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Seiko

Seiko – Timeless business venture of Kintaro Hattori

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The leading Japanese firm Seiko is best to recognize for its optical products, electronic devices, and especially the variety of watches. In fact, the watches/clocks of Seiko had been used as official timekeepers in many intercontinental level sports events including Olympic. As well, the Grand Seiko watch is one of the most loved brands among watch lovers. This watch is considered a tough competitor of swiss watches, those rule the market over the decade. All the credit goes to Kintaro Hattori, a founder, and a top Japanese businessman who set up Seiko as a small shop with a vision to launch a Japanese watch in the market. However, the firm becomes a holding company since 2001.

About the company

 It is a famous Japanese firm that had been started as a watch and jewelry shop. Now, the firm also worked as electronics products manufacture that produces electronics devices, optical products, semiconductors, etc. However, Seiko’s main and long-time business is watching and clocks manufacturing and selling. The actual manufacturing of Seiko watches started in 1892. Before that, in 1881, the founder Hattori established a shop to sell watches and jewelry which later on converted into a company. As a matter of fact, the name of company Seiko is a Japanese word meaning success. As per the name, the soon firm achieved success and became one of the leading brands in the market.

The backstory of foundation

 A 13 years old Hattori saw a clock shop during his traineeship. That time, he got to know that the clock shop offers income in two ways. One way to get money by selling and the other way is to repair the watches. 

About founder- Kintaro Hattori

In 1881, at the time when Kintaro Hattori was 21 years old, he set up clocks repairing and selling shop in Tokyo. After a few years, he explores the business and established a factory named Seikosha. Sooner or later it is renamed as Seiko.

He was born in Kyobashi, Tokyo in 1860. During his teenage, he started working at sundries wholesaler as an intern. After that, Hattori worked at a clock shop where he learns the tactics to sell and also learned clock repairing. Kintaro successfully runs Seiko till his death in 1934. The Japanese pioneer who launched the Japanese wristwatch brand in competition with the famous Swiss died when he was 73.

Best of the Seiko

In 1960, the next and all-time popular model Grand Seiko was launched. It was the next version of one more famous watch Crown. 

Seiko is known for the quartz watch model called Astron. This model was introduced in 1969 which also became the first quartz watch on earth.

Thereafter, the company launched a quartz chronograph for the first time ever. Seiko didn’t stop here and further launched automatic quartz for the first time. 

After a huge success, the firm started a joint manufacturing unit with Orient and so established in 1985.

However, these all watch models were again launched in 1991 under the name Seiko kinetic.  

Official timekeeper

Seiko made in the list of best watchmakers with its one more achievement. It has been the official timekeeper in several international sports events. The FIFA World Cup, Olympics, and now signed an agreement with IAAF for being the official timekeeper in the next IAAF World Championships.

Bottom line 

A Japanese company Seiko is recognized for launching leading watch brands in the market. Especially, it is best known for the exclusively made wristwatches. Apart from manufacturing watches, the firm is also known as a one-stop solution for clock and watches. It means, Seiko produces all the parts of watches like rock crystal oscillators, sensors, LCDs. As well, one can get the lubricants needed for watches. 

Seiko is continuing its legacy, dedication, and perfection with its plus 130 years of innovation. It has become a name that is known to everyone and competing with the best in business. In 2001, , the firm becomes a holding company since 2001. The company has definitely come a long way from launching the basic product to the best one. We can definitely say that Seiko is a timeless business venture of K. Hattori. Something that you learn in life at earlier stage or later, always helps you to build big dream for yourself.

TDK CORPORATION

TDK CORPORATION- ONE OF THE LEADING ELECTRONIC COMPANIES IN JAPAN

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Many Japanese companies have transformed from small scale industries to business tycoons over time. The quality of work and employees, both are highly appreciable in Japan. Moreover, the country has made some exceptional developments and pushed its threshold over the past century. With electronics and telecommunication reaching higher potential, a Japanese company, TDK Corporation unleashed its true power.

The establishment of TDK Corporation took place back in 1935 in Shiba-Ku, Tokyo city. The company developed soon after Yogoro Kato and Takeshi Takei invented the magnetic material, Ferrite. So, TDK Corporation received the patent for producing the world’s first ferrite cores and that’s how the journey began. Currently, the TDK headquarters are based on Nihonbashi, Tokyo. And, the company’s main products are electronic components, power supplies, and sensors.

