James Riney

James Riney, a partner at Coral Capital, shares his insights on Japan’s booming startup ecosystem, which has surged from a $700 million market to as much as $10 billion. He discusses the cultural hurdles new startups face, such as the importance of the 'gaijin card' and the unique hiring practices in Japan. Riney highlights why Japanese engineers prefer Twitter over LinkedIn, and how American development tools are gaining traction in Tokyo. He also delves into regulatory complexities and the shift toward independent funding sources in venture capital.

James Riney from Coral Capital discusses Japan's startup sectors poised for global leadership, the potential of niche startups, and why Japan's approach to investing differs from Silicon Valley. They explore Japan's hidden unicorns, the challenges faced by foreign VCs, and the importance of sustainable value creation in startups.