Japan's largest startup conference "IVS2026" (dates: July 1–3, 2026 / venues: Miyako Messe, Rohm Theatre Kyoto, Hotel Okura Kyoto) will host an intensive program called "CROSS TIDE" on July 1 (DAY1), the first day of the conference, at the Rohm Theatre Kyoto South Hall. This program will dive deep into the ideal relation and collaboration between standard business corporations/CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) and startups.
What is CROSS TIDE?
"CROSS TIDE" is a program within IVS2026 that explores "the ideal relationship between startups, CVCs, and large corporations" in order to foster new business development and create new industries within established companies. We will discuss both the capital and business aspects, ranging from liberating corporate assets through methods like M&A, spin-outs, and carve-outs, to strategic utilization of large corporations and CVCs from the startups' perspective.
This program consists of three session programs held in the South Hall on DAY1 (July 1) of IVS, followed by a networking party. The session programs are open to anyone holding an IVS pass.
For this initiative, we are collaborating fully with "CVC vs CVC," which is attracting attention as a network for large corporate CVCs. In addition, many communities, including FIRST CVC, are participating to make this happen within IVS2026.
An Invitation-Only Networking Party Also Held on the Same Night
Furthermore, on the evening of the same day, an exclusive, invitation-only networking party linked to this program will be held at the Kyoto Modern Terrace. This will provide a setting where key stakeholders from corporate business units/CVC and startups can connect deeply, starting from their challenges.
<CROSS TIDE with CVC vs CVC NETWORKING PARTY>
July 1, 2026 Scheduled to start at 18:30, expected to end by 20:30
Location: Kyoto Modern Terrace (located inside Rohm Theatre Kyoto, the IVS venue)
*This event is strictly invitation-only. Those wishing to attend must register on the waiting list, and admission is granted upon approval.
Networking Party Registration Site:
https://4s.link/ja/crosstide202607kyoto
Scheduled Session Programs
Scheduled for the afternoon of July 1 at Rohm Theatre Kyoto, South Hall. Anyone with an IVS pass can attend.
(Honorifics omitted for speakers, in no particular order. Content and speakers are subject to change.)
In addition, vendor and partner booths will be set up in the South Hall lobby during the session hours.
We hope you will visit them as well.
Fireside Chat: From Stuttgart to the World (Tentative)
Content: Introducing the next-generation mobility and industrial transformation strategy envisioned by Porsche Ventures. Sharing perspectives on CVC roles, collaboration design, and global investment. Speaker: Patrick Huke (Partner & Head of Porsche Ventures)
Fusion and Liberation of Corporate Assets: New Growth Strategies Opened up by M&A, Spin-ups/Spin-offs, Accelerators, and Core Business Support
Content: We will delve into how to maximize internal corporate assets both "internally" and "externally" to drive new business creation and startup growth. This discussion covers techniques like M&A, spin-outs, and carve-outs that combine established companies' technology and talent with external capital to achieve non-linear growth, as well as the recently highlighted trend of "spin-ups."
Moderator:
Tatsuya Ishii (CVC vs CVC Organizer)
Speakers:
Nao Shigenari (Executive Officer, Space Business Unit, General Manager of Corporate Strategy Division, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation)
Shumpei Tatebayashi (Deputy General Manager, Open Innovation Department, KDDI Corporation)
Daisuke Suzuki (General Manager, Corporate Investment Department, Sony Group Corporation)
Takeaki Doda (Google, Head of Venture Capital Business Development)
Momo Fukunaga (Hakuhodo Inc., Sei-katsu-sha Interface Design Center, Rally for Growth Team)
Partnerships with Large Corporations and CVCs as Seen by Startups: Practical Knowledge from Startups "Utilizing Large Corporations" on Capital and Business Fronts
Content: An increasing number of startups are accelerating their growth by strategically leveraging capital alliances and business collaborations with large corporations. Using a wide variety of formats as topics—from "swing-by IPOs" conducted by Soralink and targeted by Folio as their next major candidate, to "joining the umbrella of a large corporation" and establishing "equal business partnerships"—we will discuss what startups expect from large corporations and CVCs, and how they utilize them.
Moderator:
Akihiko Okamoto (Headline Asia General Partner)
Speakers:
Takao Ozawa (Boost Capital Inc. Founder)
Shinichiro Kai (FOLIO Co., Ltd. Founder and Board Member)
Koyo Sato (Space Data Inc. Founder & CEO)
and others
Overview of CROSS TIDE
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Sessions & Booths: 13:30–18:00
Networking Party: 18:30–20:30
Planning & Production: Headline Asia, 4S Inc.
Co-host: CVC vs CVC
Sponsors: FINCHI, Hakuhodo, JR West, Nankai Electric Railway, Panasonic Corporation, Porsche Ventures, Shimadzu Corporation, Takara Holdings
Cooperation: Panasonic Corporation, DEEPCORE
Overview of IVS2026
IVS is Japan's largest startup conference, which started in 2007. It brings together domestic and international startups, investors, large corporations, and creators. Under the theme of "Japan is Back," the 2026 conference will take place in Kyoto.
As a culmination that evolves from IVS2023, IVS2024, and IVS2025 previously held in Kyoto, this year will feature two areas: the regular "IVS" area (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe" and "Rohm Theatre Kyoto") and the newly established, invitation-only, Showa-era-equivalent premium "IVS CORE" area (Hotel Okura Kyoto).
【IVS ("Miyako Messe" / "Rohm Theatre Kyoto")】
This area is open to everyone creating the next generation: startup associates, business corporations, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, supporters, governments, research institutions, and students. It features stage sessions, the startup exhibition "Startup Market," and IVS's signature pitch event "IVS LAUNCHPAD."
【IVS CORE (Hotel Okura Kyoto)】*Newly established, invitation-only
This is a strictly invitation-only area reserved exclusively for decision-makers, including startup founders, institutional investors, executives of large corporations, and government/policy officials. It provides a platform where concrete decisions are made through off-the-record sessions, executive matchmaking, and M&A matching.
An access pass is required to participate in IVS2026. There are two types: the "IVS PASS" to enter the IVS area, and the invitation-only "CORE PASS" to enter the IVS CORE area. The CORE PASS is subject to screening and is only available for purchase by invitees.
Name: IVS2026
Theme: Japan is Back
Dates: Wednesday, July 1 to Friday, July 3, 2026
Venues: Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe," Rohm Theatre Kyoto, Hotel Okura Kyoto, etc.
Organizer: IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan / Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto City)
Official Website: https://www.ivs.events/
Official X: https://x.com/IVS_Official
About the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee
With the hosting of IVS in Kyoto, Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City jointly established the committee to promote further development of the startup ecosystem and region's industries. By promoting the fusion of Kyoto's corporate concentration, universities, research institutions, and cultural resources with startups, we aim to facilitate the creation of new industries and foster world-class startup enterprises.
Member Organizations: Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City