Strategic Partnership Between Seven Rich Group and Ryukyu Bank to Foster Economic Growth in Okinawa

Strategic Business Partnership Agreement

On September 12, 2025, the Seven Rich Group (headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, led by President Shunsuke Hattori) and Ryukyu Bank (headquartered in Naha, Okinawa, led by President Ken Shimabukuro) announced the signing of a strategic business partnership agreement. This collaboration aims to harness the Seven Rich Group's multifaceted management support expertise for startups and the community-focused customer base and financial services of Ryukyu Bank, with the goal of robustly supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Okinawa Prefecture, contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy.

Background of the Strategic Partnership

The Seven Rich Group is dedicated to supporting business growth from all angles and has previously assisted around 1,500 companies and entrepreneurs, primarily startups. While originally focused on accounting and financial support, the group has recently expanded its services into BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), including marketing, recruitment, and back-office support, establishing a strong framework for client support. Furthermore, they have investments in approximately 70 startups.

Looking forward, Seven Rich Group aims to incubate regional management to maximize the potential of local business entities that play crucial roles in the local economy. They intend to provide comprehensive management capabilities to support this growth, kicking off initiatives like J-Startup OKINAWA in 2024, targeting companies based in Okinawa, which has gained attention from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST).

Meanwhile, Ryukyu Bank, as part of its medium-term management plan starting in April 2025, has set a long-term vision to realize a cyclical economic model that supports regional growth, actively engaging in backing local enterprises. With initiatives like the OKINAWA Startup Program and financial contributions via the BOR Venture Fund, Ryukyu Bank has focused on nurturing and supporting startup companies. Recognizing the need to provide deeper solutions for various management issues faced by regional clients, such as succession crises and workforce shortages, Ryukyu Bank is eager to take this collaboration forward.

Through the partnership between the Seven Rich Group, known for enhancing the value of ventures and startups, and Ryukyu Bank, known for providing management support to locally established SMEs, the aim is to leverage their strengths to solve challenges encountered by local enterprises across all growth phases. They are determined to foster leading companies within Okinawa, thereby contributing to regional economic revitalization, including job creation.

Specific Initiatives from the Strategic Partnership

The initial phase of cooperation will focus on the following two points, with plans to explore additional collaboration areas in the future:

1. Lending and Venture Debt for Startups
The Seven Rich Group will combine its expertise in assessing the business potential and growth of startups with Ryukyu Bank's financial offerings such as the BOR Venture Fund and BOR Venture Debt. This integration aims to facilitate the provision of risk capital to promising startups within Okinawa Prefecture, thereby accelerating their growth.

2. BPO Services for Local Startups and SMEs
By utilizing Ryukyu Bank's extensive customer network, Seven Rich Group will offer BPO services to help local businesses tackle issues such as labor shortages and productivity improvements. This initiative will create an environment that allows companies to concentrate on their core operations, enhancing their competitiveness.

3. DX Support Centered Around Generative AI Training and AI Product Development
Recognizing the urgency of Digital Transformation (DX) for many companies, the partnership will provide support for operational efficiency improvement and digitalization centered around the use of generative AI. They plan to conduct generative AI training aimed at enhancing employee AI literacy and assist in AI product development tailored to each company's specific challenges, contributing to significant productivity improvements and the creation of new value.

Comments from the Companies

- Ken Shimabukuro, President of Ryukyu Bank

"Our partnership with the Seven Rich Group, which possesses rich experience and diversified functions in startup support, represents a new advance in our commitment to the community. We now have the groundwork to provide complex solutions, in addition to our banking services, to our clients facing challenges such as labor shortages, business succession, and digital transformation. I am strongly hopeful that this partnership becomes a catalyst for new challenges and growth for local businesses as we build the future of Okinawa."

- Shunsuke Hattori, President of Seven Rich Group

"We are very pleased to partner with Ryukyu Bank, which has been driving the Okinawa economy. Their deep roots in the community and immense trust serve as an incredible support as we work to realize our vision for regional management incubation. We believe in the rich potential of Okinawa and will fully support the growth of companies seeking challenges in areas like venture finance, AI, mergers & acquisitions, and business succession, contributing to the further advancement of the Okinawan economy."