How can Russian IT startups enter the Japanese market?
In this learning module, in frame of the Mentor Seminars the MA Programme “Business and Politics in Modern Asia” hosts expert meetings for students from both learning trajectories.
On 8th February 2022 first-year students of the program “Business and Politics in Modern Asia” had a meeting with Hiroshi Makino, one of the founders of SAMI company, that helps IT start-ups from Russia and CIS enter the Japanese market. For this purpose, SAMI launched an online acceleration program for projects promotion. Besides, SAMI has developed their own platform for video pitch recording (SAMI Video Pitch). Although the company is quiet young, it already has many successful cases. Among them is Bosai Tech program, which was organized by SAMI together with Sendai city government, Fukushima prefectural government and Jetro association.
For students of the MA Programme this meeting was a unique chance to learn more about the nuances of business in tech sphere and understand how a Russian-Japanese company works on the inside. Hiroshi Makino did not only tell about SAMI activities, but also shared his personal story: how he came up with an idea to create a start-up, what challenges he had to face and what helped him to overcome them. He also answered all the questions in detail (and there were many!). During the meeting it was also discussed internship opportunities at SAMI compani, and Hiroshi Makino talked about this year experience. Vlada Pivovarchuk, a 2nd year student of the MA Programme “Business and Politics in Modern Asia” is already successfully completing her internship this academic year.
We are sure that this meeting was very useful and inspiring for the students.