2024 Year in Review: Reflect, Celebrate, Innovate
Dec
17
5:00 PM17:00

2024 Year in Review: Reflect, Celebrate, Innovate

 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

2024 Year in Review
Reflect, Celebrate, Innovate

 

DESCRIPTION

Join us for an evening of reflection and inspiration as we celebrate the achievements and lessons of 2024. Organized by Fernando Lorenzo, this event features a keynote on the year's major milestones, a presentation about startups, panel discussion with industry leaders, and an innovation showcase highlighting groundbreaking projects. Don’t miss the opportunity to network with visionaries and innovators shaping the future.

With insights recognizing impactful contributions, this event is a perfect blend of recognizing innovations and finding meaningful solutions towards solving global issues. Whether you’re a tech professional, entrepreneur, or curious mind, this is your chance to connect, learn, and prepare for a brighter 2025.


SCHEDULE
5:00 - 5:30pm • Check-in & Networking
5:30 - 6:30pm • Discussions & Program
6:30 - 8:00pm • Dinner & Networking

Please join us in person or online!

Business attire encouraged

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.

 
 

EVENT DETAILS

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2024
5:00 - 8:00PM PT

Insight Café @ JIC
214 Homer Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTER HERE



KEYNOTES


MADHAV GOENKA
Consultant
VALUENEX

LinkedIn


TATSUO NAKAMURA
Founder & CEO
VALUENEX

LinkedIn

 
View Event →

AI and Quantum Technology
Nov
21
5:00 PM17:00

AI and Quantum Technology

 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

Growing With AI & Quantum Tech
The Latest Trends, Backed by Data

 

DESCRIPTION

Join us at the Japan Innovation Center (JIC) in Palo Alto, CA, on Thursday, November 21 for an exclusive event focused on the transformative intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies. Designed for Fortune 500 executives, CFOs, CVCs, VCs, investors, business strategists, and innovation leaders, this event will delve into cutting-edge advancements and strategic applications that drive competitive advantage in today’s digital landscape.

Experts and industry leaders will discuss emerging trends, real-world applications, and investment opportunities in AI and quantum technologies. Attendees will gain actionable insights into leveraging these technologies for growth, innovation, and M&A initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers and thought leaders shaping the future of industry over a light dinner and some amazing music.


SCHEDULE
5:00 - 5:30pm • Check-in & Network
5:30 - 6:30pm • Discussions & Program
6:30 - 8:00pm • Dinner & Networking

Please join us in person or via Zoom!

Business attire is encouraged

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.

 

In collaboration with

 

EVENT DETAILS

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2024
5:00 - 8:00PM PT

Insight Café @ JIC
214 Homer Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTER HERE



KEYNOTES


FERNANDO LORENZO
Research Analyst
VALUENEX

LinkedIn




SAM SHARAF
Senior Director, Product Management
Salesforce Frontier AI

LinkedIn




SOPHIE CHOE Ph.D.
CEO
qAIntum.ai Inc.

LinkedIn




GARY FOWLER
President
GSD Venture Studios

LinkedIn

 
View Event →
Halloween Happy Hour
Oct
24
5:00 PM17:00

Halloween Happy Hour

 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

Halloween Happy Hour
An Earthly-like Networking Event

 

DESCRIPTION

In collaboration with Keizai and GABA, we hope you can join us for an spooktastic Halloween happy hour vibe filled with amazing people looking to create scary yet amazing things happening across the world. The office will be decorated with subtle Halloween color pallets, spooky lighting, and fun elements like pumpkin displays and orange candle light played by an amazing DJ to help set the mood.

Amazing costumes are highly encouraged (top 2 winners receive prizes), we hope to see you soon!


SCHEDULE
5:00 - 6:30pm • Check-in & Networking
6:30 - 6:40pm • Quick intros & Prizes
6:40 - 8:00pm • Dinner, DJ, & Networking

Please join us in person!

Halloween costumes and designs encouraged

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.

