Hidetaka Fujino, the President and CEO of Rheos Capital Works, has accepted a prestigious role as a committee member in the newly established Startup Policy Promotion Subcommittee of Japan's Growth Strategy Council, which is set to launch in January 2026. This initiative, led by the Takai Cabinet, aims to crystallize Japan's growth strategies by focusing on vital sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, resource security, energy, and defense industries. The creation of this subcommittee highlights the significance of startups in addressing cross-sector challenges and fostering innovation in the country.
The Japan Growth Strategy Council was established to ensure Japan’s ongoing economic development by promoting various key areas, categorizing them under two main investment types: "crisis management investment" and "growth investment". The new subcommittee will concentrate on eight priority themes, including the support and scaling of startups, particularly those in deep tech sectors, and the development of startups that play a crucial role in local economies.
In response to his appointment, Fujino expressed his excitement and dedication to the role, stating, “I am incredibly honored to have been appointed as a member of the Startup Policy Promotion Subcommittee. The key initiatives we plan to undertake include scaling up startups, supporting deep tech startups, and fostering startups that contribute to the socio-economic environment of their communities.”
Fujino's extensive experience, spanning over 30 years as a fund manager investing in both publicly listed and private companies, makes him a vital addition to this committee. Furthermore, he has also walked in the shoes of an entrepreneur, having secured investments for his own ventures and guiding them to public listings. This unique perspective is essential for promoting healthy growth in Japan's startup ecosystem.
He emphasized the necessity of nurturing startups for Japan's sustainable growth, stating, "To ensure Japan's continuous development, fostering startups is crucial. I will leverage my experiences and insights while valuing diverse perspectives and fresh ideas to enhance the growth power of Japanese startups effectively."
Fujino, who founded Rheos Capital Works in 2003, has built a strong reputation in managing small-cap and growth stocks. Beyond his role at Rheos, he is actively involved in investment education and mentoring through his YouTube channel, "Okane no Manabiba!". He also serves in academic roles as a Professor at Tokyo University of Science, a Visiting Professor at Eikei University, and in the Regional Revitalization Faculty at Shukutoku University, illustrating his commitment to educating the next generation of investors.
As Rheos Capital Works continues to operate under the guiding principle of contributing to society through capital markets, it manages and sells the "Hifumi" series of investment trusts, focusing on long-term asset formation for clients. The company also handles asset management for domestic and international pension funds and institutional investors. It is a part of the SBI Global Asset Management group, further solidifying its position in the financial market.
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Rheos Capital Works.