Enhancing Investor Relations: A Strategic Support Service for Companies

In today’s investing landscape, companies face increasing pressure to enhance their Investor Relations (IR) capabilities. As stakeholders demand transparency around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, along with integrated reporting and human capital disclosures, businesses can no longer afford to ignore the growing complexities of effective communication. This is where strategic IR support services come into play.

What is the Strategic IR Support Service?

Founded by Takumi Kumazawa, a seasoned partner in the field of investor relations, Social Impact Research offers an innovative monthly service priced at ¥100,000. This service supports companies by providing them with expert advice, two monthly meetings, and a comprehensive review of their IR materials. Currently, they are assisting 30 companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and are extending a one-month free trial for new clients.

Key Features of the Service:

1. Bi-Monthly Meetings: Engaging directly with client executives, the service offers personalized guidance and strategies tailored to the company's specific needs.
2. Case Studies and Networking: Monthly strategic IR case study meetings, conducted both online and in person, allow participants to learn from successful companies. This creates opportunities for networking and acquiring practical wisdom to improve their own strategies.
3. External Evaluation: The service includes assessments of securities reports and integrated reports as well as financial material to ensure that the company’s disclosure meets investor expectations.
4. Constructing Investor Stories: It helps in crafting compelling narratives around the business model and visualizing intangible assets to enhance investor appeal.
5. ESG & Integrated Reporting Briefings: Twice a year, clients receive briefings on the latest trends in ESG and integrated reporting to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving market.
6. KPI Assistance: Support in defining impact KPIs and quantifying non-financial information needed for better reporting.

The Urgency of Strategic IR Enhancement

The question arises, why is there an urgent need for advanced IR capabilities now?

As information requirements around ESG, integrated reports, and human capital disclosure continue to grow, companies struggle with a lack of resources, specialized knowledge, and external perspectives. The introduction of a strategic IR approach that places emphasis on investors’ viewpoints may prove pivotal in determining overall corporate value.

Value to Companies:

- Investor Feedback: Regular insights from investors help identify perspectives that may be overlooked internally.
- Improvement in Non-Financial Disclosures: Enhancing the quality of non-financial disclosures related to ESG can lead to better ratings, stabilize stock prices, and create potential for long-term growth.
- Alignment in Governance: Supporting the consistent outward communication of sustainability and governance frameworks.

Unique Aspects of the Service

What sets this service apart?

- Direct support from experienced impact investors and ESG analysis experts who understand the intricacies of the field.
- Consolidated insights from reviewing over a hundred IR materials from publicly listed companies, shared to refine clients’ strategies.
- Assistance is provided without the need for expensive IR consultants, offering practical, on-the-ground support that aligns closely with the client’s needs.

How to Get Started

1. Initial Consultation: Start with a free online consultation to discuss specific challenges.
2. One-Month Free Trial: Engage in a trial phase to test the effectiveness of the support.
3. Formal Agreement: Post-trial, a formal contract will initiate ongoing support with regular meetings and reviews.
4. Continual Improvement: Clients can opt for further refinement of materials and structural proposals for internal discussions.

Pricing

The monthly fee is set at ¥100,000 (excl. tax) with a minimum contract duration of three months.

For inquiries or to sign up for the one-month free trial, contact Social Impact Research’s Strategic IR Support Service department through this link: Trial Application.

Meet the Team

Takumi Kumazawa - Founder and Partner of Social Impact Research, lecturer at SBI Graduate School, and experienced analyst with a rich background in finance, including notable positions at JAFCO, SoftBank Internet Fund, and HSBC.

Nobuo Tsuru - Head of ESG Consulting at Social Impact Research, with extensive experience in public service and corporate communication in the sustainability realm, holding recognized certifications in financial planning and analysis.

Engaging with this strategic IR support service could be the turning point for companies looking to not only meet current standards but to excel in their investor engagement strategies.