Diary of a Founder

Founders at Work

An evening of candid conversations and practical insights with founders. See what they’re building and why it matters.

Keynote

Kenji Niwa, Founder & CEO, Firstcard
Kenji will unpack lessons from building and exiting iTank (acquired by En Japan in 2015), investing in 30+ startups (including Substack), and returning to operate Firstcard (founded 2020) to expand access to credit. The company’s mission is rooted in his own experience - all while earning his MBA at UC Berkeley Haas.

Lightning Pitches

Rapid pitches from AlchemistX founders across manufacturing, AI, and sustainability—followed by open networking with founders, investors, and operators.

Who Should Attend

Builders, investors, and leaders focused on durable technology and the infrastructure behind it.

Agenda

• 5:00–5:30 PM — Arrival & networking
• 5:30–5:40 PM — Welcome & keynote introduction
• 5:40–6:30 PM — Fireside chat with Kenji Niwa + Q&A
• 6:30–6:45 PM — Founder lightning pitches (10)
• 6:45–7:30 PM — Networking reception

Partners

AlchemistX — External innovation arm of Alchemist Accelerator, partnering with industry and government to help top founders go to market.
JETRO — Supports startup growth through programs such as GSAP, connecting innovators with customers and partners.

Registration & Media Notice

By registering, you consent to share your contact information with JETRO and JIC for administrative and communication purposes, in line with their privacy policies. JETRO, JIC, and affiliated organizations may photograph and record the event for promotional use (e.g., websites, social media). If you have questions, prefer not to be photographed or recorded, or wish to discuss data use, notify event staff upon arrival and contact startup2@jetro.go.jp.