 

In collaboration with

 

EVENT DETAILS

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2024
5:00 - 8:00PM PT

Insight Café @ VALUENEX
644 Emerson St Ste 110
Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTER HERE



HALLOWEEN HOST


FERNANDO LORENZO
Research Analyst
VALUENEX

LinkedIn

 
View Event →
AR/VR/Gaming Trends & Tech Insights
Sep
18
5:00 PM17:00

AR/VR/Gaming Trends & Tech Insights

  • Insight Café @ Japan Innovation Campus (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

AR/VR/Gaming Trends & Tech Insights
Analyzing the Latest Innovations in Gaming

 

DESCRIPTION

Dive into the immersive world of gaming with industry veterans Vijay Koduri, an Angel Investor at Sand Hill Angels, former head of marketing at Google, and co-founder at Sizzle, as well as Hiro Tsujino, AR/VR Senior Software Engineer at Big Tech, and David B. Hoppe, Managing Partner at Gamma Law, as they lead an exciting exploration of the evolving landscape of what is at the forefront of AR/VR/Gaming technology. This engaging event will uncover the secrets behind creating games that not only captivate but also inspire generations of players across the world on a deeper level.

In this dynamic session, the panel session moderated by Fernando Lorenzo will share key insights on crafting experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, promoting positive social impact, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling in gaming. Afterwards, DJ Luke Dziurzynski will be playing some interesting tracks to set the mood for designing the world of tomorrow.

Whether you’re a game developer, storyteller, or simply a gaming enthusiast, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and network with fellow professionals passionate about the future of gaming. Join us for an interactive discussion and Q&A session, where you can engage directly with Vijay, Hiro, David, and other influential attendees, sharing ideas and expanding your understanding of what’s next in gaming. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a conversation that’s shaping the future of the gaming industry!


SCHEDULE
5:00 - 5:30pm • Check-in & Networking
5:30 - 5:40pm • AR/VR/Gaming Insights & Trends Presentation
5:40 - 6:20pm • Panel Discussions
6:20 - 6:30pm • Audience Q&A & Closing Remarks
6:30 - 8:00pm • Dinner, DJ, & Networking

Please join us in person or via Zoom!

Business casual attire

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.

 
 

EVENT DETAILS

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
5:00 - 8:00PM PT

JAPAN INNOVATION CAMPUS
214 Homer Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTER HERE



SPEAKERS


VIJAY KODURI
Angel Investor, Co-Founder
Sand Hill Angels, Sizzle

LinkedIn


HIRO TSUJINO
AR/VR Senior Software Engineer
Big Tech

LinkedIn


DAVID B. HOPPE
Managing Partner
Gamma Law

LinkedIn


FERNANDO LORENZO
Research Analyst
VALUENEX

LinkedIn

 
View Event →
PPP Series: People - Finding Balance & Wholeness in Life & Business
Aug
27
5:00 PM17:00

PPP Series: People - Finding Balance & Wholeness in Life & Business

  • Insight Café @ Japan Innovation Campus (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

PPP Series: People
Finding Balance & Wholeness in Life & Business

 

DESCRIPTION

Join us for an enlightening session with Dr. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu, a renowned American Japanese psychologist at Stanford University, as he explores the transformative power of mindfulness, compassion, and responsibility in the world of business and leadership. This engaging event will delve into the intersection of mindfulness, mental health, and cultural perspectives, offering fresh insights that can enhance your personal and professional life.

This event marks the final installment of our three-part series "PPP: Planet, Products, and People," focusing on 'People.' In our August theme, "Finding Balance & Wholeness in Life & Business" Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu will discuss strategies for boosting employee well-being and fostering compassion in today's business environment.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Otsuka’s newly launched solution, center me™, a guided matcha meditation ritual. (Otsuka, a $14Bn Japanese total healthcare company, is a global group of companies with a mission to create better health worldwide.) - hosted at Japan Innovation Campus in Palo Alto in collaboration with SACC (Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce), GABA (German American Business Association), Keizai Silicon Valley, and CSPA (California Software Professional Association). 

Whether you’re a business leader, manager, or aspiring entrepreneur, this event offers valuable tools to help you lead with intention and integrity. Engage in thought-provoking discussions and network with like-minded professionals committed to fostering a more compassionate business landscape. Join us for an interactive discussion and Q&A session, where you can engage directly with Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu and fellow attendees.


SCHEDULE
5:00 - 5:30pm • Check-in & Network
5:30 - 5:45pm • Introduction
5:45 - 6:15pm • Presentations by Dr. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu
6:15 - 6:25pm • Matcha meditation ritual with center me™
6:25 - 6:30pm • Q&A
6:30 - 8:00pm • Light refreshment & Networking

Please join us in person or via Zoom!

