Connect with venture capitalists, startup ecosystem builders, and young innovators from across Asia and beyond. Thursday Gathering #88 features global investment perspectives, international startup community meetups, student innovation showcases, and opportunities to build cross-border connections throughout the day.
Date and Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 10:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: https://community.venturecafefukuoka.org/events/772f094c-3f08-496a-984a-a7b2864422bc
Event Highlights:
10:00 – 12:00
GLOBALCONNECT (SPARK) day feat. Z Venture Capital
Z Venture Capital, the corporate venture capital arm of LY Corporation, joins Fukuoka Prefecture for a session focused on the global startup landscape. Venture capitalists based in Tokyo, Seoul, and San Francisco will discuss the sectors and startups they are watching, as well as what they consider important when making investment decisions. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly and network with members of Z Venture Capital, Fukuoka Prefecture, and fellow attendees over light refreshments and drinks.
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10:30 – 20:00
Networking
Networking runs throughout Thursday Gathering, creating opportunities for new business connections and collaborations. Participants can enjoy up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks while meeting entrepreneurs, speakers, guests, and other members of the community in a relaxed setting. It is also a chance to continue discussions after sessions and connect directly with featured speakers.
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13:30 – 15:00
GLOBALCONNECT (SPARK) day feat. AAN Welcome Meetup
This session is available for online participation. Once Thursday Gathering begins, a “Join Remotely” button will appear beneath the session listing on the event page. Click the button to join online. Advance registration is required through the “Register for Event” button on the event page.
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15:00 – 17:00
GLOBALCONNECT (SPARK) day feat. AAN
This session is available for online participation. Once Thursday Gathering begins, a “Join Remotely” button will appear beneath the session listing on the event page. Click the button to join online. Advance registration is required through the “Register for Event” button on the event page.
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17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
New to Venture Café Fukuoka? This interactive session introduces Thursday Gathering, Venture Café Fukuoka’s signature weekly event, along with the community’s mission, how it operates, and the value of connecting with others. It is a useful starting point for first-time attendees and anyone looking to become more involved in the community.
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17:00 – 17:50
PARKS Global Youth Innovation Showcase
Sub-session Area, next to REC COFFEE
The PARKS Global Youth Innovation Showcase brings together young innovators from Japan and around the world to share emerging ideas, demonstrate early prototypes, and connect with students, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation ecosystem builders. This is not a competition. The focus is on interaction and networking within the startup community. Each team will give a short pitch of approximately three to five minutes, with additional time dedicated to prototype demonstrations and conversations at the demo booths.
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17:30 – 19:00
GLOBALCONNECT (SPARK) day feat. Korea (dcamp)
This session is available for online participation. Once Thursday Gathering begins, a “Join Remotely” button will appear beneath the session listing on the event page. Click the button to join online. Advance registration is required through the “Register for Event” button on the event page.
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Organized by Venture Café Fukuoka
Languages: Japanese and/or English (varies by session)
Participation format varies by session. Some sessions offer online access as noted above. Pre-registration required via the event website.