[Digital Today reporter Ji-young Lee] Shinhan Financial Group is working with Japanese financial institutions to support Korean startups entering the Japanese market and attracting investment. A total of 22 Korean startups met Japanese companies and investors to introduce their technologies and services and explore possible business cooperation.

Shinhan Financial said on Nov. 12 that SBJ Bank, Shinhan Bank's local unit, and Japan's Kiraboshi Bank jointly held the 'Shinhan Futures Lab Japan Demo Day' in Tokyo on Nov. 11.

The event brought together 22 Korean startups, including companies fostered by Shinhan Futures Lab. About 500 people attended, including representatives from Japanese companies, venture capital firms and accelerators.

The event featured investor relations presentations to attract investment and exhibitions of technology and services. It also included a panel talk on ways for Korean and Japanese startups to cooperate and a networking programme with local companies and investors. Participating companies shared their business models with local participants and discussed possible investment and business partnerships.

Shinhan Financial launched 'Shinhan Futures Lab Japan' at the end of 2022 and has supported Korean startups expanding into Japan.

A Shinhan Financial official said, "Shinhan Futures Lab supports overseas market expansion in addition to fostering startups, collaboration with group affiliates and investment linkages." The official added, "We will continue to use our local financial network and investment capabilities to help Korean startups find practical business opportunities overseas and grow."