Today we’d like to introduce you to Satoshi Miyagawa And Kenny Lum
Satoshi Miyagawa and Kenny Lum, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Founders’ Serendipitous Meeting Sparks Global Vision for LaunchStarz
The journey of LaunchStarz began serendipitously at a park, where its founders, Kenny and Satoshi, crossed paths through a mutual friend. Both seasoned entrepreneurs with rich experiences in the startup ecosystems of Japan and the U.S., they found an immediate connection over their shared passion: helping founders navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses globally.
With firsthand experience in both markets, Kenny and Satoshi understood the hurdles Japanese startups face when entering the U.S. market, as well as the complexities American founders encounter when expanding to Japan. This common mission of breaking down barriers for startups fueled the creation of LaunchStarz—a “Launchpad for Founders” aiming to support startups in both directions, whether it’s entering the competitive U.S. market or expanding into Japan’s unique business landscape.
“From day one, we shared a vision of empowering Japanese startups to successfully launch in the U.S., and vice versa. Our experiences in both countries allowed us to build a bridge for founders seeking global success.
With LaunchStarz, the founders have cultivated a network that provides resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance to help startups thrive, building a robust ecosystem where innovation knows no borders.
The important narrative of LaunchStarz and the founders story is the mission to help startups launch globally, emphasizing the unique bi-cultural aspect of their expertise.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating Obstacles and Opportunities: The LaunchStarz Journey
While the creation of LaunchStarz was smooth for founders Kenny and Satoshi, the company itself faced its fair share of challenges. Their friendship, forged three years prior to starting the venture, laid a seamless foundation. Having both run their own startups in the U.S. and Japan, they were able to instantly relate to the struggles Japanese entrepreneurs faced and offer timely recommendations and support exactly where needed. Their personal experiences made the early days of LaunchStarz remarkably obstacle-free for the founders themselves.
However, building a company that could effectively deliver its mission was a different story.
One of the biggest challenges we faced as a company was sharing our mission and passion with the people who would benefit the most from what LaunchStarz offers. We wanted to do it all at once and reach as many people as possible but there were only so many hours in the day and it was sometimes difficult to see which networks or circles were the best to reach out to.
At first, they partnered with the Japanese government, which was an important starting point but presented a significant obstacle—visibility. Despite being embedded in Japan’s startup ecosystem, LaunchStarz wasn’t well-known within this close-knit community. Many Japanese founders weren’t aware of the immense support that was available to them.
The breakthrough came through their partnership with JETRO, launching the very first Beyond Japan program. By focusing on delivering unmatched startup support during this program, they made a name for themselves. The success of that initial program helped spread the word and positioned LaunchStarz as a crucial partner for Japanese startups entering the U.S. market.
From there, LaunchStarz expanded its network, built an impressive track record, and proved its unique value in helping startups go global. The journey wasn’t without its struggles, but by staying committed to providing top-tier support, LaunchStarz was able to overcome initial visibility challenges and solidify its place in the global startup ecosystem.
We’ve been impressed with LaunchStarz, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
More About LaunchStarz: Your Launchpad to Global Success
At LaunchStarz, we specialize in helping Japanese startups successfully enter the U.S. market, transforming their vision from “Zero to Success.” Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower entrepreneurs to take on challenges and create a better world. We provide personalized, white-glove services that nurture startups from their earliest stages, guiding them through growth and helping them scale toward a successful launch.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets LaunchStarz apart is our unique combination of real-world experience and cultural fluency. Both founders, Kenny and Satoshi, have not only worked at major tech companies but also built and scaled their own startups in both Japan and the U.S. This gives us an “unfair competitive advantage”—the ability to offer our clients insight, mentorship, and guidance that stems from our own entrepreneurial journeys.
We have a 100% understanding of both Japanese and American cultures, business etiquette, and markets, which means we can bridge the gap for founders looking to expand internationally. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced leader, our bilingual team can train and support founders at all stages, offering valuable lessons we’ve learned through decades of experience.
What We’re Known For
We are most proud of the personalized and holistic approach we offer our clients. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we work closely with each startup to understand its unique needs and tailor our services accordingly. This customized approach, combined with our deep knowledge of both markets, allows us to provide the most effective support possible.
What We Want Readers to Know
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with dreams of launching your startup in the U.S., we want you to know that LaunchStarz is here to be your guide. Our extensive experience, fluency in both cultures, and a genuine passion for helping founders achieve global success make us the ideal partner for your journey. We’ve built a track record of empowering startups to break into new markets, scale their businesses, and succeed on the global stage.
At LaunchStarz, we’re not just consultants; we’re essentially external board members who can contribute to your success. Whether you’re starting from zero or looking to scale, our mission is to make your dreams a reality.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Crisis
The COVID-19 crisis brought significant challenges for many startups, particularly in Japan. One interesting trend we’ve observed is that younger Japanese startups, especially those with less experience, are struggling more with presenting their startup pitches in person. During the pandemic, many of these founders missed out on crucial opportunities to practice pitching due to the shift toward virtual meetings, which has left them less confident when presenting to live audiences.
Additionally, for Japanese startups participating in our U.S. programs, there’s been noticeable hesitation when it comes to in-person networking events, field-based market research, and starting new conversations with potential partners or customers. This reluctance may be rooted in cultural norms around business interactions in Japan, where formality and relationship-building are stricter and must follow a set code of conduct. However, the isolation and limited face-to-face interactions during the pandemic have likely exacerbated this reluctance, making it even more challenging for founders to step outside their comfort zones.
Another important lesson we’ve learned is how the pandemic inhibited the progress of startups, particularly those aiming to expand into the U.S. Due to travel restrictions, many had no choice but to pivot and focus on their domestic markets. However, with the U.S. now more accessible, we’re seeing a renewed eagerness among these startups to pursue their original goals. These companies need tailored strategies to efficiently navigate the U.S. market, and LaunchStarz is here to help them make up for lost time, providing the guidance they need to succeed in this post-pandemic landscape.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies depending on the needs and level of support of the startup
- Japanese Government Program = Japanese startups can sign up for free consulting sessions through LaunchStarz as part of our partnership with the Japanese government’s subsidized program.
- Forms of payment – We accept a monthly retainer, Revenue share and in some cases where the startup don’t have enough liquid assets we also accept equity/stock options
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.launchstarz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launchstarz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaunchStarzLA/
- Twitter: https://x.com/launchstarz
- Other: https://www.jetro.go.jp/form5/pub/ivd/losangeles2024
Image Credits
LaunchStarz Inc.
