Shibuya Startups KK – an AgeTech Collaborative™ business service participant — is a startup accelerator in Shibuya, Japan providing growth support (visas, free office space, English-language legal/account support, proof of concept, partnerships, GTM consultation, hiring, PR etc.) for global AgeTech startups that want to expand into the Japanese market. Shibuya Startups is backed by Shibuya City.
We recently connected with CEO Shiho Watabe, to hear how Shibuya Startups KK is making a splash in the AgeTech space in Japan.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Can you tell us a little bit about Shibuya Startups KK?
We are a semi-public organization that was created in April of this year by the city government of Shibuya, one of the largest wards in Tokyo, Japan. The reason for Shibuya Startups KK’s creation is to bring in global and local startup founders in the AgeTech space to focus on the problems that Japan's aging population is uniquely facing.
How did you find out about AgeTech Collaborative?
I am a part of this professional community called Chief. I went to a dinner event in Washington DC, and sat next to a Vice President at AARP, where we chatted about the Collaborative. I had no prior experience or interest in the space of AgeTech, but somehow this one dinner made me convinced AgeTech made sense for Japan since it is the oldest (population-wise) country in the world.
You mention that Shibuya Startups KK was created with the goal of solving problems uniquely facing Japan’s aging population. What is one of those unique problems?
One distinct challenge that Japan's aging population encounters is related to mobility. The uniqueness lies in the high population density of areas like Shibuya, where car usage is relatively low, making mobility a significant concern. It's worth noting that many seniors often struggle to maintain self-sufficiency in getting around, which is often not the case. This is why the introduction to Camino has sparked our enthusiasm. Their product plays a crucial role in addressing this problem, making it a valuable addition.
Camino is an AgeTech Collaborative Startup Participant! Have you made any other connections on the platform?
Yes! In addition to Camino, we’ve connected with Tellus. I met them when I first joined the Collaborative via the platform and we’ve had subsequent communications since, which is very exciting.
Tell me a little about your career and what inspired you to take the CEO position at Shibuya Startups KK?
I've never been one to plan my career; I'm quite spontaneous. After earning my Master's degree from Stanford, I jumped into the finance industry at Morgan Stanley's investment banking division. I later explored different sectors, joining Google's APMM program. I did marketing and go-to-marketing across the world while I was at Google for 9.5 years. Post Google, I joined a Silicon Valley startup, saw it through its IPO, and then transitioned to other startups for a few years. During the pandemic, my family and I moved back to Japan for 10 months. There, I stumbled upon an Instagram post about volunteering for Shibuya's city government, applied, and got it. When they decided to create Shibuya Startups KK, they tapped me due to my experience in the tech world and I couldn’t resist! I’m from Shibuya, so the opportunity to contribute to my hometown and engage in solving these urgent issues for older adults, I felt it was only right.
What are some notable challenges you’ve faced as CEO of Shibuya Startups KK, and how did you navigate them?
As the CEO of a company that is backed by the public sector (Shibuya City) as well as private sector investors (including Tokyu Corporation, GMO Internet Group, Tokyu Land Corporation), my job definitely comes with interesting and unique challenges. I have to have a long-term view about what the future looks like for the city & innovation while thinking about short-term business outcomes. Growing up in Shibuya City, and being professionally trained in Silicon Valley, I am slowly but steadily learning this balance on this job.
What has surprised you the most about working in the AgeTech space?
How complicated it is with its multiple layers: end users, caretakers, policy and regulations, and healthcare system.
As the CEO, what is your end goal for Shibuya Startups KK?
I ultimately aim to see people living in an improved world, and I believe that technology, while significant, is not the sole solution. It's crucial not to lose sight of real-life aspects like aging. As a company, my goal is to ensure that as many founders as possible have the opportunity to engage in the global innovation arena. Japan has been somewhat insular for the past 30 years, and we need to embrace diversity, agility, and curiosity. I want to see Shibuya Startups KK become a bridge to global innovation, especially in Japan.
Learn more about Shibuya Startups KK at their website.
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