Purpose of the interview

Definer representative Mr. Sakamoto interviewed Mr. Hidetoshi Takano, a representative of Keeplayers, Inc.

Mr. Hidetoshi Takano, President of Key Players, Inc. Mr. Takano is currently running a company, making angel and LP investments, and is also a qualified institutional investor. We will look into his true face, beliefs, and philosophy behind his career and achievements.

Greetings

Sakamoto

Hello, Mr. Takano! Thank you for taking the time for this interview today! Thank you very much for your advice based on your experience and knowledge about "manpowe, goods, and money" in business management.

Mr. Takano

Thank you for saying so. Yes, I am very happy. Yes, I'm glad to hear that.

Sakamoto

Well then, I hope you don't mind if I start the interview right away!　Today is not an ordinary interview. I'd like to have a more in-depth interview with a professional, getting into his/her inner workings, the background of his/her work, and so on.

Mr. Takano

I understand. I see.

Career and Background

Sakamoto

First of all, I would be happy if you could briefly tell us about your career and background.

Mr. Takano

I joined a company called Intelligence, Inc. as a new graduate and worked there for 6 years. 2005, I became independent and established a company called Key Players, Inc. I am currently managing three startup companies and have been involved in angel and LP investments, from the founding of two companies to their IPOs.

Sakamoto

Oh! What can I say, he's terrific as an entrepreneur and investor, and there's so much I want to hear.

Mr. Takano

So you are also an executive and advisor to the board of directors, while also doing business, is that right? Yes.

Sakamoto

I'm always grateful for the accurate insights you share about startup management and approaches. I feel that you have shared particularly deep insights in the area of human resources and people.

Mr. Takano

My grandfather was a probation officer and was decorated by the Emperor of Japan. My father was the same way, and I vaguely felt that I wanted to do something good for the world, too. In the midst of all this, I decided to do something in the HR area in particular, an area where I could add value.

Why work in the HR area?

Sakamoto

I see. That's wonderful! Some people do social businesses to do something good for society, while others create solutions to problems. I wonder if it is because they "like people" or for some other reason, with a focus on the HR field?

Mr. Takano

Yes, I do. Entrepreneurs, managers, and start-up managers who have ownership and leadership tend to be such wonderful people. That's why I felt that the HR field was a good area in which I could contribute.

Sakamoto

I see, so that's the background that got you into the startup area.

Mr. Takano

Yes, I feel that I am a supportive type of person who wants to support people, rather than a hard-nosed manager. Yes.

People Mr. Takano would like to work with

Sakamoto

May I ask what kind of people you would like to work with and support, Mr. Takano?

Mr. Takano

I feel that there is a certain chemistry. I feel that startups, venture companies, and entrepreneurs are a better match for me. Especially those who worked hard as a company employee, completed their work, and then started their own business.

Sakamoto

I see, so you are saying that you have mastered the business and are ready to take on the challenges of the industry?

Mr. Takano

Yes, that's right. We also support student ventures, but I think our emphasis is more on reality.

Your relationship as an institutional investor

Sakamoto

I understand that you are also an LP investor in a fund while working as a businessman. I find it amazing that you are an angel investor and also an LP investor in a fund, but was there a connection?

Mr. Takano

I think you may have a connection with me because the fund needs one qualified institutional investor. Also, I've been publishing articles and working hard on SEO, so maybe it's because I'm often in people's sights.

Sakamoto

I remember watching you on Youtube about 2~3 years ago. I never thought I would be having this conversation. By the way, do you have LP investments in overseas funds, or are you also doing business in Bangladesh?

Mr. Takano

Yes, overseas, I have made LP investments in VC firms in the United States. Also, our real estate business and banking are in Bangladesh.

That's all for the first half. In the second half of the interview, we will get to know the details of his overseas business and the values and philosophies that he holds dear!