Unlocking Success: The Journey of Tenzo Makimoto
In the fast-paced world of startups, the escape route through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has become an increasingly viable strategy for growth and success. On March 17, at the SHOT VILLAGE in Akasaka, a unique opportunity unfolds for entrepreneurs to gain firsthand insights from Tenzo Makimoto, who achieved immense success from launching a student startup to selling it for billions in just two years.
The Rise of a Student Entrepreneur
Tenzo Makimoto is a shining example of entrepreneurial spirit and relentless ambition. In 2019, he started a bubble tea business, OWLTEA, quickly expanding to 100 locations. As the pandemic hit, he pivoted to launch a virtual restaurant company that exploited the delivery market, creating a profit-centric business model with a staggering profit margin of over 50%.
His journey culminated in a successful sale to U-NEXT HOLDINGS in 2022, solidifying his reputation as a successful young CEO who can navigate turbulent financial waters and emerge victorious. What sets him apart is not just the ability to create a profitable business, but also his understanding of business structures that foster sustainability and growth.
Event Overview
The upcoming event is organized by 'Keiei Sanbou,' a community for entrepreneurs and business leaders in Tokyo. It aims to share experiences and strategies among its members. During the event, Makimoto will discuss two key topics: the architecture of a profit-making business and the intricacies of selling a company.
This session is tailored for entrepreneurs grappling with:
- - Structuring profit-oriented businesses: Understanding how to operate with lower cash reserves yet achieving high profit margins.
- - Realities of M&A: Exploring the decision-making process involved in selling a company, specifically to public enterprises.
- - Navigating post-sale careers: Insights into how founders can engage with their former businesses after a sale.
Why Attend?
If you're an entrepreneur or a small business owner facing challenges in today’s competitive landscape, this event is tailored for you. With Makimoto's experiences and strategies shared during the session, attendees will get valuable perspectives on what it takes to redefine their profit structures and approach M&A with confidence.
The discussion will not only inspire but also equip entrepreneurs with actionable insights in an environment fostering collaboration and networking among peers. It’s a chance to not only learn from someone who has successfully navigated the entrepreneurial landscape but also to connect with other like-minded leaders in the field.
Event Details
- - Date: March 17, 2026
- - Time: 19:00 - 21:30 (Doors open at 18:30)
- - Location: SHOT VILLAGE, Akasaka (2-4-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
- - Cost: Member tickets at 5,000 yen and non-member tickets at 10,000 yen, including food and drinks.
- - Registration Link: Sign Up Here
About Keiei Sanbou
Founded in 2015, Keiei Sanbou serves as a sanctuary for entrepreneurs, encouraging genuine interactions and providing various seminars on current business challenges. Led by Kenji Araya, a former Deloitte consultant with ten years of experience, the community is dedicated to supporting leaders through their unique adversities while creating opportunities to learn from one another in a comfortable environment.
Join us on March 17 to gain transformative insights into the realms of profit structures and M&A strategies from a young entrepreneur who embodies the spirit of the modern business landscape.