Hands-on Program for Women Entrepreneurs Aiming for Global Success: HerRise
HerRise Partner Matching Event 2026 Was Held
― Connecting Female Founders & Supporters to Co-Create the Future ―
The Startup Lady Association (Head Office: Shinjuku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Moeko Suzuki) held the HerRise Partner Matching Event 2026 as part of the women entrepreneur support program “HerRise” implemented by Shibuya City.
This event was designed to match women entrepreneurs with the types of support necessary to grow their businesses and to build a sustainable network for future collaboration.
By bringing together entrepreneurs, supporters, investors, and corporate representatives, the event created opportunities for participants to share business challenges and visions, fostering relationships that may lead to new collaborations and projects.
During the event, participants engaged in story-sharing sessions by women entrepreneurs, keynote speeches, and speed-matching sessions.
Through these exchanges, the event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to build relationships that may lead to future partnerships and support.
Event Overview
HerRise Partner Matching Event 2026
― Connecting Female Founders & Supporters to Co-Create the Future ―
The event provided opportunities for women entrepreneurs and supporters to engage in direct dialogue and match the types of support necessary for business growth.
A diverse range of supporters—including investors, corporations, experts, and public-sector representatives—participated, expanding the possibilities for new partnerships and collaborative initiatives with entrepreneurs.
Event Highlights
Keynote Speaker
Cathy Matsui
Genera Partner | MPower Partners
Cathy Matsui is a founding partner of MPower Partners, Japan’s first ESG-integrated global venture capital fund.
Previously, she served as Vice Chair and Chief Japan Equity Strategist at Goldman Sachs, where she led the influential “Womenomics” research, which helped catalyze the Japanese government’s push for gender diversity.
She has also been actively involved in advising corporations on best practices related to governance and diversity.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a Master’s degree from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University.
Storytelling Speakers
Helen Iwata
Helen Iwata is a bilingual leadership and communication coach from the UK with over 30 years’ experience in Japan, helping global business professionals—especially women—lead with less effort and more impact.
During her 10 years at McKinsey & Company, she served as Manager of Client Communications, coaching consultants and clients in leadership, communication, and high-stakes presentations.
As the founder of Sasuga Communications K.K., she partners with multinational organizations to design and deliver leadership and communication development programs for rising leaders through to seasoned executives across Asia and beyond.
Helen is a TEDx coach and speaker, Nikkei Online columnist, author of Eigo no Shigoto-jutsu (Shogakukan), host of the Sasuga! Podcast, and serves on the Executive Committee of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
She is also a wife, mother, and karate world champion.
Nanako Aramaki
Founder Sound Therapist Wellness Coach | Zensō
Nanako Aramaki is a former COO of an agency and now works as a certified sound therapist and wellness coach.
After leaving her previous role following severe burnout, she founded Zensō and joined Rocklit, where she supports the well-being of individuals, leaders, and corporate teams.
About HerRise
HerRise is a hands-on workshop series emphasizing practicality and immediate action.
Through six sessions, it supports women entrepreneurs in transforming their business ideas into viable, executable plans.
Beyond acquiring knowledge, participants gain real-world skills that can be directly applied to their ventures through experiential learning.
For details and registration for each program, please visit the event page below.
Related Releases
Shibuya City Press Release:
June 2 – Launch of the Women Entrepreneurs Program “HerRise”
https://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/kusei/hodo/hodo-2025/hodo_20250602.html