VC Mentoring Hours: INSPiRE Corporation

In collaboration with leading venture capital firms, OIST Innovation offers startups and entrepreneurial researchers or students the opportunity to connect directly with venture capitalists for one-on-one mentoring and discussion.
Each round begins with an open seminar-style introduction, where participants can learn about the VC firm's investment focus and characteristics. This is followed by private, closed-door mentoring sessions between startups/researchers/students and the VC representatives.

The featured VC for this round is INSPiRE Corporation.

Registration is required.
If the number of applicants exceeds the available slots, OIST Innovation will select participants based on the information provided in the registration form and the strategic fit with the VC.

Sign up here.

About INSPiRE Corporation

Founded in 2000, INSPiRE Corporation is a Tokyo-based business development and investment company that partners with entrepreneurs, startups, corporations, and public organizations to create new businesses with long-term social impact. Rather than acting solely as an investor or consultant, INSPiRE works as a hands-on co-creation partner, supporting strategy, fundraising, business development, and global expansion from the earliest stages through commercialization.

Since its establishment, the company has supported numerous startups while helping large corporations launch new ventures through strategic partnerships and open innovation. INSPiRE has extensive experience in cross-border business development, particularly across ASEAN, where it has helped Japanese companies expand into international markets.

INSPiRE also manages thematic investment funds that combine capital with active business support. Its investment activities include the PNB-INSPiRE Ethical Fund I, Japan's first Sharia-compliant investment fund with a total fund size of JPY 5.15 billion, and the INSPiRE Mutualistic Symbiosis Fund I, a JPY 10 billion fund established to strengthen global food value chains originating from Japan.

Today, INSPiRE focuses on sectors including AI, DeepTech, FoodTech, wireless sensing, healthcare, education, and sustainability. Guided by the Japanese philosophy of Fueki Ryūkō—preserving timeless values while embracing change—the company continues to support entrepreneurs and innovators in building businesses that generate sustainable economic and social impact.

https://www.inspirecorp.co.jp/

Mentor

Masayasu Morita
Business Development Professional INSPiRE Corporation

Masayasu Morita is a business development professional with more than 25 years of experience in venture creation, strategic partnerships, fundraising, and cross-border business development. He has worked closely with startups, corporations, investors, universities, and governments to commercialize innovative technologies and build sustainable businesses.

He began his career at ALC Press Inc., where he led language education and online learning initiatives for public educational institutions. After leading a group company following ALC's IPO, he became independent and has since focused on venture investment, business creation, and innovation management.

At INSPiRE Corporation, he supports startups and established companies in developing new businesses, building strategic partnerships, raising capital, and expanding internationally. His areas of interest include AI, DeepTech, FoodTech, healthcare, education, and sustainability.

In addition to his business activities, Masayasu serves as an advisor and board member for listed companies, startups, and local governments, while also contributing to research and education as a Professor at the Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics.

He earned a B.A. in Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley, an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge, and completed doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering.

Event Overview

Event Title:
VC Mentoring Hours: INSPiRE Corporation

Date:
Thursday, September 10th, 2026
13:00–15:00 JST

Timetable:
13:00–13:30 – Introduction to INSPiRE Corporation / Q&A
13:30–14:00 – Mentoring Session 1
14:00–14:30 – Mentoring Session 2
14:30–15:00 – Mentoring Session 3

Guest VC:
INSPiRE Corporation

Who is elligible:

• OIST Startups
• OIST Innovation Incubator Tenants
• Deep-Tech startups in Okinawa
• OIST researchers or students interested in startup
   

Language:
English or Japanese

Registration Form:

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