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Hajime Isayama

Co-Founder and CEO, World Innovation Lab (WiL)
Palo Alto, California,United States
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Hajime Isayama's Overview

Total Experience138 years
CompanyWorld Innovation Lab (WiL)
CountryUnited States

Hajime Isayama is a highly acclaimed Japanese manga artist, best known as the creator of the globally renowned series 'Attack on Titan' (Shingeki no Kyojin). Launched in September 2009, his work is celebrated for its intricate storytelling, dark and mature themes exploring survival, freedom, nihilism, and the horrors of war, and its distinct, evolving art style. Isayama's narrative depth and ability to create compelling, morally ambiguous characters have garnered him a massive international fanbase and critical praise, solidifying 'Attack on Titan' as one of the best-selling and most influential manga series of the 21st century. He is known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to explore challenging philosophical questions within his work.

Professional Summary

Hajime Isayama's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

World Innovation Lab (WiL) - Co-Founder and CEO (2013 to Present)
UPSIDER, Inc. - Board Member (2023 to Present)
SORACOM - Board Member (2021 to Present)
Blue Lab - Board Member (2017 to Present)
Intertrust Technologies Corporation - Board Member (2016 to Present)
ADARA, Inc. - Board Observer (2015 to 2021)
ClearMotion, Inc. - Board Observer (2014 to 2021)
Stepdays - Board Member (2019 to 2020)
Ghelia - Board Member (2017 to 2020)
ambie - Board Member (2017 to 2020)
pring - Board Member (2017 to 2019)
Mercari - Board Observer (2014 to 2018)
21, Inc. - Board Observer (2015 to 2018)
Raksul - Board Member (2014 to 2017)
Qrio, Inc. - Board Member (2014 to 2017)
AHAlife - Board Member (2011 to 2013)
UStream.tv - Board member (2008 to 2013)
JasperSoft - Board member (2007 to 2013)
DCM - Partner (2003 to 2013)
株式会社ポケラボ - Board Member (2009 to 2012)
(株)スターフライヤー - Board member (2005 to 2012)
RockYou - Board Observer (2008 to 2011)
BitTorrent - Board Observer (2005 to 2011)
renren.com - Board Observer (2005 to 2011)
Avex Holdings - Board member (2010 to 2010)
Sling Media - Board Observer (2004 to 2007)
Amikai - Advisor (1998 to 2003)
Industrial Bank of Japan - VP (1997 to 2003)
Arch Pacific - Co-founder (1995 to 1998)

Notable Achievements

Creator of 'Attack on Titan'

Authored and illustrated 'Attack on Titan,' one of the best-selling manga series of all time, with over 120 million copies in print worldwide as of late 2023. The series has had a profound cultural impact globally.

Kodansha Manga Award

Received the 35th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category in 2011 for 'Attack on Titan,' recognizing its excellence and impact in its early years.

Global Cultural Phenomenon

Spearheaded a global cultural phenomenon with 'Attack on Titan,' leading to highly successful and critically acclaimed anime adaptations, films, video games, and extensive merchandise, deeply influencing modern pop culture.

Harvey Award - Best Manga

'Attack on Titan' won the Harvey Award for Best Manga in 2014 (US release), acknowledging its outstanding quality and international appeal.

Noma Publishing Culture Award

Received the Noma Publishing Culture Award in 2021, an award that honors those who have made outstanding contributions to publishing, particularly through 'Attack on Titan'.

Hometown Ambassador

Appointed as a 'Tourism Friendship Ambassador' for his hometown of Hita, Ōita, where statues of 'Attack on Titan' characters have also been erected, drawing tourism.

Educational Background

MBA

Stanford University Graduate School of Business - Year 2001

Law, Law

The University of Tokyo

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Company Overview

World Innovation Lab (WiL)
Total employees75
HeadquartersPalo Alto
Founded2013

World Innovation Lab (WiL) is a US & Japan-based venture capital firm with a global outlook. It partners with leading global corporations and government entities, primarily in Japan, to fuel growth in both startups and established corporations. WiL invests in companies targeting global markets, spanning from early to growth stage, with a focus on areas such as enterprise SaaS, fintech, digital health, cybersecurity, automation, and sustainability. They aim to bridge the gap between startups and corporates, fostering innovation and new business creation.

World Innovation Lab (WiL) Funding Information
$2B+ - Total Funding Raised
$1B+ - Most recent funding amount
4 - Number of funding rounds
March, 2023 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Sony Group Corporation
Daiwa Securities Group
Mizuho Financial Group
KDDI Corporation
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)

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