The Founding History of TDK Corporation

In 1930, the invention of the ferrous magnetic material, ferrite took place. And, after a few years, the launch of the company, Tokyo Denki Kagaku Kogyo K. K. (Tokyo Electric Chemical Industry Co. Ltd) took place. The company received the patent of it and thus started the production of ferrite. The CRT tubes of television used the ferrite for deflection in yoke cores. Thus, the production increased and common people started buying televisions.

Expansion through the early 1900s

In 1937, Tokyo established the Kamata Plant as with the demand for colored movies, the demand for ferrite ores increased. After a couple of years, the Japanese Naval Institute of Technology expressed its interest in the product for use in marine radios. So, another plant was constructed in Hirasawa-Cho. In April 1945, the production came to a halt due to an accident in the Kamata plant.

And, when it restarted late in the same year, the company showed interest in the modern communication industry. In the late 1940s transistors came into the market and the production increased for IF transformer cores. In 1951, the company also started the production of ceramic capacitors. For the next few years, new types of capacitors were designed for some of the world’s new inventions. This led to the establishment of another plant for the company for producing hard disk drives.

Growth in the international market 

In 1961, the company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the first time. The company made a breakthrough when it introduced “Synchro Cassette Tapes” in 1966. Everyone loves music and with this new product, TDK grabbed everyone’s attention. During this time, TDK expanded its business to the USA and established an office in New York. Also, in 1968 the world witnessed the development of TDK Taiwan Corporation followed by entering the European market in 1970.

For the next decade, many new products were launched including multilayer ceramic chip capacitors, switching power supplies, multilayer chip inductors, etc. With every new invention in the world, a product of TDK rolled out in the market. In 1982, the company got listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the next year the company’s name changed to TDK Corporation. Before the company rushed into a new century, it opened a subsidiary in China and acquired SAE Magnetics, a Hong Kong-based company.

The digital era

In 2000, the company acquired Headway Technologies, a company based in the United States. The company also acquired a polymer lithium battery manufacturing company, Amperex Technology in 2005. The same year, TDK also acquired the Lambda Power Division, a part of a London-based business. After a couple of years, Imation Corporation acquired the sales department of TDK brand recording media.

In 2008, the company acquired a German-based company, EPCOS. The next decade started with TDK implementing its Environmental Action 2020 Plan. In 2014, TDK stepped back from the recording media business. And, the first product of TDK, that is, ferrite was recognized as one of the top 100 innovations in Japan after the war.

2016 witnessed the acquisition of two companies, namely Micronas Semiconductor Holdings AG and Hutchinson Technology Inc. The company came into a joint venture with Qualcomm in 2017. Faraday Semi LLC is the latest acquisition of TDK Corporation. The company also has its museum which reopened in 2017 after renewal.

Future Plans

The company is currently focusing on automotive products and wants to decrease the sale of mobile phones. Shigenao Ishiguro, CEO, and President of TDK Corporation said that it is not very productive to invest in a product that has already reached a saturation point of innovation. The company is currently working on several automotive projects especially focusing on magnetic sensors.

Sharp

TOKUJI HAYAKAWA- A SUCCESSFUL JAPANESE BUSINESSMAN WHO FOUNDED SHARP CORPORATION

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We have heard many stories about big businessmen and how they achieved success. Though the path of success is never an easy one, few of us always have some privilege. And, it is truly an advantage to be a part of a financially affluent family and pursue your dreams. Because, the ones who are suffering from poverty, cannot dare dream big. But, many people have overcome the obstacles and harsh adversities of life. They are now successful and remembered as some of the inspiring personalities. Tokuji Hayakawa, a successful Japanese businessman started from nothing and built a masterpiece empire. He founded the company Sharp Corporation. But, before that, he invented a belt buckle that can be fastened without perforating and “Ever-Ready Sharp” mechanical pencil. This invention led to the establishment of his own company. And, currently, Sharp Corporation witnesses annual revenue of more than ¥2 trillion. He founded the company in 1912 in Japan. It now serves people worldwide.

Early life struggles

Born into a family in 1893 in Tokyo, Tokuji suffered from a great family crisis. Later, he came to know that an Ideno family adopted him. His family went through a tough time, and due to poverty, Tokuji was unable to complete his basic education. He left schooling when he was studying in the second standard. And, to meet the need of his family he started working for an ornament maker.

