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Panel - Accelerating Ambition: The Road to 100 Unicorns by 2027

Japan’s government has set an ambitious target of nurturing 100 unicorns by 2027, reflecting its commitment to revitalizing its startup ecosystem. Achieving this goal, however, demands not just optimism but tangible action. With Japan’s startups attracting only 2.3% of global VC funding in 2023, the country faces structural and cultural barriers that must be addressed swiftly.  
  
Policies, capital access, talent cultivation, and ecosystem support must align seamlessly to foster innovation at scale. This panel brings together policymakers, venture capitalists, and unicorn founders to strategize actionable measures for unleashing Japan’s full entrepreneurial potential. The discussion will focus on identifying immediate interventions, global lessons, and long-term reforms to turn this vision into reality.

Speakers

Chrysty Esperanza

Chrysty Esperanza

Chief Legal Officer, Block, Inc.

Moderator

Clay Chandler

Clay Chandler

Executive Editor, Asia, Fortune