He joined The Industrial Bank of Japan in 1995. After gaining comprehensive experience in corporate finance for corporate clients in the Tohoku region at the Sendai Branch, served as a credit analyst for the retail and distribution sectors in the Head Office’s Credit Department. Additionally, he was responsible for refining the integrated risk management and internal credit rating system. During the formation of Mizuho Holdings, Ryosuke led the development of a new internal credit rating system in the Credit Planning Department. In 2001, transitioned to the Internet Research Institute, where he successfully closed multiple M&A deals, including those involving subsidiaries of Nippon Steel Corporation, and he joined INSPiRE. Involved in the management of the JSIT-1 Fund, which targets publicly traded companies, and the ITIF Fund for private companies. Has served as an executive in over 20 venture companies with innovative technologies, focusing on bringing innovation to life, and engaged in business development based on capital and business alliances with corporations while he held positions such as Director at Euglena Co., Ltd. (resigned), Director at IID, Inc. (resigned), and Director at ABEJA, Inc. (resigned), leading these companies to public listings. Appointed President and CEO of Inspire Corporation in 2008 (current position). Currently serves as Director of Bodygram Inc., Director of Origin Wireless Inc., Director of Hattendo International Corporation, Director of Imuraya Startup Planning Co., Ltd., Director of Okiden CplusC Corporation, as well as a Visiting Professor at Kanazawa Institute of Technology and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, among other roles. Since July 2021, Ryosuke has served as a member of the Council of Food, Agriculture, and Rural Area Policies for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Graduated from Keio University with a degree in Economics. Enjoys ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) and holds the rank of Junior Professor and First-Class Instructor as a Special Member of the Ikenobo School. An avid spearfisher, skilled in free diving to a level comparable to professional fishermen. Known as a master of grilling meat, often taking on the role of grill master at BBQs. Ryosuke was born in Hiroshima and has lived in Shizuoka, Chiba, Tokyo, Miyagi, and Saitama Prefectures.
He joined INSPiRE in 2007 and has been consistently engaged in business development work. Provides support not only in finance but also in operational aspects for the overseas expansion of startups, publicly listed companies over 50 years old, and mid-sized enterprises in regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, China, India, Europe, and the United States. Toshiki has experience in launching a prepared meal business in Malaysia with a Japanese company and transforming a traditional manufacturing company into a tech brand. As a director, he has also facilitated the growth of portfolio companies by overseeing equity transfers to large corporations and participating in the IPOs of startup companies. Graduated from Yokohama National University with a degree in Economics and studied abroad at the University of Erfurt in Germany. The theme of his graduation thesis was “Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations after the Unification of East and West Germany.” He was born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and he has lived in Yokohama and Erfurt. Recently, he has been aiming to compete in an Ironman triathlon.
He joined INSPiRE as a new graduate in 2009. After gaining experience in fund management, he was responsible for raising the PIEF1 fund. Served as an outside Director in multiple investee companies, engaging in management and the launch of new businesses. Manabu held the position of COO at Original Inc. (resigned), leading the company to an M&A with World Co., Ltd. Currently, he serves as Director of Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd., Director of AFC, Board of Director of MRA Bakery Sdn. Bhd., and Board of Director of Mynews Ryoyupan Sdn. Bhd. Graduated from the College of Liberal Arts at the International Christian University, studied abroad at University of California Irvine in the United States, and participated in a short-term study program at The American University in India. Alongside professional duties, Manabu is active as a singer, connecting Southeast Asia and Japan. Originally from Tokyo, Manabu has lived in Vancouver and Kuala Lumpur.
Hiroshi joined Daiwa Bank in 1992, engaging in corporate sales at flagship branches in Osaka and Tokyo. He then joined INSPiRE in 2001, involved in the comprehensive management operations and support of venture funds from planning and fundraising to closing. He was appointed Director of Inspire Investments in 2009 (current position), served as Director of Japan Integration (resigned), and is currently Director of Nippon Registry Authentication Inc. Since 2015, he has been responsible for the back-office operations of the INSPiRE Group while serving as Director of INSPiRE (current position). Graduated from Chuo University with a degree in Accounting. Spends weekends playing the piano, a hobby since childhood, and stays fit by going to the gym, where he preparation for skiing and the annual rugby alumni match. Originally from Tokyo, he lived in Osaka for 6 years and 9 months.
Hiroki joined McDonald’s Japan in 1985. After serving as a Professor at Hamburger University, he worked at McDonald’s headquarters in the U.S. Subsequently, he became the first Japanese employee to transfer to McDonald’s Asia Pacific Middle East Africa team, gaining management experience in Asia. Upon returning to Japan, Hiroki was appointed Executive Officer of National Operations at McDonald’s Japan. In 2015, he joined Texchem Group in Malaysia and became the President of Sushi King, the largest Japanese restaurant chain in the country with 125 stores, successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and achieved higher operating profits in 2022 than pre-pandemic levels, resulting in earning the Group’s President’s Award. He joined INSPiRE in 2024 and is involved in business development in ASEAN through INSPiRE Partners (M). Graduated from Ritsumeikan University with a degree in Social Sciences. Originally from Fukuoka Prefecture, he has lived in the U.S. for 4 years, worked in Southeast Asia and India for 4 years, and lived in Malaysia for 9 years.
Masayasu started his career in 2000 at the language-focused publishing company ALC Press Inc., where served as a Director, overseeing the introduction of language education and online education programs for domestic public educational institutions. After the company went public, became President of a subsidiary before becoming independent. Focused primarily on consulting and investment in the education and food sectors. He holds positions such as External Auditor at Airtrip Corp., External Auditor at GMO OMAKASE Co., Ltd., External Director at Albirex Niigata, and Strategic Advisor for Corporate Attraction for Miyazaki City. In addition to serving as a strategic advisor or external officer for listed companies, startups, and municipalities, Masayasu is involved in the management of a professional soccer team. Graduated with a degree in Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley. Earned a Master of Education (Ed.M.) from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) from the University of Cambridge. He attended the doctoral program in Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering, and is currently a Professor at Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics. He enjoys playing soccer,l prefers playing a forward midfielder, leveraging ambidexterity to score. He was born in Aichi Prefecture, has lived in Chiba, California, Boston, New York, Cambridge (UK), Kyoto, and Tokyo.
Teruyuki joined the Universal Design Research Institute in 2000, where he engaged in future scenario forecasting and new business consulting based on those forecasts. He joined INSPiRE in 2002, participating in the creation of venture funds from their inception. Responsible for technology and market evaluations as well as supporting business alliances focused on technology across a wide range of fields, including biotechnology, chemistry, semiconductors, and mechanical engineering. In consulting, he has a track record of success in regional revitalization projects, marketing for traditional companies such as sake breweries, and corporate branding for major beverage and chemical manufacturers. Graduated from the Graduate School of Science at Nagoya University. Aims to conquer all 3,000-meter peaks in Japan. Originally from Nagano Prefecture, has lived in Aichi Prefecture and Tokyo.