Global Immersion: Foundations of VC in Japan

Learning Objectives: (1) To understand and experience the process of investing in early stage startups and how that differs between the US and Japan (a) Sourcing deals from the startup ecosystem (b) Conducting diligence (c) Valuing startups (d) Negotiating term sheets (financial and governance terms) (e) Managing a portfolio post investment (2) To understand the investing landscape: players and resources (3) To understand the structural differences between venture capital and angel investing. This course covers many of the same topics as Foundations of VC and therefore students will not be able to take them both for credit. The course will travel during spring break March 13-20, 2027 to Tokyo, Japan. The 2026-2027 Global Immersion Program (GIP) mandatory fee for all classes is $2500 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals. It does not cover roundtrip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program and visit the Global Immersion Policies page to review policies affecting these courses. Please note all international travel involves risk. We do not control the cities and companies we visit. We try our best to plan a safe trip with positive experience. However, if your tolerance for risk or uncertainties is low, GIP is not for you. Also note Chazen travels often involve travel to emerging economies, exposing students to cultures and environments often times different than their own. This means differing levels of infrastructure, efficiency and standards affecting hotel stays, meals, traffic delays and transportation limitations. Please keep this in mind if you sign up for our travel programs — it is important to be considerate and flexible. International students with questions or concerns about traveling outside of the US should speak with the ISSO.