Investing in AI Ventures in Japan

Date: Thursday, December 14, 2017
Time: 07:30 - 09:00
Venue: Tokyo American Club, B2 Manhattan
Panelists:
Yukiko Kato, General Manager, Corporate Venture Capital Department, SBI Investment Co.,Ltd.
David Malkin, AI Architect, Cogent Labs
James Riney, Co-Founder & Head of 500 Startups Japan
Moderator:  Paul Ford, Partner, KPMG FAS Deal Advisory
Hosting Committee: Alternative Investment Subcommittee 
Member Fee: ¥4,600
Guest Fee: ¥8,000
Meal: Breakfast
Registration/Cancellation Deadline: Monday, December 11, 12:00

Sign up

​Event Overview:

Artificial intelligence has taken off in terms of venture formation, investment activity, and hype, with VC investment in U.S. AI ventures growing to $3.6BN over 322 deals in 2016 from 31 deals in 2007. This boom – some say bubble – presents unique considerations, opportunities and challenges for Japan’s ecosystem of entrepreneurs and investors as well as traditional businesses needing to respond to these new technologies. Our panel of investors and entrepreneurs will take a hard look at the current state of AI investment in Japan viewed through a framework of the overall investment process, from sourcing, diligence and investment execution to value creation and exit. In particular, the panel will cover:

• The current AI-related investment opportunity set in Japan
• Whether AI is a differentiated “investable thesis” or simply an enabling technology that will be commodified over time
• Investment opportunities in generalized versus vertical AI
• Whether data network effects will lead to a winner take all dynamic in AI-centric industries
• How non-technical investors assess the capability of AI-centric ventures
• Opportunities and obstacles for value creation facing Japan’s AI venture community
• The likely exit profile for AI ventures

To sign up for this event, please click here. 

For more information on the speakers, please click on the following links: 
Yukiko Kato, David Malkin, James Riney and Paul Ford. 

Frank Packard, Christopher P. Wells, Co-Chairs
Andrew Conrad, Board Liaison
Jenifer Rogers, Vice Chair
ACCJ Alternative Investment Subcommittee

NOTE 1: This event is ON THE RECORD.

NOTE 2: If you cancel after the stated deadline, the full meeting fee will be charged to your account. Sorry, no substitutions or walk-ins.

NOTE 3: If you are driving to Tokyo American Club, please inform the ACCJ of the make, model, color and plate of the vehicle, by the registration deadline, as arrangements must be made. A 1,700 yen parking fee will apply.