Special Event by Eastern and Western Startup Support NPOs! What is the "Changing Startup Funding Landscape" Analyzed by Seitaikai?

NPO Seitaikai (Location: Kita-ku, Osaka; Director: Allen Minor) will co-host a special event for startup companies, "Osaka Independents ~ Changing Startup Funding," with Certified NPO Independents Club on Friday, June 26th, at the Osaka Innovation Hub (Kita-ku, Osaka). "Certified NPO Independents Club" is a startup support organization that holds 30 startup support events annually across the country. Naoto Matsumoto, who has served as its representative since 2024, is from Osaka and is a top-tier professional in "funding" with 22 years of VC experience and 7 years of experience managing a listed company. A special session with Yuko Nishiyama, Secretary-General of Seitaikai, who leads the Kansai startup ecosystem, will offer significant insights not only to entrepreneurs but also to a wide range of business people. Furthermore, this event will feature a special preview of parts of "Kansai Startup Report No. 26," published by Seitaikai. This report is an analytical survey based on the knowledge accumulated by Seitaikai through daily interviews and startup support activities, offering a unique perspective on the latest trends in Kansai startups. The latest issue, No. 26 (published April 2026), themed "Funding in a Changing Environment," examines the background behind the increasing difficulty in fundraising faced by many entrepreneurs in recent years. It also includes the impact of the review of listing maintenance standards for the growth market on startups and investors, as well as interviews with investors. This event will delve into the essence of the funding difficulties faced by startups, referencing the report's content, which is usually exclusively available to Seitaikai's supported companies. Additionally, pitches from three regional startups will be conducted, providing an opportunity to receive feedback from startup experts. A networking session will also be held for entrepreneurs, companies, and supporters to interact, aiming to revitalize the Kansai startup ecosystem. ● How to Apply ※ [Open to All] Anyone can participate in person by registering in advance. (Participation for sales purposes is declined.) Application 【Program】 15:00～ Introduction 15:10～【Part 1】Special Session "Changing Startup Funding" (Speakers) Naoto Matsumoto, Representative Director, Certified NPO Independents Club Representative Director, NPO Independents Club Naoto Matsumoto Representative Director, ABAKAM Inc. Born March 23, 1980. Joined Future Venture Capital Co., Ltd. in 2002. After serving as Kobe Office Manager and Director of West Japan Investment Department, he became President and Representative Director in January 2016. Established ABAKAM Inc. in July 2022 and became Representative Director (current). Became Director of Kips Inc. in March 2023 (resigned August 2024). Concurrent positions include Director of Kobe University Capital Inc., Outside Director of Kokopelli Inc., Outside Director of Smart Value Co., Ltd., Outside Director of Phil Company Ltd., and Outside Director of Digiara Holdings Inc. Became Representative Director of Independents Club in September 2024. Yuko Nishiyama, Secretary-General of NPO Seitaikai / Representative of MyLife Secretary-General, NPO Seitaikai / Representative, MyLife Yuko Nishiyama Born 1966, from Osaka. Graduated from Osaka University, completed graduate studies at Doshisha University Graduate School of Business. Joined P&G Japan's marketing department after graduation, engaged in marketing such as product development and research for brands like Pampers and Muse. Participated in the launch of an IT startup in 2000, contributing to the creation and growth of new businesses. Became independent in 2012, providing marketing and PR support for startups and B-to-B companies. Has been involved with Seitaikai since its establishment in 2018, conducting interviews with startups across Kansai and researching VCs, government agencies, and universities. A passionate Secretary-General dedicated to revitalizing the Kansai entrepreneurial ecosystem. 15:50～【Part 2】634th Business Plan Presentation Meeting Mr. Takahiro Kinoshita, Representative Director Jikantechno Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Takahiro Kinoshita) Location: 6-12-16 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Yayama Bldg. 4F Business Content: Manufacturing and sales of high-performance materials derived from biomass Company HP: https://jikantechno.com/ Mr. Eisuke Matsumoto, President and Representative Director IKETEL Inc. (President and Representative Director: Eisuke Matsumoto) Location: 1-3-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka Ekimae Daiichi Bldg. 8F5 Business Content: Development and provision of AI systems for the manufacturing industry, AI/data utilization/digital implementation support Company HP: https://www.iketel.co.jp/ Mr. Haruya Ichihashi, Representative Director CEO TxPPIE Inc. (Representative Director CEO: Haruya Ichihashi) Location: 1-20-9-201 Higashimikuni, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Business Content: Medical information platform business Company HP: https://txp.co.jp/ Takahiro Watanabe (Executive Officer, Kansai Area Manager, AGS Consulting Inc.) Hideba Negishi (Lawyer, Uchida & Sakajima Law Office) 16:50～【Part 3】Member and Entrepreneur Speeches *Networking session after the event. ● Event Overview Date & Time: Friday, June 26, 2026, 15:00-17:00 Location: Osaka Innovation Hub (Capacity: 50 people) [Access | OSAKA INNOVATION HUB (innovation-osaka.jp)] Online: Zoom Webinar (Pre-registration required) Organizer: Certified NPO Independents Club Co-organizers: NPO Seitaikai, Osaka Innovation Hub Sponsors: Uchida & Sakajima Law Office, AGS Consulting Inc., Avantia Audit Corporation Cooperation: Kips Inc. 【Contact Information】 Independents Club Secretariat Tel: 03-3980-2945 / Email: club@independents.jp Keywords: