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  #002_How do VCs judge a startup?

  This is Makino, CEO of Monozukuri Ventures. In my last blog, I wrote about "Why VCs avoid hardware startups." I received many good r...

  Oct 14,2022
  VC makino Investment

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  #001_Why VCs Avoid Hardware Startups

  Hi, This is Makino, CEO of Monozukuri Ventures. In the past ten years, the amount of funds startups raised has increased in both t...

  VC makino Investment

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  Tokyo-based startup Amanogi is shooting for the stars!

  New cutting-edge technology and seed investments are helping to boost ambitious startups into the stratosphere. Amanogi, a team by enthus...

  May 07,2019
  

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  Overcoming The Odds: Can Japanese Startups Succeed in the US Market?

  For startups based in Japan, sharing and transferring resources abroad can help to gain entry to new markets. However, it comes with hurd...

  Jun 18,2019
  

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  Monozukuri Hardware Cup 2019 crowned top Japanese hardware startups

  Last week’s Monozukuri Hardware Cup 2019 marked the 3rd edition of one of the region’s leading startup pitch competitions held in English...

  Mar 20,2019
  

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  Make Your Perfect Cup of Tea With Teplo 2.0

  While brewing tea is not a difficult task, mastering it can be considered like an art. Meet Teplo 2.0, a connected teapot that helps you ...

  Mar 12,2019
  

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  CES 2019: What We Learned From The World’s Biggest Tech Show

  After CES 2019 it is always a good time to talk about what was showcased this year and bring scenarios in which technology is heading to....

  Feb 26,2019
  

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  Junction Tokyo 2019 — from idea to prototype in 48 hours — no excuses!

  It is Friday night, just past 22:30h, on one of the artificial islands between the old Tsukiji market area and Odaiba. At an industri...

  Feb 20,2019
  

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  4 Innovative Startups Setting SXSW 2019 On Fire

  Every year, South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals event fills the city of Austin with a wide range of hi-tech devices, fas...

  Feb 13,2019
  

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  Japan’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A showcase of disparity and paradox

  The new year has come and 365 days gone by since my first visit to Japan. Japan is a showcase of disparity and paradox. Every city visite...

  Jan 21,2019
  

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  All I Want for Holidays is…. More Hardware Startups Gifts!

  With the Christmas hustle and bustle quickly approaching, Monozukuri Hub Meetup Tokyo was celebrated in a third edition with a pitch se...

  Dec 27,2018
  

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  CES 2019: 7 Innovative Japanese Startups You Should Check

  CES 2019 is approaching fast. The largest consumer tech event of the year will be here before you know it, packing 180K attendees and ove...

  Dec 04,2018
  

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  Kyoto Smart City Expo 2018 highlights: a world of opportunities for IoT in Japan

  Over 20 years after the Kyoto Protocol signature, global stakeholders met again at KICK Keihanna, Kyoto Prefecture, to talk about environ...

  Oct 18,2018
  

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  Kyoto Makers Garage Celebrates its 1st Anniversary Party

  Itis hard to believe that over a year has passed since officially opening Kyoto Makers Garage. With a vibrant makers’ community hailing f...

  Oct 10,2018
  

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  Ready, Steady, Pitch! Japanese Startups at Monozukuri Hub Meetup Tokyo

  September is here and autumn event season has officially kicked off! Check out how these four sizzling startups pitched at Monozukuri Hub...

  Sep 21,2018
  

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  NYC-startup PlayDate aims to rescue your pet from loneliness and boredom!

  Being locked up at home with nothing to do seems to be boring for you and also for your pet. Here’s how PlayDate will help you to engage ...

  Sep 19,2018
  

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