Job Description:

Business Overview

Rakuten Capital is the Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm of Rakuten Group. We empower innovative startups through funding and strategic support, fostering the growth of a global ecosystem and nurturing industries.
Our investment themes span a wide range, including Generative AI, Mobile, E-commerce, FinTech, Healthcare, and Entertainment, always with an eye towards synergy with Rakuten Group's diverse businesses.

Department Overview

Rakuten Capital is a global team comprised of members from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
We maintain an extensive network to track technology trends and startup intelligence, collaborating closely with various Rakuten Group business divisions to maximize synergy with our portfolio companies. Leveraging Rakuten Group's unique and extensive business resources and network, we provide distinctive value and growth support to our portfolio companies.

Joining us offers unique rewards and opportunities:

- Social Impact: Directly contribute to building a better society through startup investments. The journey of fostering startups to significant growth while solving societal challenges, involving both internal and external stakeholders, offers immeasurable fulfillment and achievement.

- Growth Opportunities: As part of a lean, expert team, you'll operate in an environment that demands high-level, proactive decision-making, regardless of title or position. As this is a newly established position, you'll have exceptional autonomy in shaping and executing strategies, and the rare chance to create a vibrant community from scratch.

- Networking: Build strong relationships and cultivate valuable connections with accomplished entrepreneurs, external VCs, and investors.

- Broad Perspective & Knowledge: Deepen your knowledge of the global startup industry and gain international business experience. Through investment activities, you'll acquire diverse industry knowledge across Generative AI, FinTech, Mobile, Healthcare, Entertainment, and more.

- Teamwork: Contribute to the success of the team through close communication and collaboration in a small, elite team. Working with members from diverse backgrounds provides abundant learning opportunities.

Position:

Why We Hire

- Innovation originating from startups is accelerating, leading to an increasing number of investment opportunities for Rakuten Capital.
- To strategically enhance Rakuten Capital's presence within the startup ecosystem, we are seeking a Community Manager.

- We expect this position to leverage expertise as part of a small, elite team, building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- We particularly welcome candidates with experience or a strong interest in any of the following: 

1. Community Management

2. PR & Branding

3. Business Planning & Business Development

Position Details

Community Management

- Establish and deepen strategic relationships with key ecosystem players, including startups, entrepreneurs, VCs/CVCs, corporations, universities, and research institutions.

- Strengthen Rakuten Capital's presence and networking through participation in relevant events and conferences.

- Plan, organize, and promote events hosted or co-hosted by Rakuten Capital, such as meetups, pitch events, seminars, and workshops.

Branding Strategy & Public Relations

- Develop and execute PR strategies to effectively communicate Rakuten Capital's investment strategy, vision, and mission.

- Plan, create, and distribute content for the website, social media, press releases, and investor materials.

- Building relationships with key media outlets and industry stakeholders to enhance Rakuten Capital's presence, creating media exposure opportunities, and collaborating with and supporting the investment team.

- Collaborate closely with the investment team to identify opportunities, conduct due diligence, and drive strategic business development.

- Advise and assist portfolio companies on public relations and branding strategies to enhance their market presence.

Market and Industry Research

- Stay updated on market trends, industry developments, and competitive landscapes.

- Identify new opportunities and threats within the investment environment.

- Build and maintain a network of industry contacts and experts.

Strengthening Collaboration with Business Divisions and Facilitation

- Explore synergy opportunities through close collaboration with Rakuten Group business divisions.

- Strengthen information sharing and coordination via regular meetings and workshops with business divisions.

- Promote cooperation between portfolio companies and Rakuten Group business divisions.

Work Environment

- Rakuten Capital is a lean, global organization. Our diverse team members inspire each other's growth. We feature a flat organizational structure and an open communication culture, fostering an environment where ideas can be freely expressed. As the role demands a global perspective, you will gain extensive international business experience.
- Autonomy is highly valued in our work culture. Team members are empowered with self-discretion, enabling flexible work arrangements that align with their lifestyles while achieving high performance.

Mandatory Qualifications:

- Practical experience in the following areas: community management, public relations, marketing, or business development.

- Exceptional communication skills to foster strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.

- Strong intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn about startups.

- Fundamental knowledge of investment principles, including financial analysis and business model assessment.

- Native-level Japanese and business-level English proficiency in both conversation and document preparation.

Desired Qualifications:

- Work experience in VC, CVC, PE, consulting firm, or related fields.

- Practical experience in event planning and management, website and social media operations, and content creation (such as articles and press releases).

- Knowledge or expertise in technology sectors such as Generative AI, Mechanical Engineering, IoT, or E-commerce (academic or practical experience).

- MBA or advanced degree in a related field.

- Possession of relevant qualifications such as CFA, CPA, or CMA.

Other Information:

Additional information on Location

Tokyo Headquarter (Futakotamagawa)

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