#Japan #Fukuoka #IPO School #Nurturing Talent

Upcoming IPO School to Enhance Fukuoka's Economic Potential

The IPO Association Todoroki, led by Hiroaki Kato, is proud to announce the launch of the Fifth Phase of the Tenjin IPO School, starting on September 16, 2023. This educational program focuses on addressing the pressing issue of a lack of qualified IPO leaders within the Fukuoka economic zone. Scheduled to run from 16:00 to 18:00 on its opening day, the session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the IPO landscape, emphasizing the importance of preparation for successful public listings.

Hiroaki Kato will kick off the program by discussing key topics such as the overall IPO preparation process, the balance of managerial decisions, and the nuances between startups and non-startup entities. He will also guide attendees through the intricacies of forming an IPO team, selecting lead underwriters, and engaging with institutional and overseas investors. Additional aspects include navigating the professional market versus the general market, M&A considerations, and how different business models can influence the likelihood of a successful IPO. Furthermore, the session will highlight the common pitfalls faced by leaders in IPO preparation, aiming to equip them with essential knowledge.

The IPO landscape presents unique challenges, especially in the Fukuoka region, where a shortage of IPO department heads—including management executives, full-time auditors, and internal audit leaders—has become critical. Various initiatives are underway to attract financial functions and establish special economic zones, promoting entrepreneurship within the area. Yet, the relative lack of listed companies, lead underwriters, institutional investors, and related personnel compared to Tokyo has hampered growth in this sector.

Launched in 2022, the Tenjin IPO School stands as a vital response to this talent deficit, following a collaboration between the IPO Association Todoroki and local enterprises, with the support of the Fukuoka Stock Exchange. Encouraged by the success of local IT ventures that have navigated the dual listing on both the Fukuoka and Tokyo stock exchanges, the school aims to share knowledge about the challenges faced by companies preparing for IPOs in the region.

The curriculum prioritizes individuals with no prior IPO experience, with the goal of nurturing the next generation of IPO leaders from Fukuoka. The training program encompasses a wide range of essential topics, including business planning, operational flow, regulatory compliance, human resources, and capital policy—areas crucial for any IPO leader to master. Beyond basic knowledge, the program will delve into common obstacles that can stall IPO efforts, teaching participants key strategies to overcome them and increase their chances of success.

While attendance at this school alone won't guarantee an IPO, participants will benefit from expert insights provided by notable professionals, such as Ryoji Yoshiyuki from BringLuck, Kengo Tsutsumi from Insia Consulting, Koji Oda from BLUETOP, Shinichi Hayada from Josui Social Insurance and Labor Consultants, and Nariyuki Hashimoto from Josui Law Office. These seasoned mentors will share their invaluable expertise and experiences, ensuring that attendees leave with a stronger foundation in the knowledge required for effective IPO leadership.

The overarching objective is to increase the number of IPOs originating from the Fukuoka economic zone. To facilitate this, the school has set a nominal fee (covering certificates, materials, and networking session expenses) to support regional economic revitalization. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively in this enlightening experience.

Participants who commit to pursuing an IPO are encouraged to consider joining the IPO Association Todoroki, led by Kato. Understanding the nuances of IPO processes is vital, but the gap between knowledge and practice can be significant. The association offers hands-on services to support successful IPOs, having achieved various listings in the past. Thus, whether a startup is considering an IPO or just beginning its journey, there's considerable value in exploring membership with the IPO Association Todoroki.

For more details on the Tenjin IPO School, please visit the Fukuoka Stock Exchange's official page: Fukuoka Stock Exchange Event Page.

About IPO Association Todoroki

• - Location: 3-6-7 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Meiji Yasuda Life Aoyama Palacio Tower 11F
• - Chairman: Hiroaki Kato
• - Established: February 2021
• - Website: IPO Association Todoroki
• - YouTube Channel: IPO Todoroki YouTube