AGORA Inc. to Hold 'LEVEL UP STAGE 2026' Special Web Seminar for Entrepreneurs on June 10

AGORA Inc. (Headquarters: Machida, Tokyo; Representative: Nobuki Hasebe) holds monthly startup web seminars useful for entrepreneurship. This upcoming web seminar will be held as a special session for the business contest 'LEVEL UP STAGE 2026', which marks its 7th iteration this year, to explain how to effectively utilize business contests.

Celebrating its 7th year, 'LEVEL UP STAGE 2026' is a business contest themed 'Connections Drive Business,' which seriously addresses the challenges of entrepreneurs and aims to level up businesses by utilizing regional resources and networks.

In this special web seminar, Mr. Mitsuaki Shimodaira from toHANAS Inc., a company that has achieved rapid growth by utilizing many business contests and acceleration programs, will appear as a guest to share his real experiences.

## Special Web Seminar Content

Targeted at those considering starting a business or those already advancing their business as a startup, this web seminar thoroughly explains themes essential for business growth, such as:
- 'How to utilize business contests and acceleration programs'
- 'Fundraising and building relationships with supporters'

toHANAS Inc., a startup based in Kanagawa Prefecture, has achieved rapid growth by leveraging numerous business contests and acceleration programs to date. They will talk about their practical experiences, including effective ways to utilize them and their developments after winning awards.

We will also introduce recommended points and how to utilize the business contest 'LEVEL UP STAGE 2026,' which is currently accepting entries.

## [ Overview ]
- Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30 (Scheduled)
- Content: LEVEL UP STAGE 2026 Special Web Seminar 'Real experiences of turning business contests and accelerators into a growth engine', Introduction to LEVEL UP STAGE 2026
- Organizers: AGORA Inc., Machida New Industry Creation Center Inc., Tama Shinkin Bank
- Venue: Web (ZOOM Webinar)
- Eligibility: Open to all
- Participation Fee: Free

## [ How to Participate ]
Please apply through the participation registration form.
Form URL: https://forms.gle/6zga1ngCBykorqq67

## [ Schedule ]
- 18:00 - Start & Greetings
- 18:05 - LEVEL UP STAGE 2026 Special Web Seminar 'Real experiences of turning business contests and accelerators into a growth engine'
- 19:05 - Announcement: Introduction to 'LEVEL UP STAGE 2026' Business Contest
- 19:30 - End

## [ Content ]

### Startup Growth Process and Real Experiences
- What kind of business they are running
- How the business has grown
- What kind of business contests and accelerators they have participated in
- How they linked that to growth
- The fundraising process in Seed and Pre-Series A rounds and moves toward the next round
- Future outlook and strategies

### Points to Turn Business Contests/Accelerators into a 'Growth Engine'
- How to refine the business at the entry stage
- Building relationships with supporters and major corporations after winning/adoption
- How business contests lead to fundraising
- Confronting the pitfall that 'being evaluated at a business contest does not equal business growth'

### Explanation of the Business Contest LEVEL UP STAGE 2026

## Special Guest
**Representative Director of toHANAS Inc.**
**Mitsuaki Shimodaira**

Managed a recruitment agency specializing in the medical and nursing care industry for 17 years. Focusing on the need to 'talk to people' among medical and nursing care workers, he established toHANAS Inc. (formerly Kyarikon.com Inc.) to provide the online interview service 'toHANAS'. Adopted by numerous acceleration programs and subsidy projects, including 'Kanagawa Startup Acceleration Program (KSAP) 2022' and 'YOXO Accelerator Program 2023'.

Adopted for two consecutive years by 'Business Accelerator Kanagawa (BAK)', where startups and major corporations co-create to solve social issues. Strategically aiming for business growth in conjunction with major corporations, such as conducting demonstrations in medical fields with major nursing care provider Nichii Carepalace Company in 2023 and SECOM Medical System in 2024. Succeeded in Seed and Pre-Series A round fundraising and is preparing for the next round.

## Facilitator
**Representative Director & Gunshi, GLOCAL GUNSHI Inc.**
**Makoto Yoshii**

Holds an MBA from BOND University. After working in sales at a career transition support company, he joined Interworks Inc. As an incubation consultant, he launched the 'Intrapreneur Academy' from scratch, faced over 400 internal entrepreneurs, and engaged in business plan creation support. He also engaged in management as a resident startup member for corporate M&A support and secondment-type incubation support. Receives over 300 entrepreneurship consultations annually at a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-certified incubation facility. Since April 2024, he has assumed the role of CIO (Chief Incubation Officer) at AGORA Inc., providing hands-on support closely working with entrepreneurs.

In addition to GLOCAL GUNSHI Inc.:
- Specialist Consultant, Tama Startup Support Section, Business Strategy Department, Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center
- CIO (Chief Incubation Officer), AGORA Inc.
- Supporter and Mentor, NEXs Tokyo
Provides extensive support for entrepreneurs.

## Overview of Facilities Operated by AGORA
- **BUSO AGORA** (3-minute walk from Machida Station)
Characterized by a stylish and spacious cafe-like space. Fulfilling community with numerous business matchings. Equipped with conference rooms, telephone boxes, and meeting spaces in addition to calls and online meetings.
Website: https://www.incubation-office-agora.com/

- **AGORA Hon-atsugi** (Directly connected to Hon-atsugi Station)
Commissioned and operated since 2022 by Odakyu SC Development Co., Ltd. Features single-person private rooms and booths. Located on the 6th floor of Hon-atsugi Mylord ①, directly connected to the station with excellent access.