Source: Peatix

Due to the recent "effective raising of listing maintenance standards for growth markets" and the shift towards "profitability emphasis" by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, many startups are facing a "valley of death" in fundraising. In particular, the increasing number of companies facing down rounds or cash shortages due to valuation mismatches in later stages from Series B onward can be said to be a turning point for the Japanese startup ecosystem.

Therefore, we have invited three guests who are perfectly suited to this topic to teach us the essentials of a dual-track strategy that incorporates M&A as an option alongside IPO preparation.
This time, we're planning an off-the-record talk exclusively for participants, with no online streaming, recording, or article publication.
Guest 1: Mr. Uehara, who has supported numerous startups as an investor for many years and has recently founded REBOOT Partners Co., Ltd. as a "sell-side financial advisor (support for startups selling their assets)."
Guest ② Mr. Okawa, Representative Director and Veterinarian of Anipos Co., Ltd., which will be revamping its shareholder structure by welcoming new shareholders at the end of 2025, and is accelerating further business expansion and social implementation.
Guest #3: Mr. Nakajima, who has worked in auditing firms, foreign investment funds, and financial management for operating companies, and has been active in venture capital for over 10 years.

time schedule
19:30-19:35 Event purpose explanation and speaker introductions
19:35-20:20 Panel Discussion
20:20-20:30 Q&A

Speaker and guest information

Kenji Uehara, Representative Director, REBOOT Partners Co., Ltd.

A graduate of Keio University's Faculty of Policy Management (SFC), he worked as a business manager at Recruit (with annual sales exceeding 10 billion yen) before spending 12 years at Global Brain, DeNA, and DG Ventures, where he was involved in VC investment, value creation, and exit operations. He has a track record of multiple IPOs and M&A deals. In February 2026, he founded REBOOT Partners Co., Ltd., which operates an "M&A agent" business that provides a licensed AI agent covering the entire M&A process (due diligence, research, organizational analysis, risk scanning, and negotiation scenarios), as well as sell-side financial advisory services (seller-focused advisory).

Takumi Okawa, Representative Director and Veterinarian, Anipos Co., Ltd.

Born on February 17, 1986, in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. After gaining clinical experience as a veterinarian, he co-founded Anipos Co., Ltd., bringing in a high school classmate as CTO. The company promotes DX in the pet medical care and insurance fields, developing services such as an insurance claims app for pet owners, "ANIPOS Cloud," a core business system for pet insurance companies, and "Moshipe," an AI-powered pet consultation service. Aiming to build a new animal medical infrastructure utilizing technology, the company is working on service development in collaboration with insurance companies, pet owners, and veterinary hospitals.

By the end of 2025, the company will have a revamped shareholder structure with the participation of WM Partners, further accelerating business expansion and social implementation.

Hiroki Nakajima, PARTNER, NOW Inc.

Born in Tokyo in 1984. In 2007, he joined the International Department of EY ShinNihon LLC, where he handled audits and advisory services for foreign investment funds and major trading companies, as well as providing support for the establishment of internal controls and IFRS implementation for major listed companies. Subsequently, he worked in financial management at a business company. He worked as a venture capitalist at Shinsei Corporate Investment Co., Ltd., investing in IT ventures, and joined NOW Inc. in 2018.

London Business School (MBA)

Certified Public Accountant (Member of the Tokyo Chapter, Japan Institute of Certified Public Accountants)

Eligible Participants
Entrepreneurs and executives who are considering fundraising or struggling with their exit strategy.
VC and angel investors want to strengthen support for the exits of their portfolio companies.

Venue