Takeshi (Ted) Homma has spent his career in the digital business world, and is currently helping Rakuten pursue opportunities in Silicon Valley.  Based on his experience as an entrepreneur, working inside large corporations such as Sony and Rakuten, and advising Japanese startups, Ted will share his views on the challenges facing Japanese companies right now. He’ll describe why he thinks that it makes sense for Japanese companies to be pursuing new opportunities in Silicon Valley.
Ted will also talk about Rakuten’s global strategy, and how Silicon Valley fits into it – including what Rakuten is doing in Silicon Valley today and its future plans here.
Profile
Takeshi (Ted) Homma founded his first startup Yellnet in 1995 when he was in his early 20’s. After 8 years managing Yellnet, he joined Sony’s headquarters in Tokyo in 2003. Armed with his experience of the internet and entrepreneurship, he helped Sony make changes in its corporate culture and business practices, working to instil an internet-oriented culture in a big hardware oriented company. In 2008 he was transferred to California to be the VP of Sony’s new internet service in the U.S., and also served in a business strategy role for Sony’s eBook business.
In 2012 Ted joined Rakuten to help with their global digital content business expansion, leading the Kobo eBook launch in Japan. He is currently leading Rakuten’s efforts in the U.S. for developing strategy and making deals for new business opportunities in the digital content area. He is also finding business opportunities for the entire Rakuten group especially with Silicon Valley based startups.
In the meantime, Ted has served as a volunteer supporter and mentor for Japanese entrepreneurs and startups who want to come to Silicon Valley. In recognition of his efforts he was selected as one of the “Next Generation #100” by Nikkei business magazine.

 The event is sold-out.

No walk-ins will be permitted due to security.

Schedule:

• 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM       Networking/Registration
• 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM       Presentation
• 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM       Networking
• Light appetizers and drinks provided.

Japan Society Strategic Partner
Networking Sponsor:

Additional Support:

Morrison Foerster