Business casual attire

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.

In collaboration with:

 
 

EVENT DETAILS

TUESDAY AUGUST 27, 2024
5:00 - 8:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)

JAPAN INNOVATION CAMPUS
214 Homer Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTRATION CLOSED

SPEAKERS


STEPHEN MURPHY-SHIGEMATSU
Clinical & Cultural Psychologist
Stanford University

LinkedIn


KOJI YAMADA
Director
Otsuka Innovation Co-Lab

LinkedIn

 
View Event →
Behind the Scenes of Silicon Valley: the Keys to Success in Pioneering the Future
Jul
26
6:00 PM18:00

Behind the Scenes of Silicon Valley: the Keys to Success in Pioneering the Future

 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

シリコンバレーの最新トレンドとその舞台裏:
未来を切り拓く成功の秘訣

 

概要
このイベントでは、シリコンバレーでの最新トレンドとイノベーションについて、実際シリコンバレーで駐在を経験された日本企業の経営企画、新規事業、オープンイノベーション担当の方々がその舞台裏を紹介します。参加者は、シリコンバレーで未来を切り拓くための成功の秘訣やテクノロジーの最前線について学び、新たなビジネスチャンスを見つけることができます。

登壇者
吉成 雄一郎氏, 三菱商事㈱ 産業DX部門 新規事業開発担当(前北米三菱商事 シリコンバレー支店 Director, Innovation & Design Thinking)

1996年 三菱商事入社、宇宙航空機部で人工衛星ビジネスに従事。2002年 三菱商事100%出資の位置情報サービス社内ベンチャー ジクー・データシステムズ(株)を立案、設立、出向(7年)。2009年 本店復帰、金属グループへ異動し資源事業に従事。オーストラリアMitsubishi Development社に赴任。BHPとの原料炭JV事業BMA (BHP Mitsubishi Alliance)で鉱山・港湾開発やJV運営全般を担当(VP, Planning & Coordination)。2014年 帰任、銅事業担当次長を経て、2016年 シリコンバレー支店に赴任。スタートアップ投資(CVC)、イノベーション活動・新規事業創造、DXプロジェクト、デザイン思考トレーニングを主導。スターアップ企業の取締役会に陪席しスタートアップの経営やEV・バッテリー産業動向に造詣深い。2023年 帰国。博士(社会科学)。

平野 智久氏, ENEOS株式会社 中央技術研究所 技術戦略室 事業創出推進グループマネージャー(2018年に同社初めてのシリコンバレー駐在員として、米国でのオープンイノベーション活動立上げを実施)

2013年ENEOS中央技術研究所に入社。触媒開発などの研究開発業務に携わったあと、2018年に同社初めてのシリコンバレー駐在員として、米国でのオープンイノベーション活動立上げを実施。2021年10月から現部署にて、日本でのオープンイノベーション推進および事業企画を推進。

片澤 友浩氏,ユニアデックス株式会社マーケティング本部リサーチ&戦略推進室長(US時代 BIPROGY USA, Inc. Business Development, Director)

BIPROGY(旧日本ユニシス)グループのITインフラやアウトソーシングビジネスを展開するユニアデックスに入社。ネットワーク関連プロダクト、主に無線技術を中心にマーケティングからプロダクト主幹を担当。2018年4月から同じくBIPROGYフループの米国マーケティング拠点であるBIPROGY USAにジョインし、日本向けのビジネス開発やスタートアップ探索、業界マーケティングなどを担当。2022年3月で5年間の駐在を終え、4月からユニアデックスの新設マーケティング本部でリサーチなどを担当。

Jiyoung Choi、VALUENEX, Inc. COO

東京大学大学院化学生命工学研究科修士課程を修了後、モルガン・スタンレー証券債券統括本部のポートフォリオ戦略部にて、機関投資家、事業会社の投資ポートフォリオ戦略構築業務に従事し、Vice Presidentを歴任。2016年にYale UniversityにてMBAを取得後、弊社の米国連結子会社であるVALUENEX, Inc.に参画し、シリコンバレーを中心に現地ビジネスおよび組織の拡大に注力している。2018年より、VALUENEX, Inc.の最高執行責任者(COO)に就任(現任)。

