Mizuki Tanaka of lotsful Appointed to Research Team for Startups
Mizuki Tanaka, head of the lotful platform operated by Persol Innovation Inc. in Minato, Tokyo, takes a significant step in contributing to the startup ecosystem. With the guiding vision of 'Work and Smile,' lotsful facilitates talent matching for side jobs and has recently announced that Tanaka has been appointed to serve on the committee for a research project focusing on pro bono teams aimed at solving challenges faced by startups.
This initiative is propelled by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, aiming to utilize the expertise of private individuals through organized pro bono teams. The research, executed by Nomura Research Institute and the Social Implementation Promotion Center, seeks to tackle the diverse issues that startups encounter.
The pro bono team's work involves both research and practical application, as they will support ten selected startups over three months with groups of three skilled volunteers. This collaboration aligns perfectly with the current trend towards diverse working arrangements, including side jobs and cross-border learning, showcasing the potential for knowledge circulation across society through non-compensated support for startups.
Overview of the Pro Bono Research Project
The research study, titled 'Investigation into Pro Bono Teams for Addressing Startup Challenges,' operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This project aims to explore the significance and effects of knowledge flow through organized discussions and hearings across four committee meetings. The team will also compile insights gained from supporting startups in real-life applications.
Tanaka expressed her honor in joining the committee, emphasizing the importance of leveraging side job personnel to meet corporate management challenges. She states that expanding the possibilities for side job talent is essential for fostering new insights and changes within organizations. Access to external experiences and varied perspectives plays a pivotal role for startups, which often need rapid decision-making within limited resources.
The Role of lotsful in the Job Market
Since its inception, lotsful has significantly impacted the landscape of side job personnel services, with over 2,000 companies utilizing the platform and more than 40,000 job requests facilitated as of April 2025. Lotsful actively promotes the acceptance of side job workers by businesses across various roles, including business development, marketing, human resources, and governance, making it a diverse platform.
The service ensures that even individuals new to side jobs can seek guidance through free consultations with dedicated talent planners based on previous experience and skills. Most assignments are remote, allowing workers to start their side jobs flexibly, often requiring as little as four hours a week.
Benefits for Companies Accepting Side Job Workers
For companies looking to integrate skilled, seasoned professionals into their teams, lotsful offers rich experiences from candidates that can supplement existing resources lacking in certain areas. Organizations benefit from structured onboarding support, which not only assists with industry-specific tasks but also helps manage contractual complexities associated with hiring side job talent.
Career Circle by lotsful
An innovative aspect of lotsful's offerings is the 'Career Circle,' designed specifically for HR departments. This platform utilizes proprietary technology to streamline job rotations and side employment opportunities, managing recruitment processes and performance tracking in a user-friendly manner. With ten years of matching experience, consultants collaborate with companies in designing effective polices and nurturing an environment conducive to growth.
About Persol Innovation Inc.
Founded in April 2019, Persol Innovation Inc. aims to be a cornerstone of future projects for the Persol Group. They offer comprehensive resources for job placement targeting young and inexperienced workers, including transition support services and various platforms such as 'TECH PLAY' and 'Reskilling Camp'. The ultimate goal remains to foster innovation within the group through new business development and digital transformation efforts.
For more information on the lotsful service, inquiries can be made via the email support@lotsful.jp.