"ICJ ESG Accelerator 2021"
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Inclusion Japan held "ICJ ESG Accelerator 2021" as part of the investment activities of "ICJ No. 2 Fund". Through this program, we aim to create collaboration among investors including venture companies, business companies, and venture capital, and accelerate business development that achieves both social and environmental impacts and economic returns.
We had 114 venture companies apply. After interviews with each company, a total of 18 venture companies were selected as finalists from the three divisions of (1) decarbonization / circular economy division, (2) financial inclusion division, and (3) well-being division, and a total of 18 venture companies were selected as finalists and members of Inclusion Japan. Including the business study with the sponsor company, the study for the business tie-up with the supporting company was carried out.
A demo day was held on September 27th (Monday), and the grand prize company was decided after strict examination by experts in each field. In addition to the sponsoring company awards by the sponsoring companies, the "ICJ Award", which is decided by the votes of the Demo Day participants, was selected from the 18 companies selected for the final selection.
Finalist company
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Zero Board Co., Ltd.
Grand Prize
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Award
BrainPad Award
Business content
At the request of global investors, many listed companies have begun to work on calculating, reducing and disclosing greenhouse gas emissions. Our cloud service responds to cooperation with various data sources and ecosystem construction with solution providers, which are indispensable for managing such supply chain emissions.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
We received advice on business models and collaboration with supporting companies, and were able to refine our business strategy for Demo Day. Many players, including tech giants, have entered the SW market, which supports decarbonization management, but they realized the importance of establishing a complementary position rather than competing head-on, and they are heading in the right direction. I was able to convert.
Through this program, we were able to raise our perspective from an ESG perspective, and the commitment of the sponsoring companies was very high, and we were able to move on to concrete collaboration immediately after the program started. It was a program with a lot of harvest.
Voices from participating companies
Frich Inc.
Grand prize
J & J Business Creation Award Seven Financial Service Award
Business content
It is a service that allows you to create a "niche nahoken". Since it is difficult to support new risks caused by social changes with conventional insurance products, we will support them one by one with new P2P type insurance. We aim for a world where "no one is out of the safety net of insurance."
Business introduction
Judge's comment
The inclusion Japan, which hosts this program, accurately grasps the needs of each sponsoring company, so the study of collaboration was very smooth. In addition, we have not been able to express the value we provide well until now, but through mentoring, we are now able to express it in words that make us feel refreshed and hungry. We were able to hear from the sponsoring companies many issues regarding insurance.
On the other hand, it was impressive that the judges wanted to hear the thoughts of the founding, and I renewed my thoughts that I should not be prepared to bring about social impact and profit generation. There was a complete lineup of content that was concretely useful even though it was the first attempt in Japan, such as advice from the jury members representing Japan and overseas and the advice from Inclusion Japan, who has a wealth of experience in business development. I am confident that it will be a gateway for startups with the theme of ESG in the future.
Voices from participating companies
Tokuiten Co., Ltd.
Business content
We will realize efficient large-scale organic farming using robot and AI technology. In order to realize a sustainable world, there is a need to switch from conventional agriculture to cyclical agriculture (organic agriculture, etc.), but agriculture has problems such as a shortage of farmers and harsh labor, and we are a technology. We will do our best to solve this problem.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
I strongly felt that not only were you able to match venture companies and business companies, but you were also actively working on both sides to establish matching. Especially when I couldn't appeal well, I was able to work with peace of mind that the support people would be on my side, such as appealing the good points on our behalf. It was very encouraging for the ICJ members to make our appeal as a supporting company and a judge as if they were a member of the team.
The judges gave us a lot of advice for improvement, saying, "I think this is a good thing" and "I don't think this is being communicated," despite some harsh opinions. In particular, it was significant that we were able to see it from the perspective of ESG investment, which is difficult for us alone.
If I didn't participate in this program, such as ESG investment-related startups and supporting companies that I took the stage with, I gained knowledge and experience. Especially with regard to ESG, we are now able to see our business from a different perspective, and I feel that we have more options for future business plans.
Voices from participating companies
ZEROBILLBANK JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Toyota Tsusho Award
Nomura Research Institute Award
Business content
Zero Bill Bank has been successful in many projects in the Japanese blockchain industry, specializing in collaboration with large companies since the dawn. This time, together with Toyota Tsusho, we are working to launch a business that will serve as a model for future ESG development using blockchain.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
While looking at the future potential and business feasibility of the proposal, we are very grateful that we were able to not only introduce specific partners but also incorporate the development plan and action plan, which is a momentum for future growth. .. The judges and supporting companies were able to verify the possibility of collaboration throughout the accelerator period. In addition, I am very grateful that we have been able to continue concrete efforts to realize the business plan within a short period of time even after the end of Axela.
