Ep. 49: The Business of Design; from Startup to IPO and Beyond with Boris Jitsukata
Featuring guest
Boris Jitsukata
In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of scaling a design company from startup to IPO with Boris Jitsukata from Goodpatch. We delve into how embracing uncertainty like a designer can drive business growth and innovation. Boris shares insights on diversifying revenue streams, managing talent across multiple international studios, and the delicate balance of maintaining company culture while expanding globally. We examine the concept of treating international studios as 'siblings not twins' and discuss exciting future trends including planet-centric design, XR technologies, and life beyond the screen. Throughout our conversation, we uncover the power of prototyping not just in design but in business strategy itself, and how co-creation becomes essential when tackling complex, multifaceted problems in today's interconnected world.
Themes of Inquiry
- Startup to IPO journey
- Managing international studios
- Design-driven business strategy
- Future technology trends
- Co-creation methodology
In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of scaling a design company from startup to IPO with Boris Jitsukata from Goodpatch.
Episode Summary
In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of scaling a design company from startup to IPO with Boris Jitsukata from Goodpatch. We delve into how embracing uncertainty like a designer can drive business growth and innovation. Boris shares insights on diversifying revenue streams, managing talent across multiple international studios, and the delicate balance of maintaining company culture while expanding globally. We examine the concept of treating international studios as 'siblings not twins' and discuss exciting future trends including planet-centric design, XR technologies, and life beyond the screen. Throughout our conversation, we uncover the power of prototyping not just in design but in business strategy itself, and how co-creation becomes essential when tackling complex, multifaceted problems in today's interconnected world.
The Guest Biography
Boris Jitsukata
Boris Jitsukata serves as Managing Director of Goodpatch Germany and as an executive board director at the company's Tokyo headquarters. He has played a pivotal role in Goodpatch's growth journey, helping guide the design studio through its historic 2020 IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, marking Japan's first public offering by a design firm. Boris brings extensive experience in scaling design businesses internationally, managing multi-city studio operations, and implementing innovative approaches to revenue diversification and talent management. His expertise spans both traditional design practices and emerging trends including planet-centric design, XR technologies, and next-generation user experiences beyond conventional screens.
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