Core Team

The core team is what makes JVA run smoothly every day. We are a team of students from different universities and study backgrounds around Tokyo all united with a common passion for startups

Join the core team now!

3 teams, 1 goal

Curriculum

Build entrepreneurial self efficacy for students, through our 3-month product-building bootcamp and internship board

Community-Engagement

Builds an active, supportive, and engaging core team culture that strengthens long-term connections across the JVA community

Marketing

Increases JVA’s brand awareness by reaching out to students, startup professionals, startup related organizations

Core Team

The core team is what makes JVA run smoothly every day. We are a team of students from different universities and study backgrounds around Tokyo all united with a common passion for startups. Each of us is part of one of the following departments: Marketing, Curriculum or Community Engagement. Our unique contributions to JVA help ensure that we can offer the best opportunities for students to build entrepreneurial self efficacy.

Kento Akiyama, Founder

Kento started JVA in 2022 and set out with a vision to create an offering to help build greater entrepreneurial skills and self efficacy amongst young people in Japan.

He leverages his experience participating in an entrepreneurship programs back in Munich and building a student-run consultancy group as a university student.

Aimi Komeya, President

Aimi joined JVA on 2024 and serves as president from 2025. She draws on her experience leading startup events, fostering student-industry collaboration, and interning at startup accelerators.

With a vision for more inclusive and globally connected startup ecosystem, Aimi is committed to inspiring students to take bold steps in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Marketing Team

The Marketing team's goal is to increase JVA's brand awareness in the student startup ecosystem in Japan. Through creativity, precision and team work, they bring to life the most engaging and thoughtful content to show you everything JVA can to offer.

Rion oversees event and social media operations at JVA.
Using knowledge earned from her current internship at a startup, she aims to position JVA as the best place for entrepreneurial students in Japan.

Waseda University, Japan
Rion Kanazawa, Team Lead

Sanika leverages her background in digital marketing by helping to boost JVA's social media presence. She is also learning more about startups by taking various courses at school.

Waseda University, India
Sanika Parge, SNS Team

University of Tokyo, Singapore
Amari Teo, SNS Team

Curriculum Team

The Curriculum Team runs the JVA Startup Bootcamp twice a year, organizing lectures, expert sessions, and events to create an engaging learning experience. We also operate an internship board to connect students with startup opportunities.

Teddy brings fresh ideas from her experience as a Spring ’24 bootcamp graduate and startup intern. She is currently developing the internship board to connect startups with students.

Waseda University, Philippine
Teddy Pandong, Internships

Kenny brings his past experience interning at both startups and incubation programs. He oversees the entire curriculum operations including the bootcamp and startup internship board

Sophia University, Indonesia
Kenny Hoesin, Team Lead

Hitotsubashi University, Japan
Kumiko Nagata, Bootcamp

Waseda University, Japan
Kuei Maesaka, Experts

Waseda University, India
Ganga Gubbala, Experts

Temple University, Japan
Sora Sasaki, Internship

Community Engagement Team

The Community Engagement Team recruits new members, hosts internal events, and operates our alumni network. We focus on building an active, supportive, and engaging core team culture that strengthens long-term connections across the JVA community.

Jet brings his strong entrepreneurial spirit shown by his experience winning hackathons and working on his own startup ideas. He adds to the positive energy of JVA by coming up with creative ways to keep the community engaged.

Institute of Science, Thailand
Jet Pinjaiyos

Past Core Team Members

Past Core Team members who have significantly contributed to the growth and direction of the organization. Their efforts and commitment helped shape our journey, and their legacy continues to inspire current members.

Mao brings her calm leadership and reliability, consistently stepping up to support both operations and members. Her thoughtfulness and dedication help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that strengthens the JVA community.

University of Tokyo, Japan
Mao Takaha

Jimin has gained business experience by interning in ecommerce. She is eager to learn more about startups by facilitating our regular bootcamp cohorts.

Keio University, Korea
Jimin Kim, Bootcamp

Saki is exciting to explore Tokyo's startup ecosystem by connecting with people through events. At JVA, she will help run our regular startup bootcamp by coordinating with experts.

Waseda University, Japan/US
Saki Saito, Experts

Swetha contributes her global perspective and exceptional communication skills, often bridging ideas across different cultures and backgrounds. Her proactive approach and genuine enthusiasm make her a driving force in connecting and inspiring JVA members.

University of Tokyo
Swetha

After graduating from the Fall 24 cohort of the JVA Bootcamp, Udit joined the core team.
He wants to further expand his knowhow and network in the startup ecosystem in Japan.

Shibaura Tech, Nepal
Udit Pradhan, Events Team

Want to be a part of the team?

To ensure that applicants satisfy the requirements for our program with regards to motivation and skill, have setup a 2 stage application process consisting of an online application and interview.

Apply for the Core Team

Get ready for
bi-weekly
meetings
at Shibuya Bridge

Every Thursdays. Mark your calendars.

Apply for the Core Team
Contact us
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