It was an accelerator that completed everything online, but not only the mentoring period, but also the operation on the day of DEMODAY was very good, and I felt that it would become one of the next-generation accelerator programs, New Normal. Thank you very much for participating in this program. Taking this opportunity, we will continue to work to grow our business.
Voices from participating companies
TOWING Co., Ltd.
Fukuoka Sonoriku Award
Hinoju Award
Business content
We are aiming to establish a business called "Sora Farm" aiming at the realization of space agriculture and the development of global agriculture. We are working on the development of a circulating crop cultivation system on the Moon and Mars by using the ultra-high quality soil "high-performance soil" that originates in Japan and is the world's first to utilize biotechnology and is produced from porous materials and microorganisms.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
We were able to work together to create a way to visualize social or environmental impacts and connect them to actual business. It will be used as a guideline for promoting our business in the future. Through discussions with the judges and supporting companies, we were able to connect with companies that could be cooperative partners toward the realization of the business plan.
Through the discussion, I was able to brush up my business plan. By looking back at our business from the perspective of ESG, I feel that we have discovered new possibilities that have been hidden until now. I will continue to do my best so that I can take advantage of the opportunity!
Voices from participating companies
Sound Power Generation Co., Ltd.
ICJ Award
Business content
Aiming to commercialize the world's first "circulating wave power pumping power generation" originating in Japan, which solves the problems of "wave power generation" at once, our strength is that it is "renewable" and "purely domestic". We will contribute to the realization of true SDGs in coastal areas around the world, including Japan, a marine nation.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
It was very helpful for us to support us when creating materials that summarize our business accurately and compactly. I think it will continue to be useful in explaining the points of the business in a limited time. It was an opportunity for the supporting companies, mainly major companies, to know about our business and technology. In addition, through the question and answer session, many people, including the judges, were interested in it, and we were able to reconfirm our social needs.
I think it was an opportunity for many major companies to know about our business and technology. I think that this alone is "worthy of participation." In addition, I think that it was an important opportunity to connect to the next, because I was able to consult with the sponsoring company directly about financing.
Voices from participating companies
Japan Carbon Circulation Lab Co., Ltd.
Dentsu Award
Business content
We have developed a CO2 absorber that can be absorbed under high humidity using advanced technology from Kyushu University, and can absorb CO2 from cement exhaust gas, thermal power plants, gas cogeneration systems, etc. at low cost. We provide a collection solution. Technological development of CO2 separation membrane for DAC is also underway.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
It was my first time to participate in an event like this one. I was very worried about how much the business would be evaluated, but it was highly evaluated and I greatly improved the business plan through multiple interviews. I am very grateful. I think that both the judges and the sponsoring companies were able to have meaningful discussions by asking high-level questions, including technical aspects.
I noticed our strength that was not clear even if we thought about it by ourselves. We received the sponsoring company award. We are very pleased to receive such an award for the first time in our company. I think I was able to grow significantly in about two months. I'm glad I participated, thank you.
Voices from participating companies
Impact Circle Co., Ltd.
Microsoft Japan Award
Business content
By using a satellite-based low-cost forest monitoring solution, we have built a platform that discloses the operations and results of carbon credit projects such as forest conservation in a form that ensures transparency. Realize a structure that circulates the funds of private businesses to forest projects.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
We received accurate advice from an outside perspective on business expansion and introduced potential partners for collaboration, and received great support in advancing business development. Through the questions from the judges, the objective organization of the business proceeded. In addition, the range of business has expanded through discussions with supporting companies in areas where business development is accelerated by collaboration.
Overall, expanding the business potential during the start-up period of the startup was of utmost importance, and we were able to receive strong support through the program. Thank you for your valuable opportunity.
Voices from participating companies
FMG Co., Ltd.
Rheos Capital Works Award
Business content
By exporting used cars and durable consumer goods whose value has been reduced in Japan to Africa, utilizing microfinance, and including them in finance that can be used by ordinary local people, we will enrich the local area and return to Japan. Create a mechanism structurally.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
We are truly grateful to all ICJ members for their kind support. In individual mentoring sessions, based on the abundant experience of seeing various businesses, what kind of story should we make our business as a material look more attractive? We received very meaningful advice on this point. Also, what I have consistently felt through communication with the ICJs is that everyone has a warm look at the startup, and even in the short communication, I think that you were probably really busy. However, I didn't feel it at all, and I was able to increase my motivation by always treating the startup side as the leading role.
