In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai, CEO and co-founder of AI Market and former CSO of Connected Robotics, where he led a ¥1.7B Series B raise. Ryo shares what it actually takes to find a strong co-founder in Japan and opens up about how he and Tyson teamed up to start AI Market.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation where we dive deep into co-founder decision-making, mindset alignment, storytelling, and early fundraising strategy in Japan.

If you're planning to launch a startup in Japan or are in the early stages of finding a co-founder, this episode is packed with practical insights from two operators who have done it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why Ryo decided not to launch solo
  

• What makes someone an attractive co-founder
  

• How to sell your startup vision to a potential co-founder
  

• Where to actually meet co-founders in Japan
  

• The importance of founder-market fit and track record
  

• Why AI Market chose to bootstrap with angels instead of raising VC
  

Show Notes00:00 – Introduction

02:27 – Why Ryo decided to look for a co-founder

04:08 – How Ryo and Tyson met and decided to team up

06:52 – What makes an attractive co-founder

13:58 – Selling your vision and founder-market fit

27:40 – Co-founder fit is like dating

30:03 – Where to find co-founders in Japan

35:04 – The Benefits of Having Three Co-Founders

38:00 – External Resources: Accelerators and LinkedIn

41:40 – Why AI Market didn’t raise VC and chose angel funding

45:20 – Alternative Funding Strategy with Angel Investors

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Links from Guest Appearance:

🔗 Connect with Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryosukemurai/

Coaching with Tyson

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