But, even if he was quenched with the sadness of not being able to go to school, he worked hard. Tokuji’s hardworking nature and sheer interest led him to learn new skills very quickly. And, with time he gained the trust of his master.

The invention of “Tokubijo”

In the 19th century, the demand for belts suddenly increased. Because, previously, it was only boys who used the belt for trousers. And, with the advent of new fashion styles, the craze for belts increased for both men and women. This caught Tokuji’s attention one day as he saw the belt of a film actor had come undone. This gave him the idea to invent a new kind of belt that can be fastened to any length.

After he came up with this new kind of belt, his master pushed him to launch a patent and the outcome was surprisingly good. The demand for this type of belt increased and he decided to go independent. Thus, in 1912 he opened his industry to carry out the production and started hiring laborers.

The business world

After he established his business in 1912, it came to know as Hayakawa Metal Works in 1924. In 1913, he received a patent of a water faucet which turned the future of his business. After a couple of years, he was able to come up with a prototype of a sharp mechanical pencil from which it got its name. Eventually, Tokuji expanded his business in the sphere of electronics manufacturing, televisions, calculators, home appliances, etc.

Sharp Corporation

The main products and technologies of the company include LCD panels, solar panels, mobile phones, air conditioners, CMOS and CCD sensors, flash memory, and many more. The company, for the first time, started producing televisions in 1953. In 1964, the company built the world’s first transistor calculator. The company’s name was changed to Sharp Corporation in 1970.

In 2000, the company’s mobile communication division launched the world’s first commercial camera phone. The company gained so much popularity that it stood as a strong competitor for Apple and Sony. In 2007, the company acquired a part of Pioneer Corporation and in 2009 they came into a joint venture.

After the company celebrated its 100th anniversary, it hit the biggest loss in its history. Due to this, the company was a force to cut jobs, and finally, it bounced back in 2014 making a net positive profit. In 2013, Samsung invested in Sharp Corporation. Currently, the company has responded to the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. And, it will be producing surgical masks inside one of its TV factories.

Awards and Honors

Tokuji has been the recipient of many prestigious awards both from his homeland and abroad. He received the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon in 1960 and Award from the City of Osaka in 1968. In the 1970s, Tokuji received Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, Second Class, Okochi Production Award, Osaka Cultural Awards, and so on. He passed away at the age of eighty-six.

Routific

Marc Kuo- Journey to establish smart logistics platform Routific to optimizes routes for last-mile delivery fleets

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Computer science eases our personal and professional lives with a unique approach and various applications.  It makes many things simple but in reality, computer science is as complex as it can be. In fact, many problems in computer science are complex, for example, routing. While Routific makes this problem easier. Today the firm is assisting several businesses in Route optimization. Since 2012, the founder Kuo with his unique set up Routific, offering a helping hand to many businesses to save their time and energy. Marc is also one of the pioneers who explore the route optimization algorithm. Let us see how a thesis writer of advanced route optimization plunge into entrepreneurship and turned the thesis in practical application.

About Routific

A well-known smart logistics platform Routific optimizes routes for last-mile delivery fleets. So that businesses can save up to 40% on time and fuel. Presently, Routific’s powerful and efficient proprietary algorithm that combined with a stellar user experience makes it the best routing solution for the small as well as the mid-tier market.

In 2012, Kuo set up the firm and since then it helped many businesses to thrive successfully. Today, the business of Routific grows across the continents that also has a huge impact on several other businesses in the world. It has optimized routes in 900 plus cities on the earth which is so admirable to gain such a trust in a considerably small amount of time.

The backstory of foundation

As said earlier, Kuo is well known for writing a thesis on advanced route optimization. As well, set up Routific to work in this field to help other businesses. Well, thanks to the family business which help him to understand this at a very young age. When he was a boy, he studied the tactics to run a business efficiently. This lesson stays with Marc throughout his entire life. But it turned out great when he gets the golden opportunity to use his route optimization knowledge along with his self learned tactics to take a business at the next level.

The beginning

At the starting of the 21st century like the internet was boomed, many things happened that hugely promoted computer science or we can say a rise in the IT industry. But though the logistics solutions were the same as before and one has to empty full pockets to get its benefit. Ultimately, the logistics solutions were meant for big companies only. Because it was not possible to spend that much money on small startups. Yet, these solutions were way hectic to use. While Marc wanted to change this.