In addition, the judges and supporting companies visited the breakout room, and although it was a short time, we were able to have a meaningful discussion. We received questions and feedback that captured the essence, and we were able to review our business again. How is your business evaluated? I participated because I wanted to know about it, but I was able to see the presentations and materials of other start-up companies from the middle, and I was able to get a lot of inspiration and awareness.
The last two weeks were very dense and I was able to spend a lot of learning. I respect ICJ who created such a place to enhance each other. I'm really thankful to you!
Voices from participating companies
Dodai Group, Inc
Business content
Loan sales of solar panels and basic home appliances (fans, light bulbs, etc.) targeting low- to middle-income earners who do not have electricity or financial access, which accounts for 50% of the population in the Republic of Dibuchi (population of about 1 million). With the Republic of Djibouti as a foothold, which is a geopolitical point, we aim to expand our products and expand them throughout Africa.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
With Inclusion Japan, we recognize that we were able to objectively review the issues in conducting the business again through constructive and polite feedback. I'm really thankful to you. Through sessions with supporting companies and judges, we were able to improve the resolution of issues related to alliances with companies and specific initiatives. I would also be happy if I could convey the appeal of business in Africa as much as possible.
We are honored to participate in the program that will be the forerunner of ESG / SDGs promotion in Japan. Based on the feedback we received, we would like to promote our business so as not to be ashamed of our name as a participating company.
Voices from participating companies
GIG-A BANK
Yamato Holdings Award
Business content
Banking services in Japan are designed for full-time employees and lifetime employment, and many GIG workers and foreign workers (immigrants) do not fully enjoy the benefits. We will leverage Estonian digital banking technology to create a world where they can enjoy financial services in Japan and anywhere in the world.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
How far can you consult about mentoring? While this is "somewhat" hesitant, the person in charge of our company is rather leading and encouraging that this business is an absolutely necessary business, "What is going on and how far is it?" I received advice from a third-party perspective, saying, "I haven't been able to convey it."
There were discussions with operating companies and judges who are experts in our business domain, which was very inspiring. Above all, it was best to be able to sympathize with and share with many people the direction of efforts to make Japan more open and make it easier for foreign workers to live. I feel that the strategy was brushed up during the question and discussion about the order in which the issues should be solved. In particular, I received a hint that led to a hypothesis about the mechanism of approaching a specific skill worker, which is one of the initial main targets, and immediately started making friends for verification.
It is not the last judge's words, but I think that it is becoming more and more important to balance the impact on society and the establishment of a business. He recalls that it was less than two months after he repeatedly input that it is important to focus on issues and propose solutions in a small and fast manner. Anyway fast! I felt once again that the acceleration program and ESG efforts fit together very well. While incorporating this valuable experience into the business, we will further promote the business with this experience as an acceleration point. I'm really thankful to you!
Voices from participating companies
Agro-Negcio para oDesenvolvimento deMoambique Lda. (ADM)
Business content
In rural areas of Mozambique and Senegal in Africa, we are engaged in a microfinance business based on transaction information obtained mainly from apps for mediating agricultural products. In the future, we aim to realize planned farming by supporting the entire process from preparation of planning documents to sales and by mediating agricultural materials and equipment.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
Inclusion Japan showed us the objective position of the business from a calm perspective and warm words. I think that I was able to improve the level of the team as an accurate advice for making presentations that people would listen to. Through discussions with the judges and supporting companies, we were able to obtain hints and motivations for the future, such as specific related initiatives and introduction of similar services in other regions. Also, from the stories of other venture companies and comments on collaboration points by large companies on Demo Day, I was able to feel and learn a part of the reality of mastering ESG.
With Corona? With Axela in the ESG era, I was given a rare opportunity to participate while living in rural Africa. Thank you for your great support. Taking advantage of this experience, we will devote ourselves to a service that can be warmly included to the ends of the world.
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Voices from participating companies
Instalimb, Inc.
Grand Prize Persol Holdings Award
Business content
There are 90 million people in the world who cannot buy prosthetics and orthotics due to their high prices. We aim to build a world where anyone can get prosthetics and orthotics by using our proprietary "3D printed prosthetics and orthotics manufacturing solution" to realize prosthetics and orthotics with a cost and delivery time of about 1/10 each. ..
Business introduction
Judge's comment
The prosthesis, which is our product, should be sublimated to the point where it can work, beyond the perspective of simply delivering it to the hands of people with disabilities, and that is what makes business and social contributions greater. I was able to give you the awareness. I was able to talk about specific collaborations with supporting companies that could expand the business and lead to sales. The judges were aware of long-term business risks such as environmental impact and pressure on the private sector in business in developing countries.
