On October 15, a breakout session titled “Cross-Border Collaboration: Unlocking Potential Across the U.S., Japan, and Hawaii Start-up Ecosystems” was held at the Annual Conference in Hawai’i. The session, moderated by David Kenji Chang, General Partner at A-N Partners, addressed the development of the startup and venture ecosystem across the Pacific, with a specific focus on how regions like Hawai’i and Japan can strengthen their innovation capabilities while maintaining local values and community priorities.
Maya Rogers (Chief Executive Officer at Tetris) discussed her venture fund’s role and suggested that Hawaii should focus on its unique strengths rather than attempting to replicate Silicon Valley. She stressed the importance of fostering a sustainable environment for people with local roots to create businesses, underscoring the value of the “Aloha Spirit” and the state’s unique identity.
Kathy Matsui (General Partner at MPower Partners) highlighted the changing dynamics of the Japanese venture ecosystem, noting the rise of investment strategies focused on sustainability and diversity. She covered her firm’s work, including a women-focused fund, and the Japanese government’s initiatives designed to support the startup community’s growth.
William (Bill) Bryant (General Partner at Threshold Ventures) offered perspectives on the progress of Hawai’i’s innovation ecosystem, citing efforts in entrepreneurship education and university partnerships. He discussed how the island’s cultural values of community focus and collaboration uniquely shape its approach to investment.
Marcus Otsuji ( Japan Country Manager at Geodesic Capital) spoke about Hawai’i’s evolving landscape and its role as a “bridge” between the West Coast in the U.S. and Asia. He shared insights into nurturing local talent and described his firm’s role in connecting Japanese capital with U.S. startups.
The panel outlined a shared vision for inclusive, globally connected innovation ecosystems. A central theme was the critical need to balance rapid technological growth with the preservation of community and cultural values. The panelists stressed the strategic importance of cross-border partnerships for capital flow and talent exchange. The session concluded by highlighting Japan’s emerging attractiveness as a destination for global talent, providing a roadmap for a resilient and collaborative future between Japan and the U.S., especially Hawai’i.
