IVS2026 is recruiting “NEXT Staff”

IVS STAFF COMMUNITY

IVS Staff Culture and Community
For more than 15 years, IVS has been supported by many volunteer staff members. Young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs and investors gather here and have gone on to achieve success in startups and thrive as investors. Many alumni gather at the venue and watch over the current staff. Many people say, “The volunteers are the most noteworthy part of IVS,” and we value this staff culture.

IVS2025

IVS2024

IVS2023

What are NEXT Staff?

IVS NEXT Staff are not just “volunteers for the day.”

They are assigned to a team before the event period and are involved as part of the operations team from pre-event preparation, input, and team building through the main event.

Why this structure?

The format of “participating as a volunteer on the day” had its limits. It was hard to foster a sense of belonging, and even when people gathered, it was difficult to build deep connections. So starting last year, we changed to a structure where members join the team one month before the event period. As a result, we received many comments from both the operations side and the participant side saying, “We’re glad we got involved,” and every NEXT Staff member who participated made it through to the end. This year as well, we will continue this design while making it even better.

Toward the “future protagonist” who will lead the next generation

For many years, IVS has been planned and operated by volunteers who became planning staff, with that spirit passed down over time. From the experience of building IVS2026 together, the next leaders are sure to emerge.

In fact, our representative, Shimakawa, began his career as an IVS volunteer.

Share the future you envision with the current staff. You may be the one to create the next generation.

How this differs from typical volunteering

What we expect from you

Joining NEXT Staff is neither a place to gain experience nor a place to get perks.

It is a chance to stand on the side that creates an experience for about 10,000 people.

We’re waiting for people who can think not only about “what they can get,” but “what we can achieve together.”

What IVS expects from you

• As a member of your assigned team, work responsibly from preparation through the main event

• Think and speak for yourself about “how can this be better?”

• Reach beyond your team and connect with peers who share the same passion

Required commitment

<Required participation schedule>

About one month, including the event days in June and July

• Participate in the weekly regular MTG of your team

• Participate in the all-hands kickoff held on the morning of June 17 (Wed) (online)

• Participate in the day-before preparation day (6/30)

• Participate fully for all three event days (no late arrivals or early departures)

<Role-based commitment>

• Pre-event input for your assigned area (review provided materials and videos in advance)

• Thorough reporting, communication, and consultation within the team

• Not only “what to do on the day,” but also taking responsibility as a team member for pre-event preparation

Open positions

1. HQ Support

   We are recruiting members to support the overall IVS operation. On-site operations on the day cover a very wide range of tasks. It’s not limited to routine work; at times, you may need quick thinking and initiative to handle unexpected situations. Also, since there are many international participants, a role that supports smooth communication is important as well.

   
   

2. HQ Interpreter

   This is an interpreter attached to headquarters. More than 20% of our guests come from overseas. We are looking for members of the interpreter team who will primarily support guests from abroad. Previous interpreting experience is not required, and students who are confident in English are also welcome to join.

   
   

3. IVS Speaker Care

   This team runs the main stage. They manage speakers’ schedules on the day and coordinate on-site operations, taking on the role of keeping time and communication aligned in a high-pressure environment. The backstage of an event visited by more than 10,000 people will surely be an unforgettable experience.

   • Speaker Care Leader (*starts working from mid-May)

   • Speaker Care (registration, guidance, etc.)

   • Web3 / CRYPTO Speaker Care (English required, interest in CRYPTO)

   • Global Speaker Care (registration, guidance, etc., English required)

     
     

4. IVS CORE Speaker Care

   You will be in charge of the invitation-only area newly launched this year, “IVS CORE.” In a venue, atmosphere, and participant mix different from the main IVS, calm responsiveness and hospitality are required. The main task is registration and guidance for IVS CORE speakers. Students not allowed; English required.

   
   

5. Guest Connector

   At IVS CORE, you will introduce guests to one another according to their needs and proactively create opportunities for guests to meet. This is a role where you can leverage a broad network in the startup industry. Students not allowed; those who are good at English are welcome.

   
   

6. Tour Desk

   We host a communication market where about 130 startups gather every day. The Tour Desk team supports the gathering for the daily market tours and assists the director. While standing at the forefront where new encounters and projects are born, you can meet hundreds of startups over three days, which is a unique appeal of this position.

   
   

7. Check-in System Support

   IVS uses a check-in system based on QR code scanning through a dedicated app. The Check-in System Support team serves as the point of contact for system troubles that arise at check-in and helps participants enter smoothly.

❓If you’re not sure which team is right for you, we’ll help you decide.

• Flexible people who say any position is fine and “leave it to me.”

• People with high motivation who are unsure which role suits them best.

• People who enjoy serendipity and want to grow through diverse experiences.

We’re looking for people who enjoy taking on something new and expanding their possibilities.

Important: About application and matching

Eligibility

• Open to both students and working professionals

• Must be able to participate continuously from as early as late May through the July event itself (including the day before and the day of)

• Must be able to share their IVS participation with their organization (company, university, etc.) and obtain consent

• Must agree to IVS confidentiality obligations

Activities

• Varies depending on affiliation, but participation in regular meetings once or twice a week (mainly online)

• Communication uses Slack and Notion (frequent reporting, communication, and mutual sharing are required)

Desired member profile

• Someone who strongly resonates with IVS’s mission: “A catalyst for the next generation.”

• Someone interested in startups and who wants to contribute to the growth of Japan’s startup ecosystem

• Someone with basic communication skills who values cooperation with team members

Profiles we are not looking for

• People whose main goal is sales, promotion, or networking for their own company

• People whose goal is to access content (such as Speaker or Executive area entry)

Activity conditions

• Volunteer activity (unpaid)

• No financial support for transportation or accommodation expenses

• University students can receive a participation certificate

• Participation as an IVS member (do not foreground your own company affiliation)

• Compliance with confidentiality obligations

• If commercial, extremely self-serving, or disruptive behavior is confirmed, you may be asked to withdraw from the activity

Selection process

• Matching with each team based on application information (matching is prioritized over acceptance/rejection)

• If there is a matching candidate, an online interview will be conducted

• After agreement in the interview, you will join the team

• May close once positions are filled

Application form

Application deadline: 5/15 (Fri) 23:59
※We will close once positions are filled