How US VCs see Japan’s growth strategy: the 17 strategic sectors and the strengths of Japanese founders

An English-language panel with Chris Yeh and Kristina Deighan, from an official side event of SF Tech Week 2026. They talk about Japan’s 17 strategic sectors, the strengths of Japanese founders, and the reality of raising money from US investors.

Topics include the concentration of capital and “giga funds” in the US venture market and the role of conviction in investment decisions; differences between founders in Japan and the United States, and raising money from US investors through a Delaware company and regular visits; and questions from the audience on what to look for in founders in the age of AI, building relationships to enter the Japanese market, and advice for women founders.