🇪🇺+🇯🇵=🚀 It was a little while since we filmed this, and as we entered the studio, the result from the US election was still up in the air. The first thing we heard after wrapping up the recording was, “Trump has declared himself victorious”. Needless to say, I think we were all in shock. Since that day, it has changed from a “nice to have” for countries with shared values to work together, into a “must have” for countries with shared values to collaborate. Europe and Japan have many more shared values than people may think, and it’s very easy for a Swedish person to feel right at home in Japan. Europe and Japan are home to the world’s greatest engineers and innovators. What is needed is more support for these engineers and innovators, and we will continue to do our part to provide Japanese entrepreneurs with more global experience, vision and network, and to strengthen the partnership between our countries and continents.
In this episode of the InnoHyve Podcast, we sit down with Tobias Mathiasen, an experienced venture capitalist and advocate for global innovation, as he shares his unique perspective on fostering growth in Japan's startup ecosystem. From his early experiences in Sweden and Hong Kong to his current role at Katalysen Ventures, Tobias’s journey exemplifies how adaptability, a passion for transformation, and a collaborative mindset can drive meaningful change. In this engaging conversation, Tobias reveals how his “gardener’s mindset” combining careful planning, hands-on effort, and long-term vision has influenced his approach to venture capitalism. He discusses the global challenges and opportunities in the VC space and offers a candid look at the unique hurdles facing Japanese startups, including limited access to global capital and the need to redefine expectations between founders and investors. Key takeaways: ---------------- - The Journey into Venture Capital: From Sweden to Hong Kong and Ireland, and the lessons learned along the way. - Human vs. Structural Capital: A framework for understanding startup growth and transformation. Japan’s Startup Ecosystem: Why only 2% of global VC funding reaches Japan and what can be done to change that. - The Role of VCs in Japan: How venture capitalists can support bold ideas and foster global competitiveness. - Long-Term Vision for Success: Tobias’s optimistic outlook on bridging the gap between Japanese startups and global investors. Please find the links to the episode in the comments! Axel Algoet Wannes Chauvaux