What's Silicon Valley like?

Over thepasttwo installments, I've written about entrepreneurial spirit.
So, where exactly are entrepreneurs being nurtured?

Silicon Valley, visited during our October school trip, is the startup mecca on America's West Coast. Home to Google and Facebook headquarters, it exudes a unique atmosphere brimming with entrepreneurial spirit, even within the United States.

This time, I'd like to introduce some interesting companies and organizations we visited during that trip.

■500 Startups
( http://500.co/ )
An organization that provides accelerator programs to help fledgling startups and teams with compelling business ideas succeed. Selected teams receive not only investment but also access to a mentor program and shared office space.

In the shared office space, teams present their ideas to each other, stimulating and nurturing their businesses together.
Events and parties are also abundant, making it an excellent environment for expanding your network.

■Chartboost
( https://www.chartboost.com/ )
An advertising company specializing in game applications, often called "the most successful Spanish startup in Silicon Valley."

Game apps are currently booming in Silicon Valley.
Amidst this, Chartboost built a platform for game developers and offered a free service called "ad space bartering." By doing so, they expanded their network and then launched a paid ad network service, rapidly increasing both their customer base and revenue.

It was impressive to hear them say, "If you're doing something truly good for your customers, the market will naturally grow."

Group photo at ChartboostGroup photo at Chartboost

■Plug and Play Tech Center
( http://plugandplaytechcenter.com/ )
When large corporations invest in startups, a major challenge is "which startups to choose."
This organization not only provides accelerator programs for tech companies but also acts as a matchmaker connecting startups with large corporations.

Numerous large corporations, including Japanese companies, sponsor the center and regularly visit to scout promising startups.

Plug and Play Tech Center's Sponsors

In Silicon Valley, entrepreneurs and the systems supporting them are concentrated in the same area. This uniqueness creates an ecosystem that attracts new entrepreneurs and investors, leading to the birth of even more new businesses. I found it an incredibly compelling place.

On the other hand, many investors say, "Business should be global, but the office must be in Silicon Valley." Honestly, I also felt it's ultimately a place for America.
If Japan had a place like this, it might create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive.

Now, this column I've been writing since October comes to an end with this final installment.

I've explored the theme "What is globalization?" throughout, and what I came to understand during my study abroad experience is that globalization means "recognizing differences with others, discovering your own value, and communicating it."

To achieve this, I believe it's incredibly important to actually experience diversity firsthand.
It was a major discovery that only by learning about various "differences" – not just nationality, but also generations and industries – can you truly see your own essential value and how to communicate it.
In that sense, Dentsu Inc. today is a hub of diversity. I believe it's not just about the organizational structure, but also about designing the way we work – creating mechanisms and an atmosphere that encourage regular interaction among diverse members.

Regarding "Japan," it was frustrating to realize that for foreigners, unless they are already big fans of Japan, their image of the country hasn't really updated much beyond traditional culture and the era of high economic growth.

The six years leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics represent the perfect opportunity to showcase a "new Japan" to the world. I look forward to creating exciting work with diverse people both inside and outside the company.

Thank you for your time and support during my brief tenure.

I've graduated. I'll be in Japan starting January.