Ep. 10: Startupboot Camp Osaka, Foreign Startups & Japanese Investors with Joshua Flannery
Featuring guest
Joshua Flannery
In this episode, we explore the Japanese innovation ecosystem with Joshua Flannery, CEO of Rainmaking Innovation Japan. We dive deep into Startupbootcamp Scale Osaka, an equity-free innovation program designed to help high-growth Smart City companies expand globally and access funding opportunities in Japan's massive economy. Throughout our conversation, we uncover Josh's valuable insights on building global networks in Japan, navigating the unique challenges of Japanese investors who often struggle with uncertainty, and understanding Japan's distinctive approach to incumbent innovation. We also examine how accelerator programs like Startupbootcamp are tackling Japan's innovation 'chicken and egg' problem, creating meaningful connections between startups and established corporations. The discussion reveals the broader positive impact these success stories are having on Japan's business community and looks ahead to future opportunities post-COVID.
Themes of Inquiry
- Global networks in Japan
- Japanese investor uncertainty
- Incumbent innovation approach
- Startupbootcamp Scale Osaka
- Innovation ecosystem challenges
In this episode, we explore the Japanese innovation ecosystem with Joshua Flannery, CEO of Rainmaking Innovation Japan.
Episode Summary
In this episode, we explore the Japanese innovation ecosystem with Joshua Flannery, CEO of Rainmaking Innovation Japan. We dive deep into Startupbootcamp Scale Osaka, an equity-free innovation program designed to help high-growth Smart City companies expand globally and access funding opportunities in Japan's massive economy. Throughout our conversation, we uncover Josh's valuable insights on building global networks in Japan, navigating the unique challenges of Japanese investors who often struggle with uncertainty, and understanding Japan's distinctive approach to incumbent innovation. We also examine how accelerator programs like Startupbootcamp are tackling Japan's innovation 'chicken and egg' problem, creating meaningful connections between startups and established corporations. The discussion reveals the broader positive impact these success stories are having on Japan's business community and looks ahead to future opportunities post-COVID.
The Guest Biography
Joshua Flannery
Joshua Flannery brings nearly 20 years of global business experience to his role as CEO of Rainmaking Innovation Japan. His career highlights include serving as Director of Sydney Startup Hub, the largest startup hub in the Southern Hemisphere, where he launched programs for 480 startup residents. He initiated one of Australia's first university-based startup programs at the University of New South Wales in 2012, which has since supported over 700 startups. As an entrepreneur, Joshua founded StudyLink株式会社, launching a publication in Japan with 480,000 circulation, and later established Innovation Dojo, connecting Japan and Australia through innovation for clients including Hitachi and Tokyo Institute of Technology. Born in Sydney and currently based in Osaka, Joshua specializes in designing programs that connect startups with scaling opportunities.
Continue the Dialogue
Ep. 11: クラウドテクノロジーとドロップボックスの成長 with 上原翔太郎
We are joined by Shotaro Uehara, Head of Japan Marketing at Dropbox, who shares his journey as a marketing pioneer in the Japanese market. We explore his unique perspective as someone who grew up in the US but chose to work for a foreign company in Japan, discussing the perceived risks of joining what was then considered a startup. We delve into strategies for leveraging cloud tools to enhance collaboration between Japanese subsidiaries and foreign headquarters, examining how consumer profiles have evolved from Dropbox's 2017 launch through our post-COVID-19 world. We discuss building customer confidence in cloud technology adoption, supporting local governments like Kumamoto Prefecture in their digital transformation, and the broader societal benefits of cloud technologies. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize taking a gradual 'crawl, walk, run' approach to implementing cloud technologies and digital transformation in Japan.
Listen Now