Hands-on Program for Women Entrepreneurs Aiming for Global Success HerRise STEP4: Investor Readiness - Understanding Investor Mindsets to Enhancing Your Pitch

The Startup Lady Association held STEP4 of “HerRise,” a hands-on training program organized by Shibuya City to support current and aspiring women entrepreneurs.

This session, themed “Investor Readiness: Understanding Investor Mindset and Enhancing Your Pitch,” featured guest speakers Kazuhide Hashida and Mariko Yazawa. They led participants through a practical workshop centered on investor perspectives and pitch development.

Through learning the fundamental mindset for engaging with investors, structuring an effective pitch, and participating in live pitches, the workshop aimed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and insights to become founders who are “investable.”

Investor Readiness - Understanding Investor Mindsets to Enhancing Your Pitch

In STEP4, participants learned key concepts for approaching investors, methods for structuring pitches, and practical insights through real pitch sessions.

Additionally, participants were given the opportunity to bring their own challenges to a one-on-one “wall-breaking” session with the speakers. This further deepened their hands-on learning.

Kazuhide Hashida
Born in Tokyo in 1983. Graduated from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Tokyo University of Science in 2007, and joined NTT Data Corporation. After working as an engineer at Uluru Co., Ltd., he founded Hot Startup Inc. (now Peraichi Inc.) in 2014 and served as CEO. He stepped down from all positions in April 2023 and founded BOOT Inc., an organization supporting startups. He operates Shibuya Startup Oasis, a free community space for startups located five minutes from Shibuya Station. As an angel investor, he has invested in 77 startups between 2022 and 2024. In 2024, he established OASIS FUND, a VC supporting startups from inception.

​Mariko Yazawa
A venture capitalist with expertise in supporting startups and early-stage investments in Japan and abroad. After working at an international investment bank and a major domestic VC, she founded Yazawa Ventures. Their focus is on innovative technology and social impact startups. She specializes in building fundraising strategies, supporting growth strategies, and assisting global expansion. She is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and those from diverse backgrounds, striving to foster entrepreneurs who create new social value. Guided by the belief of “walking the first step together with entrepreneurs who dare to challenge.” Mariko provides comprehensive support not only in funding but also in networking, talent strategy, and management.

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