#Japan #Tokyo #AI Transformation #LBP Group #CosBE

LBP Group Partners with Silicon Valley AI Startup

In a significant step towards empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through artificial intelligence, LBP Group, based in Tokyo, has announced a collaboration with CosBE Incorporated, a Silicon Valley startup. This partnership has led to the creation of LBP-AX, aimed at facilitating AI transformation for SMEs, addressing prevalent management challenges through the effective use of technology.

Understanding CosBE Incorporated

The driving force behind CosBE is Founder and CEO Kenjiro Shigemi, who brings a wealth of experience from his 18 years at Deloitte Tohmatsu, where he provided management support to SME and startup executives. After transitioning to entrepreneurship, Shigemi successfully led a company from its inception to a public entity on a global scale. Today, CosBE specializes in delivering a comprehensive range of services—from AI strategy formulation to system development and implementation—tailored specifically to tackle the unique challenges faced by SMEs.

Background of the Partnership

The collaboration between LBP and CosBE comes at a time when many SMEs are grappling with labor shortages and the need to enhance productivity. AI has emerged as a compelling solution, yet many business owners express uncertainty about how to harness this technology effectively. Comments such as "We want to utilize AI but are unsure where to begin" highlight a need for structured support. Rather than merely deploying systems, the focus must be on understanding and addressing core business challenges. This partnership leverages LBP's long history of guiding SMEs in improving their operations, paired with CosBE's technical expertise in AI.

Overview of the Collaboration and Services Offered

Under this partnership, LBP Group and CosBE will work collaboratively as LBP-AX to empower SMEs in their AI transformation journeys. The initial phase involves LBP assessing the companies' management and operational challenges to identify appropriate AI interventions. Following this, a tailored AI utilization strategy is developed in conjunction with CosBE, which may include proof of concept testing before moving on to the design, implementation, and operational phases of AI systems.

Notably, LBP-AX distinguishes itself by prioritizing solutions that directly address business challenges rather than solely focusing on the introduction of AI technology. This client-centered approach is complemented by a lean and agile methodology for system development, ensuring that companies receive customized solutions that evolve as their needs grow.

Collaboration with Financial Institutions

For many years, LBP Group has partnered with financial institutions across Japan to support SMEs in improving operations and facilitating business revitalization. The LBP-AX initiative will extend this collaboration by enabling financial institutions to connect with SMEs interested in implementing AI solutions. This approach is invaluable, especially for firms unsure about how to start utilizing AI or facing workforce challenges. Financial institutions can assist not just by referring companies but also by engaging in joint consultations with LBP Group to identify business needs and explore AI applications effectively.

Through this initiative, LBP Group and CosBE hope to make AI adoption more accessible and actionable for SMEs, fostering productivity gains and bolstering competitive advantage.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact:

• - Company: LBP Group, Long Black Partners
• - Phone Number: 03-6674-2314 (main)
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Contact Person: Yoshinuma

Company Overview

LBP Group

• - Headquarters: 1-7-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0041, Japan
• - Representatives: Naohiro Ushikoshi, Ichiro Machida, Keishiro Akasaka, Teruya Wakamiya, Rintaro Ito, Ryosuke Yoshinuma
• - Business Focus: Financial advisory, business revitalization, management improvement consulting, due diligence, capital policy and fundraising support, investment fund management.
• - Website: Long Black Partners

CosBE Incorporated

• - Headquarters: 3 East Third Ave, San Mateo, CA, U.S.A.
• - Founder & CEO: Kenjiro Shigemi
• - Business Focus: AI solution development, AI transformation support, AI consulting.
• - Website: CosBE