He started working on it and as a first step, Kuo formed a unique team having professionals from various backgrounds. Including, award-winning authors, Microsoft engineers, Journalists, and of course entrepreneurs. In the end, he set up Routific in 2012 to offer smart, speedy, modern and yet feasible logistics solutions.

About Marc Kuo- Present CEO and Routific’s founder

A software engineer turned entrepreneur Marc, serving as the CEO of Routfic since 2015. 

Under his guidance, Routific became one of the Techstars Chicago ’15 alum. As well, acquired investors including Pallasite Ventures, Firestarter Fund, Scott Lake, and Axiom Zen.

Career

He earlier worked at Axiom Zen as a software engineer for more than two years. Axiom Zen is a well-known venture studio that also is an award-winning firm. Kuo worked in there especially in accelerating ideas from back-of-napkin to market fit. As well, he worked as an analytical consultant at Analysis Works and as an associate consultant at integrates decision system consultancy. In fact, Marc also worked in the UBS investment bank as an equity trader in the early days of his career.

Educational Background

He attended Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam for studying Masters of Informatics and Economics Operations Research in Logistics. For graduation, Kuo admitted to Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam and studied a Bachelor of Informatics and Economics Artificial Intelligence, Finance, and Logistics.

Also, he went to Tsinghua University to learn intermediate Chinese. However, he completed HSK in 2008 with a level 6 degree.

Bottom Line

Routific changes the way of route optimization. Before that, businesses were using spreadsheets or the conventional pen-paper method for this purpose. But it was a huge waste of time, money and resources. As well, when it comes to manual route planning human errors are definitely there. Results in poor logistics, failure to fulfill customers’ demands on time, and ultimately lowering the growth of the business.

However, Routific changed this approach with its unique solution. Today it is assisting several businesses in Route optimization and saving their time as well as fuel and help them thrive impeccably.

Clubhouse

Journey of Clubhouse towards developing strong customer base and revenue growth!

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Project management involves a lot of planning, execution strategies, controlling the work, meeting deadlines and most importantly working together as a team. No matter what and how things are executed, but it’s success is defined by the team and its working. Now there are many tools available for project management and one such tool is Clubhouse. Let us overlook the journey of the firm to grow revenue impeccably.

WHAT IS CLUBHOUSE?

The Clubhouse has built the project management tools so that software development teams can work in the best way. It provides enjoyable project management teams that help in each stage of project management. This is more about a collaborative approach to project management. Till the date, more than 1500 companies are using Clubhouse.

CLUBHOUSE LAUNCH

The clubhouse was launched in 2016 by Kurt Schrader and Andrew Childs. The idea of Clubhouse sparked into their mind when both of them were working at Intent Media. There were a total of 150 people in that company. While doing their job, they realized that the people fight over the tools instead of working on them. That’s when they decided to build something which will ease people’s job and people will love using. They wanted to do something for making teamwork more effectively and that’s how the idea of Clubhouse emerged.

It wasn’t a one-night job. Andrew and Kurt had to spent almost 8 years for the initial phase of the product. As they were working on project development tools, they were aiming for something big and which could help them in their product building. Initially, a group of 10-30 people was able to use the tool for a project. Right before their fundraising, they already got two customers who decided to use their platform.

HOW CLUBHOUSE GATHERED THE CUSTOMER BASE?

With time, they started explaining their product to people and kept modifying as per their needs. Of course, it was necessary to satisfy customers which is the baseline of every business. They targeted some good companies so that they could grow their customer base faster. For publicizing their products and new features, they used some sites like Hacker news.

Another hack they used for publicity is they looked for the mentions of their competitors on Twitter and tried to promote their product to be used as an alternative. It was never linear progress for the Clubhouse. Someday they would get zero traction and another day a thousand. But later the customer base kept on going up and now they have more than 20000 active organizations on the platform.

HOW CLUBHOUSE GROWN ITS REVENUE

Initially, the Clubhouse was in a trial phase, what we call it beta phase. They almost had 40 customers when they decided to charge money for the service. And organizations agreed without any problem. Clubhouse onboarded many new customers and kept impressing teams with amazing features which helped them earn more revenue even faster.

