Panel: The New Rules of Capital - From Policy Reform to Exit

Why this discussion matters now:
Japan's startup funding environment is being reshaped from both ends. On the macro side, Bank of Japan policy shifts and the Yen Carry Trade dynamics are rippling through global capital markets, affecting foreign LP appetite for Japanese VC funds. On the micro side, the government's 5-Year Startup Development Plan is delivering real results: sweeping changes to angel tax systems, stock options reform, and the TSE's "10 billion JPY" market cap rule are accelerating a seismic shift in how startups raise and exit. M&A deals hit a record 199 transactions in 2024, and Japan's PE market now exceeds ¥3 trillion. The "IPO or bust" mentality is dead. This panel connects the dots - from policy reform to exit strategy - asking: How do founders, investors, and policymakers navigate this new landscape together?

What you'll walk away with:
A comprehensive view of Japan's evolving capital stack. Founders will gain strategies for structuring late-stage deals and navigating down rounds. Investors will understand how policy tailwinds are creating new opportunities. Policymakers will hear directly from the ecosystem on what's working and what's next. The session delivers a multi-track exit playbook and insight into the next wave of deregulation essential for cap table structuring and compliance.