Three Japanese angel investors have announced an additional incentive of up to US$100,000 funding for the winner of the WiT Japan & North Asia 2019 Startup Pitch which takes place from July 4 to 5 in Tokyo.
Kei Shibata, Kenichi Shibata and Ken Mishima, who have been actively involved in nurturing the startup ecosystem in Japan, have decided to team up to offer this joint prize in their personal capacity.
The terms are to be negotiated individually between the winning startup and the trio, and are subject to both parties’ agreement.
Said Kei Shibata, CEO of Venture Republic, “Over the course of last seven years, WiT Japan & North Asia Startup Pitch competition has attracted some of the best startups in travel across Asia and rest of the world.
“Its track record is well proven and has produced past winners like Voyagin, Relux, MyRealTrip and Klook. As seasoned entrepreneurs, Kenichi, Ken and myself who have built our careers in travel tech and startups are extremely excited with the opportunity to help accelerate the growth of those selected, next big startups.”
Up to 10 semi-finalists will take part in the competition, powered this year by Amadeus, to be held live at the Innovation Stage at WiT Japan & North Asia on July 4. Three will go on to pitch at the Grand Finals the following day, with the winner to be decided at the closing.
Featured image: Getty Images
