#Japan #Tokyo #Atlae #CFO Initiative #Hidetaka Suzuki

Nurturing Tomorrow's CFOs Through the Next STAR CFO Initiative

In a groundbreaking move aimed at shaping the future of corporate finance leadership, Hidetaka Suzuki, the CFO of Atlae Inc., has joined the second phase of the Next STAR CFO Initiative. This initiative is a collaboration between Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Bank, Eggforward, and Carbide Ventures, targeting the development of CFOs who can effectively partner with CEOs and drive growth in their organizations.

Understanding the Next STAR CFO Initiative

The Next STAR CFO Initiative serves as a platform for aspiring CFOs to gain insights and knowledge crucial for navigating the complexities of growing a company into a unicorn. In this initiative, participants have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues with seasoned executives, fostering a community where learning and collaboration thrive.

The second phase of this program seeks to capitalize on the lessons learned from its predecessor, while also addressing contemporary challenges faced by startups. With increasing scrutiny on growth-market listing criteria at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the discussions will delve into strategies for engaging investors and ensuring sustainable growth post-IPO.

Key Objectives and Community Focus

A Learning Community

Designed for those aiming to become the next generation of top CFOs, the initiative facilitates a structured approach to gaining critical financial insights. The program emphasizes knowledge sharing, encouraging participants to learn from each other's experiences.

Target Audience

The program specifically caters to finance executives aspiring to take on a CFO role in dynamic, high-growth environments—equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of what is needed to excel.

Notable Speakers

Among the prominent figures participating in the second phase are:

• - Yusuke Asakura from Animal Spirits LLC
• - Yoshiko Iwata from J-Ulas IR Co., Ltd.
• - Jin Uehara from Coalys Inc.
• - Naoya Kanasaka from Money Forward, Inc.
• - Hidetaka Suzuki from Atlae Inc.
• - Shusuke Terada from Dual Bridge Capital, Inc.
• - Akihiko Nagata from Untro D Capital Japan Inc.
• - Yoshio Nagami from Raksul, Inc.
• - Taiki Watanabe from Genda, Inc.

Day One Event Highlights

The initiative kicked off with a well-attended event where participants interacted with esteemed speakers, including Hidetaka Suzuki. His impressive background includes over a decade of experience in investment banking, specializing in IPOs for renowned companies like Mercari and Raksul. Since becoming CFO of Atlae in December 2018, Suzuki has also actively engaged as an external director and advisor for various startups.

Insights from Hidetaka Suzuki

Reflecting on his involvement, Suzuki expressed his commitment to enhancing the knowledge landscape for aspiring CFOs. He stated, "To elevate startup value, companies must fortify their financial strategies and organizational frameworks tailored to different stages of growth. The role of a CFO is evolving, requiring a broader approach to address challenges and offer guidance. Through this initiative, I hope to foster a sense of community among participants, leading to solutions for societal issues and contributing to economic growth."

Overview of Atlae Inc.

• - Company Name: Atlae Inc.
• - Stock Code: 6194 (Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market)
• - Headquarters: 1-10-10 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Yoshihiro Arai
• - Website: Atlae Company
• - Business Focus: People Tech initiatives including Green, Wevox, and Yenta.

By nurturing a community of knowledgeable leaders, the Next STAR CFO Initiative aims to reshape the future of corporate finance, securing a brighter outlook for emerging companies in Japan and beyond.