Japanese CEOs Visit USD to Learn About San Diego's Startup Ecosystem

In January 2025, a group of nearly 30 CEOs from the Japan Management Consultants Association visited the region with a two-day itinerary coordinated in part by the Ahlers Center for International Business. Their main goal was to learn about the business environment for possible investments, tie-ups, and other opportunities. Hosted by Mr. Masaru (Mas) Sakamoto, Partner for BGV Group Ventures and board member of the Ahlers Center, they began their trip with a visit to Las Vegas for the CES conference and stopped by the University of San Diego (USD) to hear about our local startup ecosystem. 

At USD, the group met with Amy Duncan, Director of The Brink SBDC, and Diane Ice, Associate Director of the Ahlers Center. With Mr. Sakamoto serving as interpreter, Amy gave the attendees an overview of The Brink and the services it provides to entrepreneurs. 

Thanks to data from Connect and the EDC, Amy was able to share with them the amount of VC investment into San Diego companies over time, by growth stage and industry. She also described the San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC) and how it serves to activate angel investors and fund entrepreneurs through a 3-month staged pitch competition and during this conversation many of the attendees were interested to learn how to invest. 

After their visit to USD, the group continued their day with a visit to Blue Nalu and Eyepop.ai. Blue Nalu is a company that is developing cell-cultured seafood, and Eyepop.ai is a company that is developing artificial intelligence-powered “image to code” solutions. The following day they visited Aptera, the world’s first solar electric vehicle company, as well as Natilus, a nexGen aircraft design and manufacturing startup.

The visit to USD was a great success. The Japanese CEOs were very impressed with the city's startup ecosystem and the resources that are available to entrepreneurs. Engagements like these help to strengthen the relationship between San Diego and Japan.