CIRCULATION Partners with STARTUP HOKKAIDO to Enhance Startup Growth

CIRCULATION and STARTUP HOKKAIDO: Supporting Startup Development in Hokkaido

CIRCULATION, a company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is excited to announce its recent collaboration with the STARTUP HOKKAIDO Implementation Committee. This partnership is aimed at facilitating the "Professional Talent Matching Program (Practical Implementation Type)," which is part of the broader "Expert Co-creation and Business Growth & Fundraising Support Program." By harnessing the expertise of over 30,000 professionals, CIRCULATION aims to significantly contribute to resolving the management challenges faced by startups in Hokkaido.

Context: The Need for Startups in Japan

The Japanese economy is aiming high with its "Startup Development Five-Year Plan," orchestrated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The plan sets a target of increasing investments in startups to 10 trillion yen by 2027 and creating around 100,000 startups in the future. As of now, the implementation of cutting-edge technology and the creation of global unicorns are deemed crucial for Japan's international competitiveness.

Hokkaido, known for its vast land and bountiful resources, serves as Japan's food production base, exceeding a food self-sufficiency rate of 200% on a calorie basis. Furthermore, the region has been making strides in the space industry, particularly with the Hokkaido Spaceport in Taiki Town, as well as boasting a significant renewable energy potential.

The STARTUP HOKKAIDO Implementation Committee aspires to turn Hokkaido into the startup island of Asia, facilitating innovation and growth in the region. However, to scale deep tech and primary industry DX at a global level, startup companies urgently need management professionals with high-level expertise in areas such as CFO roles, global business development, and intellectual property strategy. The challenge remains to secure such talent within the region.

CIRCULATION’s Commitment

In February 2025, CIRCULATION plans to open its Hokkaido branch to further accelerate solutions and growth for companies in the region. Through this initiative, CIRCULATION will leverage its professional sharing framework to match startups in Hokkaido with expert professionals who possess the skills necessary to address their complex management issues. The goal is to foster business growth and pave the way for Hokkaido's unicorn companies.

Specific Initiatives Under the Program

From among the J-Startup HOKKAIDO designated companies, the following support measures will be undertaken:

1. Identification of Management Challenges: CIRCULATION’s consultants will engage in discussions with company leaders to identify the highest priority challenges in line with the business phase. These may include overseas market development, preparations for IPOs, organizational development, and marketing strategies.

2. Matching Optimal Professional Talent: Utilizing a database of over 30,000 professionals, CIRCULATION will select those whose practical experiences best align with the identified challenges. Project teams will be formed accordingly.

3. Support for Achieving Results: Regular bi-weekly or weekly meetings will be held, and practical support will be provided beyond mere advisory roles. Knowledge and successful case studies gleaned from the program will be shared back to benefit the entire startup ecosystem in Hokkaido.

A Message from CIRCULATION’s President, Yu Fukuda

"We are deeply honored to collaborate with the STARTUP HOKKAIDO Implementation Committee in empowering the future startup landscape in Hokkaido. CIRCULATION envisions creating a society where expertise and knowledge circulate globally, and we have supported countless regional companies in their transformations. Hokkaido is home to numerous companies that possess groundbreaking technologies and ideas. Through this initiative, we aim to foster a 'circulation of knowledge' by bringing together the experiences and insights of professional talents, thus contributing to the growth of enterprises that will soar from Hokkaido to the global stage. We are fully committed to this mission in collaboration with our Hokkaido branch."

Contact Information for This Initiative

- STARTUP HOKKAIDO Implementation Committee

Person in Charge: Toyoda
Email: [email protected]

- CIRCULATION

Contacts: Hosono from the Hokkaido Branch, Shindo from the Public Team
Email: [email protected]
Address: 3-21-5 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, CIRCULATION Building ForPro
Phone: 03-6256-0467
Please mention "J-Startup HOKKAIDO Individual Support Services" when inquiring.

Company Overview

- Name: CIRCULATION Co., Ltd.
- Official Website: https://circu.co.jp/
- Representative: President Yu Fukuda
- Founded: January 6, 2014
- Location: 3-21-5 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

CIRCULATION operates a professional sharing business, utilizing external experts' knowledge and experience across multiple enterprises to tackle business challenges and achieve missions. By utilizing expert resources on a project basis instead of employment, we support companies in addressing their challenges. Over the years, we have successfully partnered with more than 5,700 companies and facilitated over 22,000 projects till July 2025.