The common path of revenue generation is the subscription cost to their product. It is per user, per team and per month. They have also designed small plans for the teams which have an annual subscription system.

A key principle they used to grow their business was to make customers happy. They did things like expanding the trial period if someone is taking time in making the final decision to get onboard.

MORE ABOUT FOUNDERS

Kurt Schrader and Andrew Childs founded this company with a vision. Currently, Kurt is the CEO and Andrew works as a chief design officer. Kurt works for the vision & mission-related things of the company. He holds a BSE from the University of Michigan. On the other hand, Andrew takes care of all the design and front-end related activities. He has almost 18 years of experience in this field. Andrew holds BFA in Painting from RSID.

BOTTOM LINE

Clubhouse emerged as a solution for project management teams and the idea sparked from the problems founders noticed among teams while working from another company. It’s a solid example that anyone can do a brilliant job if they focus on solving the problem than cribbing about them. Then the business model they accepted is way too unique for startups. Entrepreneurs can definitely learn from this a lot. If you keep your customers happy, your revenues are bound to go up.

Sachin Dev Duggal

Sachin Dev Duggal’s Start-Up Is Helping To Strengthen The Digital Marketing Community

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As a part of our secondary education, we might know the basics of web development, running a program, etc. But, to establish in the real-life marketplace, we need more than that. Today, the knowledge of web development, software development, app development, etc is very demanding. Because they have a very huge potential to grow in the future. The IT sector is booming and yet many individuals are just scared to put their idea in front. They think what if it is not good enough and the business fails. Well, you have the right to be in a dilemma but you cannot step out. Builder.ai is a software which through the help of its platform helps you to build a website, an app, an e-commerce platform, and many more. Sachin Dev Duggal founded the company in 2013. The company is based in London, United Kingdom. Builder.ai uses a library of reusable features which along with the implementation of AI gives your idea a shape. Through this platform, you can work more time efficiently and at a cheaper price to pay.

About Sachin Dev Duggal

Sachin is a serial entrepreneur. He went to Imperial College London and acquired his bachelor’s degree in Information Systems. To complete his master’s he went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology & Entrepreneurship Organization and graduated in 2011. Sachin worked at Deutsche Bank AG as an Advisor & Consultant for five years.

In 2004, he founded Nivio and served as the Chief Wizard for eight years. He also co-founded shoto in December 2012. Currently, he is the CEO of the company, Builder.ai that he founded in 2013.

Why Sachin built Builder.ai?

Sachin’s vision is for the betterment of the entrepreneurial network throughout the globe. He wanted to launch software that would help people get the idea of his or her business before investing. Because it is important to witness a prototype of your product before launching it publicly. So, Sachin made it very sure taking care that no expert advice is needed and no huge capital.

Experience matters

Sachin was very well-experienced in the business world. Before founding Builder.ai, he founded two other companies. His first start-up Nivio was the world’s one of the first cloud computing company. Sachin had a very clear vision of the business world from a very young age. He was only seventeen when he worked at Deutsche Bank making him the youngest employee in the company.

Sachin’s main point of interest lied in how to bring down the price of building an app. To make it happen, he founded Builder.ai along with Saurabh Dhoot. They knew each other from the university.

The business model

The way how the platform of Builder works is very interesting. Since the software uses AI to analyze the idea of a business, the output is better where there are many users. Because, when plenty of people build a similar product, the rigorous use of the marketplace brings down the cost. Sachin also says that the prediction is 100% true.

Once you create an application in the platform of Builder, you need to buy insurance followed by other services. Otherwise, many people would just buy the application and stop using it though the platform is cheaper.

Success of Builder.ai

Sachin sold Nivio for $100 million and used it as a capital investment for Builder.ai. He didn’t spend the entire money in it. Sachin wanted to minimize the investment in turn for profitable cash flow. When they were testing the platform, many people were willing to pay with a credit card. It was just a public beta and that was unexpected.

Initially, the company has 5 members which expanded to 150 by 2018. They grew 180% of its original size within six years of launching the business. Their main offices are in London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.

Piece of advice from Sachin

Sachin says that it is very important to spend money judiciously. Instead of thinking that someone is investing in your company, you should spend like it is your own money. Because one should always consider how to minimize the investment for maximum profit. And, when it comes to online platform always keep your customers engaged and updated.

Also, doing something to catch your customer’s eye is important. So, do something extra and make them come back to your service.