It was a really fruitful acceleration because I was able to obtain various perspectives that could not be noticed only by closed discussions with the in-house team, concrete action measures for them, and even potential partners. .. I am really grateful to have participated.
Voices from participating companies
Magic Shields Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Research Institute Award
Business content
As the world ages, the onset of fall fractures and dementia associated with fractures has become a major social issue. We are working to reduce the burden on the elderly and the people involved with them by implementing a social implementation of the mat "Koroyawa", which has a soft floor and mat only when the elderly fall, to prevent fractures due to falls.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
It was great that Inclusion Japan suggested the concept of ESG Circular. By applying the various activities that our company originally carried out to ESG Circular, it became clear that we can solve social issues, utilize the region, and build sustainable businesses.
From the opinions of the judges and supporting companies, it became clear that there was a great deal of variation in the background knowledge regarding fall fractures and that it was difficult to convey on the pitch. By looking at the business from an ESG perspective, I felt that a multifaceted and strong business could be created. We would like to continue to strengthen ESG.
Voices from participating companies
IraNoah PTE LTD
Business content
We are developing a meat substitute manufacturing and sales business using jackfruit, which can be harvested abundantly in areas directly below the equator, including Southeast Asia. Not only for 100% vegetable vegans, but also for flexitarians, we will develop a combined menu with beef and chicken, aiming to provide a well-balanced healthy food.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
Through the opportunity to communicate with each sponsoring company, I was able to talk in depth about the specific possibilities of collaboration. By having not only the inclusion Japan who is in charge of our company but also those who have a strong relationship with the sponsoring company participate in the discussion as appropriate, we were able to smoothly develop communication with the sponsoring company.
From communication with the judges and the sponsoring companies, I was given the opportunity to reconsider the position in which the meat substitutes using fruits called jackfruit should be developed. Also, I am glad that everyone was interested in unknown fruits in common. I think that by providing such an opportunity, ICJ was able to create a jackfruit that would let you know about an unknown ingredient called jackfruit. Thank you!
Voices from participating companies
Yale Co., Ltd.
Business content
The gap between the new policy that arises in the process of promoting ESG / D & I / DX and the existing customs and mindsets in the field is eliminated by online 1on1 by external human resources. YeLL supports changes in issues such as penetration of new strategies, empathy for the philosophy, fostering a sense of ownership, and psychological safety.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
ICJ members introduced us to many companies and people who will accelerate our business after deeply understanding our business and our sense of challenges. Through questions and answers and discussions with judges and supporting companies, we will receive opinions from people who usually think differently from ourselves in the same area of interest, so that we can convey the value of our services. I feel that the variations have increased.
It was my first time to participate in such a program online, but it was a wonderfully designed place like ICJ, and I learned in many ways. thank you very much!
Voices from participating companies
Persol Career Co., Ltd.
Business content
In order to elicit the voluntary behavior of employees and enhance the well-being of working individuals, we will provide a workshop "Tanmoku" that allows others to set goals. It has already been recognized by 15% of people in their 20s and affairs, and is used in all places such as schools, companies, and individuals.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
From the support and mentoring from ICJ members, we received new proposals for business targets and ideas for service updates, which gave us an opportunity to raise the resolution. The judges and supporting companies gave us not only strict feedback on the degree of business difficulty, but also the possibility of the service area, which motivated us to further refine our ideas.
It was an accelerator full of enthusiasm for "social impact" not only from the sponsored ICJ but also from the judges, supporting companies, and all participating companies. In addition to the feedback to our company, we were able to listen to the comments of the sponsoring companies and judges to other companies, and it left an impression that we were able to obtain new input.
Voices from participating companies
Ecologgie Inc.
Business content
We are aiming to establish a resource-recycling food production system in Cambodia by utilizing the biological function of crickets that can convert agricultural residues into useful resources. Crickets have a well-balanced nutritional value and contain a large amount of zinc and iron, so they are expected to be effective in peculiar symptoms such as anemia.
Business introduction
Judge's comment
Inclusion Japan provided feedback on the business from a management perspective and a neutral position. The management's belief in his business is an enemy, but feedback was obtained that made him abandon that belief. From the judges and supporting companies, we received advice that was not from our perspective from the perspective of ESG.
He raised issues regarding human rights and traceability, which could be a barrier when the business grows. While there were a lot of accelerators, we received the advice necessary for growth from a truly ESG perspective. I have met people who I would like the management to consult with me in the future.