プログラム
開会の挨拶(午後6時〜午後6時30分)
イベント主催者によるイベントの目的とシリコンバレーの重要性の紹介
シリコンバレーの最新トレンド(午後6時30分〜午後7時)
VALUENEXによるシリコンバレーでの最新トレンドの解説
舞台裏からの成功と失敗事例(午後7時〜午後8時)
シリコンバレーで駐在を経験された日本企業の経営企画、新規事業、オープンイノベーション担当の方々によるパネルディスカッション
スタートアップ、ベンチャーキャピタルとの付き合い、シリコンバレーでの新規事業開拓などの具体的な成功・失敗事例とベストプラクティスの共有
質疑応答セッションとネットワーキング(午後8時〜午後9時)
質問応答セッションによる参加者の疑問や意見の共有
参加者同士や講演者との交流を深めるネットワーキング


協力


イベントの詳細

2023年7月26日(水)
午後6時〜午後9時JST

Inspired.Lab
〒100-0004 東京都千代田区大手町一丁目6番1号 大手町ビル6階


REGISTRATION CLOSED


登壇者


吉成 雄一郎氏
三菱商事㈱
産業DX部門
新規事業開発担当

LinkedIn


平野 智久氏
ENEOS株式会社
中央技術研究所
技術戦略室
事業創出推進グループマネージャー

LinkedIn


片澤 友浩氏
ユニアデックス株式会社
マーケティング本部
リサーチ&戦略推進室長

LinkedIn


JIYOUNG CHOI
VALUENEX, Inc.
COO

LinkedIn

 
View Event →
Advanced Nuclear Solutions Overview
Aug
31
7:30 AM07:30

Advanced Nuclear Solutions Overview

 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

Advanced Nuclear Solutions

 

DESCRIPTION
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the expansion of clean energy sources, including atomic energy/nuclear energy and renewables, is critically needed if our planet is to avoid a 1.5° C rise in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels. Atomic energy is already among the cleanest sources of energy: no greenhouse gases or toxic pollutants are released during operations.

During this meetup, Carl Page, President and Cofounder at Anthropocene Institute, a non-profit organization that advocates for the development of new reactor designs that are safer to operate and more versatile in use, will share nuclear energy overview and his view on the future energy source. Also, Jiyoung Choi, COO at VALUENEX will share the nuclear energy landscape and public perception via big data analytics.

The meetup will be followed by a happy hour at our office to exchange information with other CVCs/Open Innovation/Tech Scouting teams, startups, advisors, and students for open networking.

SCHEDULE
4:30pm - Opening & Introduction
4:40pm - Presentation by Carl Page, CEO at Anthropocene Institute
5:20pm - Presentation by Jiyoung Choi, COO at VALUENEX
5:50pm - Q&A
6:00pm - Networking

Please join us in person or via Zoom!

Business casual attire

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.


EVENT DETAILS

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31, 2022
4:30 - 7:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)

Insight Café @ VALUENEX
644 Emerson Street, Suite 110 • Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTRATION CLOSED
If you have any questions, contact us here.

SPEAKERS


CARL PAGE
President & Co-founder
Anthropocene Institute

JIYOUNG CHOI
Chief Operating Officer
VALUENEX




 
View Event →
Web 3.0 - Future of Finance & NFT
Jun
30
7:30 AM07:30

Web 3.0 - Future of Finance & NFT

 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & HAPPY HOUR

Web 3.0 - Future of Finance & NFT

 

DESCRIPTION
Web 3.0 is an idea for a new iteration of the World Wide Web based on blockchain technology, which incorporates concepts such as decentralization and token-based economics. Some experts argue that Web 3.0 will provide increased data security, scalability, and privacy for users and combat the influence of large technology companies. Others have raised concerns about a decentralized web, citing the potential for low moderation and the proliferation of harmful content, the centralization of wealth to a small group of investors and individuals, or a loss of privacy due to more expansive data collection.

So, is Web 3.0 just a buzzword or can Web 3.0 change the future of our lives?

