Disrupting Japan: Startups and Venture Capital in Japan Tim Romero

Japan thinks about robotics and AI differently that the West.



In addition to the functional, productive role that robots play, a lot of thought is also given to our interactions and the relationship we build with them.



Today we sit down with Shunsuke Aoki, founder of Yukai Engineering and one of the most innovative and creative thinkers on the emotional connection between humans and machines.



We talk about the future of robot companionship, how AI will change the definition of culture, and why future of Japanese robotics will have a lot more participation by foreigners.



It's a great conversation, and I think you'll enjoy it.

So what keeps Japanese startups stuck in Japan?



It's not a lack of opportunity or ambition. It's not a lack of knowledge or talent. In fact, one of Japan's most experienced venture capitalists thinks that the VCs themselves that are the problem.



Today we sit down with Ken Yasunaga, founder and Managing Partner of Global Hands On VC, a fund focused on finding and supporting the Japanese startups with the highest potential to succeed in the global market.



Before founding GHOVC, Ken was managing director at INCJ (Japan's public/private $21B venture fund) as well holding multiple leadership positions in the Japan Venture Capital Association.



We talk about the unique opportunities for investment in Japan, the trap of going public here, how some VCs are holding startups back, and why this might be a turning point for Japan's new global startups.



It's a great conversation, and I think you'll enjoy it.

It's a very short episode because I just want to let you know what's coming, and to thank you for all your support over the years.

Some industries need to be dragged kicking and screaming to innovation.



When margins are tight and profits are small, CEOs often don't want to spend a dime on the promise of increased efficiencies or long-term savings, and so external leverage is needed.



Today we talk with Shinya Shimizu, founder and CEO of Elephantech, who explains how he found that leverage in his mission to make the global technology supply chain more environmentally friendly.



We explore how Elephantech and other startups are helping the world meet net-zero targets, strategies for scaling  manufacturing startups, and how you can make money while doing good in the world.



It's a great conversation, and I think you'll enjoy it.

Japanese HR departments are in a bit of a panic right now.



The increasing job mobility that startups have unleashed is forcing them to rethink their entire mission. 



Today we sit down and Takako Ogawa, co-founder and CEO of Panalyt, a startup at the center of this transformation, and we talk about the changing career paths in Japan, when startups need to change CEOs, and the dangers of going global that people don't seem to talk about.  



It's a great conversation, and I think you'll enjoy it.

Fusion energy promises almost unlimited, inexpensive, clean energy.



That's a pretty big promise.



Today we sit down with Satoshi Konishi, co-founder and CEO of Kyoto Fusioneering, and we talk about what it is really going to take to develop commercially viable fusion power and the role that startups have to play in that process.



We talk about the emerging public-private research partnerships, who is pulling ahead in the fusion race, and  we dig into the long history and near future of fusion energy



It's a great conversation, and I think you'll enjoy it.