UPSIDER Welcomes New CTOs to Accelerate Financial Innovation and Growth

UPSIDER Expands Leadership Team to Propel Financial Technology Forward

UPSIDER, a dynamic financial platform headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Hirakazu Akanuma as the CTO of the payment division and Toshiki Takenami as the Tech Lead of the CorpApp Team. This strategic move aligns with the company’s mission to create a global financial platform that supports challengers in various sectors.

Mission-Driven Growth

Established in 2018, UPSIDER has been at the forefront of integrating technology with finance to develop innovative products. The launch of the corporate card, UPSIDER, back in 2020 marked a significant milestone, showcasing an AI-driven credit model that has gained traction across startups and publicly traded companies. This product's success has paved the way for UPSIDER to emerge as a leading player in corporate payment infrastructure.

In 2022, UPSIDER introduced the "shiharai.com" service, which quickly surpassed a cumulative payment volume of 100 billion yen within just three years. This service effectively addresses cash flow challenges faced by SMEs, validating UPSIDER's approach to financial solutions. Furthermore, the company continues to expand its offerings, with upcoming projects like the "PRESIDENT CARD" and the "UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund," a debt fund managed by UPSIDER Capital, set to launch in 2023. The firm is actively transforming into a comprehensive financial institution powered by artificial intelligence.

Strengthening the Development Organization

With a rapid diversification of services and product offerings, UPSIDER recognized the need to restructure its development organization and enhance its tech leadership. The addition of Akanuma and Takenami, each bringing unique strengths and experiences, will significantly accelerate technology strategies and organizational design across the product lines.

Hirakazu Akanuma’s Profile

Akanuma’s career spans various roles, from developer positions at M3 and Nubee Tokyo to being part of the founding team at Unifa’s Tokyo office in 2015. As CTO at Unifa, he has overseen multiple new product launches and led a multinational team. His ability to simplify complex business processes and design effective development structures will be invaluable as UPSIDER continues to innovate.

"Having joined a startup during its early stages, I have been heavily involved in developing ICT services for childcare facilities and expanding the development organization. I’m excited to tackle finance challenges with UPSIDER's services so that entrepreneurs can pursue their visions," states Akanuma, reflecting on his journey and future aspirations.

Toshiki Takenami’s Profile

Coming from Aomori Prefecture, Takenami began his career at the age of 20 as he moved to Tokyo, gaining experience as an SIs and freelancer before holding product development roles at companies like CyberAgent and LIFULL. His leadership as CTO at PETOKOTO involved managing SaaS and D2C products. Takenami’s dual perspective enhances product development, providing insights from both the operational and business sides.

“I’ve focused on SaaS and D2C product development, and it’s refreshing to challenge myself in the financial domain, which is relatively new to me. I’m eager to leverage my experience with UPSIDER's mission to support businesses in their innovative pursuits,” remarks Takenami, expressing enthusiasm for this new chapter.

UPSIDER’s Services

UPSIDER's commitment is reflected in its offerings, including the corporate card and the shiharai.com billing service, designed to support over 80,000 client companies (as of March 2025). The UPSIDER card resolves financial issues related to credit limits and accounting, while shiharai.com enables businesses to make bank transfers using their credit cards, facilitating an improved cash flow without the need for document submissions or approvals.

With the establishment of UPSIDER Capital in May 2023, the company is poised to provide loans to growth-stage ventures, managing the recently announced UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund, which aims to offer a fresh financing environment for startups. This first fund, set at 10 billion yen, will significantly benefit emerging businesses in their financial journey.

As UPSIDER evolves from simply providing corporate cards to establishing itself as an AI-enhanced financial institution, it aims to foster a new generation of competitive Japanese companies on a global scale.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding partnerships, integrations, or interviews, please contact PR at pr@up-sider.com.

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