Hoshino: So, that's how I ended up starting my own business. However, I became fascinated with "video," which is our company's original business, when I was in elementary school, and since then I've been deeply involved in video production.

Nakajima, why did you choose "video"?

The founding members of Nakajima were five classmates from Aogaku, and looking back now, I don't think starting a business itself was that difficult. Anyone can find out about the procedures for establishing a company and what is necessary for running a business if they do some research, and you can start a business if you clear those hurdles one by one. However, starting a business is just the starting line. The real challenge is what to do from there, and how to grow the business. We have revised our business plan many times and changed the company name twice to arrive at where we are today.

Hoshino: Indeed, as I've managed my company, the scope of my business has expanded beyond just video content to include AI-powered no-code development tools ^* and DX consulting. Currently, I'm taking a leave of absence from university to prioritize getting the company on track, and I'm constantly experimenting and trying different approaches to the company's future development.

* A tool that allows you to create web applications and business systems using mouse operations and drag-and-drop, without any programming required. It enables shorter development times and cost reductions.

Nakajima Hoshino should take advantage of the privileges of being a student and keep trying new things he wants to do. There's absolutely no need to be afraid of failure, and he has nothing to lose. Even if he ends up closing his company, it will be a valuable experience that will definitely be useful later on. Even if he ends up getting a job at a company, his entrepreneurial experience as a student will surely be a major plus. That being said, he shouldn't give up so easily just yet.

Hoshino: In the future, as my company expands its business, I believe we will need to raise funds on a considerable scale. When did you raise funds, Nakajima-san?

Nakajima: That's actually quite simple. To run a big business, you absolutely need funding. So, you ask companies that seem likely to invest and raise the money—that's really all there is to it. I had a dream of "making the company bigger" and a goal of "using promising technology to build a new business model in the human resources industry." I talked about these goals and diligently went around to find investors who would empathize with and support me, making it important to meet them in person and build trust and connections. Through trial and error, I gathered the necessary funds and personnel for the business. Fortunately, it was a time when there was a growing momentum to invest in student entrepreneurs, and I was able to raise about 15 million yen in about two years after establishing the company. Since then, we have raised a total of approximately 3.5 billion yen in funding.

Why was Nakajima able to think, "I have no choice but to keep going!" even when the business was in dire straits?

Hoshino: The biggest factor was the presence of my colleagues who run the company with me. When I was feeling lost, their faces came to mind, and I realized that giving up here was definitely not the right thing to do. So, we reaffirmed our sense of unity as a team and restructured the business, and now our sales are gradually regaining momentum.

Nakajima: That's great to hear. In order to keep a business going, some kind of motivation is essential. For Hoshino, that was the "bond" with his colleagues, wasn't it? I also went through a period where my company wasn't doing well and I was worried. The reason I didn't give up then was because I had the ambition to "grow the business I started into something big," and that ambition continued to burn without fading. Even during difficult times, I kept gathering funds and personnel, and I overcame the situation by making continuous efforts to expand the company. If you keep problems simple and continue to make quick decisions as a manager, small worries will gradually disappear.

Hoshino, I've learned a great deal. But, do you think I can become a large-scale business leader like Mr. Nakajima?

Nakajima Hoshino doesn't need to be the same as me. I would just be happy if he could see me as a person, listen to what I have to say, and feel "something" from me. My own life has changed dramatically since meeting and becoming close to "cool adults" like Kawabe-san and Fujita-san.

When I was a teenager aspiring to be a musician, I was greatly inspired by interviews with famous artists that I read in music magazines, but I found that interacting with "real people" was even more stimulating and rewarding. There are many "cool adults" who are working on interesting things, not only among Aogaku alumni, but also in the business world. I think that by finding such people, meeting them directly, and listening to their stories, you will begin to see the stage where you should pour your passion and burn brightly.

While the use of AI in business will become commonplace in the future, the value of "human connection" and the importance of interacting with real people will remain unchanged even in the age of AI.

Hoshino: I completely agree. Just listening to Mr. Nakajima, who is truly a "cool adult" to me, speak to me like this, I feel my perspective expanding more and more. In any case, I've renewed my resolve to work on new businesses and value creation while cherishing "what I truly want to do."

Nakajima, that's great! The best part of starting a business is being able to "produce it yourself," and I believe Hoshino can do that. I'm also looking forward to the day when Hoshino himself will be admired by many younger people as a "cool adult."

Hoshino: Those are very kind words. I would love to hear more from you in the future.

Nakajima, you're always welcome!