 Inc., Operator of English Coaching School '90 English', Confirmed as Silver Sponsor for IVS2026, Japan's Largest Startup Conference

90 Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Co-CEOs: Shota Takada, Yutaro Kagamoto; hereinafter 'the Company'), the operator of the English coaching service '90 English', has announced its participation as a Silver Sponsor for 'IVS2026', one of Japan's largest startup conferences (Dates: July 1-3, 2026; Venues: Miyako Messe, Kyoto, and other locations). This marks the Company's second consecutive year of sponsorship following last year.

During the conference, the Company will set up a booth and launch a new interactive event, the 'Pronounce and Win!? English Word Roulette', challenging attendees to test their English pronunciation skills.

Background of the Sponsorship Agreement

IVS is Japan's premier startup conference, gathering startups, investors, major corporations, and creators from home and abroad. The theme for 2026 is 'Japan is Back'. This vision of Japan regaining its presence on the global stage deeply resonates with our corporate mission of 'Making "I want to try!" the norm.' It also aligns perfectly with our vision to equip as many Japanese business professionals, including entrepreneurs and investors, with the weapon of English proficiency.

Looking at the global landscape, the struggle with English among startups is a distinctively Japanese tendency. It is not uncommon for excellent businesses and ideas to be undervalued globally solely due to a lack of English skills.

We believe that this English disadvantage directly leads to the overall undervaluation of the Japanese startup industry. This is not merely a personal issue but a structural challenge that society as a whole must address. That is precisely why we aim to deliver the weapon of English to as many challengers as possible through '90 English', contributing to the formation of an ecosystem that expands from the startup frontline in Japan to the rest of the world.

Considering IVS—where startup-related entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals gather from all over the country—as the perfect opportunity to broadcast this vision to society, we decided to participate again this year.

Initiatives from Last Year (IVS2025) and This Year (IVS2026)

Last year, we deployed multifaceted initiatives both inside and outside the venue. At our booth, we conducted a 'Startup Fortune Slip' and photo experiences with original frames. We also focused on creating broad touchpoints by hosting the 'IVS Kickoff Meeting @ TOKYO', organizing official side events, and having our representatives speak on stage. As a result, we were able to connect with many individuals in the startup industry and received a massive positive response.

This year, as a Silver Sponsor, we will set up a booth featuring a new activity: the 'Pronounce and Win!? English Word Roulette'. Serving as a successor to last year's 'Startup Fortune Slip', this event will be a place where we directly convey the appeal of English learning to attendees.

About the Booth Event: 'Pronounce and Win!? English Word Roulette'

In this event, attendees will spin the English Word Roulette and pronounce the displayed word on the spot. Those who pronounce it correctly will immediately receive a prize.

Prizes include gift tickets for Baskin Robbins and Starbucks Coffee. While having fun, participants can experience the 'Motor Theory' of speech perception—the concept that 'if you can pronounce a sound, you can hear it'—which serves as the foundation of our teaching methodology.

The goal is to lower the psychological barrier toward English. We hope this will serve as a catalyst to take the first step, especially for those who feel that 'English is difficult' or 'lack confidence in their pronunciation.' When visiting IVS2026, please be sure to stop by the 90 English booth.

Message from Co-CEO Yutaro Kagamoto

Last year, we participated as an IVS sponsor for the first time. The sight of so many entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals showing a strong eagerness to learn English at the venue was incredibly encouraging for us.

English is not just a skill. We believe it is a 'weapon' to articulate the appeal of your business in your own words and to compete on an equal footing with peers worldwide. Now that AI translation has advanced, the value of speaking in your own words has paradoxically increased. Every time we converse with people from the startup industry at the venue, this realization grows stronger.

This year, we will welcome attendees at our booth, hoping that a brief experience with the English Word Roulette will inspire the realization that 'I can do this too,' serving as the first step toward a new challenge. We aim to equip as many challengers as possible with the weapon of English, using IVS2026 as a definitive turning point.

Overview of IVS2026

Started in 2007, IVS is one of Japan's largest startup conferences where domestic and international startups, investors, large corporations, and creators convene. Under the theme 'Japan is Back', the 2026 event will envision Japan's next chapter alongside the world through pitch contests, startup booths, sessions, networking, and numerous side events.

Official Name: IVS2026 Theme: Japan is Back Dates: July 1 (Wed) - July 3 (Fri), 2026 Venues: Miyako Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall), Rohm Theatre Kyoto, and others (Invitation-only 'IVS CORE' area: Hotel Okura Kyoto) Organizers: IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan / Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto City) Official Website: https://www.ivs.events/

90 Inc. Company Profile

Company Name: 90 Inc. Representatives: Co-CEOs Shota Takada, Yutaro Kagamoto Established: November 6, 2018 Headquarters: 3F MIDORI.so SHIBUYA, Sakuragaoka Front II Bldg, 16-13 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031 Business Operations: English coaching school business Website: https://90english.com

Our company aims to increase the number of people who have the 'courage to take a step forward.' The English coaching school business we provide is not merely about learning a language; it insists on the power of 'people'—coaches who support the growth of each individual learner. We believe that even in an age where AI is evolving, preventing setbacks and making continuous learning a habit requires not mechanical study, but a 'promise with a person.'

Therefore, in our service, dedicated coaches work closely with learners to thoroughly support them so they can maintain their motivation while progressing at their own pace. To create this environment where 'human power sustains learning,' we are looking for passionate individuals who want to take on challenges and grow together.