[Toyo Keizai Inc.] Toyo Keizai, a long-time observer of startups, launches new media and the 'Sugoi CVC Award'

Toyo Keizai Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Tetsuya Yamada) will launch two new business initiatives on May 27, 2026. These projects will start as spin-off brands of the 'Sugoi Venture 100' project, a flagship feature of 'Weekly Toyo Keizai' that attracts significant attention from the startup industry every year. By focusing on new media businesses, the company aims to strongly support the development of the startup ecosystem and contribute to the Japanese economy.

1. Audio-Video Media 'LASEN'

The first initiative is the launch of the flagship media 'LASEN.' Starting today, the first content of the new program 'Jigoku ni Hotoke wa Namida Meshi' (Buddha in Hell is a Tearful Meal) is available on various podcast services. The program is hosted by Hiroyuki Suda, a management planning specialist who has supported the IPOs of numerous startups. The guest is Ms. Mi-wol Moon, President and CEO of LossZero Co., Ltd., which was featured in the 2018 'Sugoi Venture 100.'

What is 'LASEN'?

It is a collective term for the audio-video media and related businesses developed by Toyo Keizai to support the startup ecosystem. The name 'Rasen' (spiral) represents the unicorn horn—a symbol of global startups—and the human DNA structure, which signifies the 'character and essence' of entrepreneurs and investors. It also embodies a strong will to nourish and foster Japanese innovation, much like the Seine River (La Seine) that nurtured France's economy and culture.

2. Sugoi CVC Award

Toyo Keizai, in collaboration with its partner FIRST CVC Inc., is launching an award aimed at revitalizing Corporate Venture Capital (CVC). For the Japanese economy to rise strongly again, a 'cycle of co-creation' between large corporations and startups is essential. To accelerate open innovation in Japan, the company will select and promote best practices in CVC activities. The award will feature an evaluation committee composed of experts from industry, academia, and finance to rigorously judge and recognize outstanding CVC activities based on fair, objective, and multi-faceted criteria.