Japan’s VC Market: Navigating a New Era of Investment

We're officially back - bigger, bolder, more diverse, and more global than ever. In Season 4, we’re asking the real questions: - What’s next for AI, digital assets, open banking, and embedded finance? - How are regulations and disruptive technologies reshaping financial services? - Are we really keeping pace with the transformation?Over 100 episodes in — and the journey’s just getting started. Tune in and join the conversation as we decode the future of finance together. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Re-architecting Finance with Blockchain - Not Just Hype, But Real-World InfrastructureWe’re wrapping up this special Tokyo series of Couchonomics, filmed at the GFTN Forum — and what better way to close than with a bold conversation on the future of financial systems?In this final episode, I’m joined by Naveen Mallela, Co-Head of Kinexys & Managing Director at JP Morgan — and we’re going beyond the buzzwords to talk about what it really takes to rewire the plumbing of global finance.It’s a fascinating conversation about the real challenges — and opportunities — in transforming the global financial infrastructure.🎧 Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Stable Coins and Liquidity00:20 Welcome to Couch Genomics00:52 Introducing Navin Male and Connexus01:23 The Genesis of Connexus and Onyx03:48 Exploring Digital Assets and Payments06:15 Stable Coins vs. Commercial Bank Money09:23 Connexus' Global Footprint and Innovations11:52 Regulatory Challenges and Innovations19:03 Collaborations and Future Plans21:54 Conclusion and FarewellOur website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Redefining Microfinance — With Feet on the Ground & Fire in the BellyWhat if the future of financial inclusion wasn’t digital-first… but human-first?In this Tokyo edition of Couchonomics with Arjun, we had the chance to sit down with Taejun Shin, Founder & CEO of Gojo — a rapidly growing microfinance platform working across 13 countries and reaching millions of underserved customers throughout the Global South. As for Gojo? Many are calling it the “private sector’s answer to the World Bank” — and it’s easy to see why.Tune in to the special series of Couchonomics with Arjun, which was recorded in Tokyo with the help of the GFTN Forum Japan. Available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms!Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:09 Meet Tahin: A Stateless Entrepreneur03:01 Journey to Financial Inclusion05:19 Founding Go J: The Private Sector World Bank08:12 Challenges and Strategies in Microfinance10:29 Technology and Customer Acquisition14:05 Role of Regulators and Major Banks17:50 Investor Relations and Capital Structure22:46 Future Plans and Expansion24:16 Conclusion and FarewellOur website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Rewiring fintech infrastructure — operator-led, globally scaledCouchonomics with Arjun is once again beaming in from Japan. This time, we're joined by Logan Allin, Founder & Managing Partner at Fin Capital. Logan’s journey from SoFi Ventures to building Fin Capital is rooted in one big idea — fintech doesn’t need more flashy consumer apps, it needs better infrastructure.We unpack: 💼 Why Fin Capital backs B2B fintech for banks, insurers, and asset managers 🌍 Fin Capital’s expansion into Asia — why now might be the best time to bring your fintech to Tokyo 💸 Why banks are spending billions on outdated IT systems — and the urgent need for smarter, cloud-based solutions 🧩 The challenge of replacing core banking systems without relying on middleware Band-AidsWatch the full episode now — streaming on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎧Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6EChapters:00:00 Introduction00:33 Meet Logan Allen of Fin Capital01:08 Logan's Journey: From SoFi Ventures to Fin Capital01:37 Fin Capital's Unique Approach and Strategy04:58 Global Expansion and Market Focus08:21 Challenges and Trends in FinTech09:06 Core Banking Infrastructure Concerns15:12 Japanese Market Insights and Opportunities25:07 VC Industry Evolution and Final Thoughts31:39 ConclusionOur website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Rethinking Core Banking — From the Inside Out In this special GFTN Japan edition of Couchonomics with Arjun, we welcome Mayoran Rajendra, Managing Director and Head of the Asia Innovation Center at SMBC — one of Japan’s largest financial institutions.We discuss how his team is re-engineering the core of corporate banking using generative AI, automation, and agentic infrastructure — not just adding on shiny tools, but rebuilding from within.🔍 In this episode:- How data-driven dashboards are transforming CFO decision-making- Why real innovation starts with fixing foundations, not chasing trends- The hype vs. reality of GenAI in financial services- The rise of Agentic BaaS — and what it means for the future of banking🎧 Watch the full episode now — available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:39 Meet Mayoran from SMBC01:05 Mayoran's Background and Transition to Banking04:20 Role and Mission of the Asia Innovation Center06:49 Challenges and Successes in Innovation10:38 Asia Rising Fund: Supporting Startups13:40 Generative AI: Hype vs. Reality17:08 Limitations and Innovations in AI Models18:14 CFO Agent: Revolutionizing Financial Reviews20:12 The Rise of AgTech AI and Open Finance21:30 Agentic Workflows in Banking25:05 Challenges and Opportunities for Traditional Banks27:00 Staying Relevant with Emerging Technologies30:18 Fostering Innovation in Financial Institutions33:22 Conclusion Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

