Akio Tanaka, Co-founder and Partner at Headline Asia, emphasized the need for Japanese startups to adopt a more global outlook in order to scale successfully and attract international investors. Speaking from the sidelines of the IVS startup conference in Kyoto, Tanaka shared his investment strategies and his vision for the future of Japan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In an interview with Bloomberg’s Shery Ahn and Haidi Stroud-Watts on “The Asia Trade,” Tanaka noted that while the domestic startup scene in Japan has matured, many startups still focus heavily on the local market. He believes that to reach their full potential, these companies must cultivate a mindset that embraces global ambition and multicultural understanding.
Tanaka explained that attracting foreign capital requires more than just a strong product. Startups need to demonstrate an understanding of international markets, regulatory environments, and consumer behavior. With experience investing across Asia and in Silicon Valley, Tanaka and Headline Asia aim to support Japanese entrepreneurs in bridging this global gap.
Headline Asia has been an active player in Japan’s startup ecosystem, backing ventures that leverage technology and innovation to disrupt traditional markets. Tanaka’s message at the IVS conference serves as a call to action: for Japan’s next generation of innovators to think beyond national borders in order to compete on the world stage.
The IVS conference continues to serve as a platform for thought leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to connect and discuss the future of innovation in Japan and across Asia. Tanaka’s insights underscore the importance of international collaboration and a broadened outlook for sustainable startup success.
Source: https:// – Courtesy of the original publisher.
