VC firm SOZO Ventures has established Japanese organization 11KS to train entrepreneurs and other human resources. Through training programs and events, the association aims to foster companies and human resources who can play an active role globally, with ready access to overseas capital markets.

Co-founder of SOZO Ventures Phil Wickham, who will serve as managing director at the time of the establishment, said “to become a global startup, it is important to have access to American capital, such as that of Wall Street and Silicon Valley.”  He is joined by Takao Someya, vice president of the University of Tokyo, and Kohei Ito, president of Keio University, who will serve as directors.

The organization will provide free educational training programs aimed mainly at university students interested in starting their own businesses, with the first program accepting applications in January 2025. The program will teach the knowledge and skills needed to start up a business, including fundraising, organizational development, and resource management.

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