What happens when alternative finance moves faster than regulation?On this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Professor Bob Wardrop — Co-Founder of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and RegGenome — breaks down why global regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep up.We explore:Why many regulators are still stuck in a pre-2008 mindsetThe rise of machine-readable, computational regulationWhat Japan is getting right (and wrong) in the fintech raceHow to actually build innovation teams within regulatorsTune in for a sharp look at the future of regulation in a fast-changing financial world.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:19 Founding of Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance (CCAF)05:16 Reg Genome: A New Venture15:16 Challenges in Financial Regulation19:17 The Role of Technology in Regulation22:43 Global Regulatory Landscape23:19 Japan's Position in FinTech and Regulation27:20 Characteristics of Strong Innovation Teams32:02 Future of Financial Regulation35:20 ConclusionOur website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Japan is regulated, conservative — and still ahead of the curve in digital assets.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded in Tokyo with the support of GFTN Forum Japan, we sit down with Genki Oda, Managing Executive Director at SBI Holdings and Chairman of the Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association (JVCEA).Genki has played a central role in shaping Japan’s digital asset landscape, and in this candid conversation, he shares sharp insights on where crypto is headed — in Japan and beyond.A sharp and timely look at the future of digital finance in one of the world’s most complex markets.#CouchonomicsWithArjun #Crypto #Web3 #DigitalAssets #JVCEA #SBIHoldings #Regulation #Innovation #Japan #Fintech #GFTNForum #Bitcoin #FutureOfFinanceFind us on our social media platforms:Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/Couchonomics LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomicsSubscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6EChapters:00:00 Introduction00:37 Meet Genki Oda02:04 The Evolution of Japan's Crypto Market04:42 Role of JVCEA in Crypto Regulation06:11 Japan's Position in the Global FinTech Scene11:10 SBI Holdings and Its Crypto Ventures12:45 Global Expansion of SBI Holdings13:42 Investing Outside Japan14:37 Japan's Global Market Focus15:06 Attracting Global Innovators to Japan16:39 Challenges for Foreigners in Japan18:27 Digital Assets in Japan19:32 Stablecoins and Their Adoption21:52 Future of CBDCs in Japan23:30 SBI Holdings' Future Priorities24:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsOur website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Why hasn’t Japan produced more global startup giants?In this special Japan series of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded in Tokyo and in collaboration with GFTN Forum Japan, Arjun sits down with Jordan Fisher, Venture Partner at Antler and Co-founder of Zehitomo.From the hidden inefficiencies in Japan’s service economy to the deeper structural and cultural barriers that limit growth, this conversation explores what it will take to build a more ambitious, globally competitive startup ecosystem in Japan.🎙️ This is Episode 1 of a special 7-part series recorded on location across Japan.👉 Don’t forget to follow the show to stay tuned for the rest of the Japan series.Find us on our social media platforms:Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/Couchonomics LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomicsSubscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6Echapters:00:00 Introduction00:46 Meet Jordan: From Finance to Entrepreneurship01:20 The Birth of Zehitomo05:52 Challenges in Japan's Startup Ecosystem13:38 The Role of Antler in the Startup Scene15:51 Building a Global Decacorn16:34 Antler's Unique Approach17:13 The Residency Program17:38 Investment and Support18:39 Success Stories and Future Plans20:59 Challenges and Opportunities in Japan24:25 The Role of Corporates and Collaboration27:16 Regulatory and Government Influence30:44 Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Japan has long been a leader in financial technology, from pioneering 24/7 ATMs to developing QR codes and digital payment systems. But in recent years, the country has struggled to keep up with the global fintech revolution. That might be about to change.In this episode, Pieter Franken, Managing Director of GFTN Japan, joins us to explore Japan’s fintech resurgence and what’s driving innovation in the region. With Japan FinTech Week and the GFTN Japan Forum on the horizon, we discuss:- Japan’s fintech evolution – early innovations, missed opportunities, and today’s comeback.- Regulatory shifts – how Japan is leading in digital assets, open banking, and fintech-friendly policies.- GFTN Japan Forum – how this event is shaping Japan’s fintech ecosystem and attracting global leaders.- AI, crypto & deep tech – key trends redefining financial services in Japan.- Startup & investor landscape – why Japan has lagged in unicorns and how new initiatives are fostering high-growth fintech startups.With global fintech giants turning their attention to Japan, is this the country’s moment to lead again? 🇯🇵 Don’t miss this deep dive into Japan’s fintech future!Watch now and subscribe for more fintech insights! Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

That’s a wrap on Season 3 of #Couchonomics! And we’re ending on a high note.In this season finale, we welcome Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, to the couch for an insightful discussion on how AI is reshaping industries, the evolution of blockchain, and Dubai’s vision for a tech-driven economy.We also cover: ✅ AI’s role in Dubai’s government and economic strategy ✅ The intersection of AI and blockchain for security, efficiency, and transparency ✅ The impact of AI on jobs, entrepreneurship, and the future of work ✅ The speed of AI-driven change and what it means for industriesThis season explored how fintech, AI, and emerging tech are transforming business in the MENA region and beyond. Watch the final episode now!  Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/ Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E