During this meetup, Juntaro "JT" Matsumoto, Data Scientist at Tokio Marine Innovation Lab, will share his view on Web 3.0 especially related to the Future of Finance. Also, Victor Yin, Stanford Student will share his current project related to NFT, the technology that enables the ownership and exchange of Web 3.0’s assets and goods.

The meetup will be followed by a happy hour at our office to exchange information with other CVCs/Open Innovation/Tech Scouting teams, startups, advisors, and students for open networking.

SCHEDULE
4:30pm – Opening & Introduction
4:40pm – Presentation by Juntaro "JT" Matsumoto, Future of Finance
5:20pm – Presentation by Victor Yin, NFT project
5:50pm – 6:30pm: Q&A
6:00pm – 7:00pm: Networking

Please join us in person or via Zoom!

Business casual attire

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.


EVENT DETAILS

THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2022
4:30 - 7:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)

Insight Café @ VALUENEX
644 Emerson Street, Suite 110
Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTRATION CLOSED
If you have any questions, contact us here.


SPEAKERS


JUNTARO "JT" MATSUMOTO
Data Scientist
Tokio Marine Innovation Lab,


VICTOR YIN
Student
Stanford University



 
View Event →
Networking in Palo Alto
Jun
22
8:30 AM08:30

Networking in Palo Alto

 
 
INSIGHT CAFÉ SPECIAL EVENT

Networking in Palo Alto

 

DESCRIPTION
Join the collaborative event of the Swedish American Chambers of Commerce in San Francisco & Silicon Valley (SACC-SF/SV) and VALUENEX, where we are connecting members from our diverse networks to excel opportunities in the tech epicenter of Palo Alto. Enjoy the excitement of engaging conversations and exchanging ideas within our networks of innovation-related corporate representatives. Take the chance to make new connections with inspiring people in this informal social setting while enjoying beer, wine and light food.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Business casual attire

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.


EVENT DETAILS

WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2022
5:30 - 8:30PM (PACIFIC TIME)

Insight Café @ VALUENEX
644 Emerson Street, Suite 110 • Palo Alto, CA 94301


REGISTRATION CLOSED
If you have any questions, contact us here.


IN COLLABORATION WITH

 
 
 
View Event →
Why Quantum Computing?
May
12
8:00 AM08:00

Why Quantum Computing?

 
 
SACC x Mind the Bridge x INSIGHT CAFÉ MEETUP & NETWORKING EVENT

Why Quantum Computing? Why now?

 

DESCRIPTION
Web 3.0 is an idea for a new iteration of the World Wide Web based on blockchain technology, which incorporates concepts such as decentralization and token-based economics. Some experts argue that Web 3.0 will provide increased data security, scalability, and privacy for users and combat the influence of large technology companies. Others have raised concerns about a decentralized web, citing the potential for low moderation and the proliferation of harmful content, the centralization of wealth to a small group of investors and individuals, or a loss of privacy due to more expansive data collection.

So, is Web 3.0 just a buzzword or can Web 3.0 change the future of our lives?

During this meetup, Juntaro "JT" Matsumoto, Data Scientist at Tokio Marine Innovation Lab, will share his view on Web 3.0 especially related to the Future of Finance. Also, Victor Yin, Stanford Student will share his current project related to NFT, the technology that enables the ownership and exchange of Web 3.0’s assets and goods.

The meetup will be followed by a happy hour at our office to exchange information with other CVCs/Open Innovation/Tech Scouting teams, startups, advisors, and students for open networking.

SCHEDULE
4:30pm - Opening & Introduction
4:40pm - Presentation by Juntaro "JT" Matsumoto, Future of Finance
5:20pm – Presentation by Victor Yin, NFT project
5:50pm – 6:30pm: Q&A
6:00pm – 7:00pm: Networking

Please join us in person or via Zoom!

Business casual attire

NOTE: physical attendance is conditional on acceptance of our Participation Agreement.


EVENT DETAILS

THURSDAY MAY 12, 2022
5:00 - 8:30PM (PACIFIC TIME)

Mind the Bridge
450 Townsend St • San Francisco, CA 94107


REGISTRATION CLOSED
If you have any questions, contact us here.


SPEAKERS


YIANNI GAMVROS
Head of Business Development
QC Ware Corp


JIYOUNG CHOI
Chief Operating Officer
VALUENEX, Inc.




IN COLLABORATION WITH




 
View Event →