Incubator Tenant Interview: Lequison

Please tell us about your company’s business.

Lequison Inc. is a recruitment agency specializes in recruiting talents who are returning to or moving to Okinawa. After starting my career at Recruit Co. Ltd, one of the largest human resources companies in Japan, and gaining further experience in the human resources industry, I returned to my hometown of Okinawa in 2017 and established this company.

While engaging with startups residing in the OIST Innovation Incubator, I felt the importance of producing startups that drive Okinawa’s economic growth. Collaborating with HAKKI LLC, another company in the incubator, we began new business supporting startups about a year ago.

What were the reasons behind your choice to join the OIST Innovation Incubator as a tenant?

The trigger was providing recruitment support to EF Polymer Co., Ltd., a company in the incubator. Subsequently, several other startups also requested support, and upon hearing there was available space, we decided to rent a desk.

What is the background for starting startup support?

While supporting UI-turn job changes from the mainland to Okinawa, I often realize the significant salary disparity between within and outside the prefecture. As a recruiting company, we have been attracting talented individuals from outside Okinawa to enhance the earning potential of local companies. However, it's also necessary to create new companies in Okinawa that have the capability to generate significant revenue. I believe that producing two or three successful startups in Okinawa would attract both talent and money, transforming the economic landscape of the region.

Above all, the existence of entrepreneurs is crucial. Therefore, we support entrepreneurs who decide to start businesses in Okinawa and face challenges. Even if their business ends in failure, we strongly desire that they feel they "were glad to take on the challenge in Okinawa," and we aim to provide such support through Lequison.

Especially, R&D-based startups have the potential to create high-value companies for the global market, not just within Japan. We greatly sympathize with OIST’s vision of creating an ecosystem for globally open R&D-based startups in Okinawa and are keen to realize it together. Currently, as a recruiting company, we are involved in recruitment operations for three to four companies. For sales support, collaboration with local companies, subsidy application support, and broader startup support, both paid and unpaid, we are currently supporting a dozen OIST-related startups.

How are you currently using the OIST Innovation Incubator?

We have contracted for one desk in the office area. Initially, I visited once a month, but now, focusing on startup support, one staff member is stationed there, and I visit about once or twice a week. Being surrounded by dedicated startups is stimulating, making it a weekly pleasure to come to the incubator.

What benefits have you found in being part of the OIST Innovation Incubator?

For startup support, being in the same space as startups facilitates communication. You can feel firsthand what the founding phase of an R&D-based startup is like. Additionally, the unexpectedness of a recruiting company being in the OIST incubator often sparks interest from business partners.

Which companies would you recommend to join the OIST Innovation Incubator?

I think it would be great if more companies from within Okinawa joined. If joining the incubator leads to increased collaboration between local companies and OIST, that would be fantastic. For startups, I would be delighted if companies aiming to challenge the world from Okinawa joined.

I also recommend it to foreign entrepreneurs. Okinawa has a significant foreign population, particularly in the central part of the island where Onna Village is located, with diverse international communities and international schools. Some overseas clients we've supported through recruitment have moved to Okinawa from outside the prefecture seeking this international atmosphere. Compared to other regions, Okinawa is also a comfortable place for foreigners to live.

What do you expect from the OIST Innovation Incubator in the future?

With the new incubator having more spaces for interaction, I look forward to a more open and active exchange atmosphere. As a supporter of startups, we also want to contribute to creating such an environment.
Additionally, as I am currently studying English, I would greatly appreciate opportunities to take English classes offered to OIST staff and participate in cross-cultural exchange events.

(Interview date: July 19, 2024)