Kotaro Adachi

Kotaro Adachi is a Japanese entrepreneur and ASEAN innovation ecosystem builder
connecting Japan, ASEAN, and global markets through cross-border business development and
collaboration.
Kotaro began his career as the first intern at Officebusters Co., Ltd. (TSE: 5890), joining the
company six months after its founding while still a university student. After graduation, he led
overseas business development across Russia, China, and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines,
he established the company’s local operations through a joint venture with a local conglomerate,
building the business from scratch and expanding it to 15 branches and over 120 employees
within seven years.
Recognizing the potential of ASEAN’s innovation ecosystem, Kotaro founded TechShake, which
now operates legal entities and offices in Tokyo, Singapore, and Manila. The company supports
corporations, startups, investors, and governments through ASEAN market entry support,
startup sourcing, investment initiatives, acceleration programs, and open innovation projects,
connecting key stakeholders across the region.
Kotaro is also the co-organizer of IGNITE, one of the largest innovation conferences connecting
Japan and ASEAN, in partnership with Dentsu. He has been involved in building various
ecosystem initiatives, including ATLAS, an ASEAN innovation collaboration platform; SEA
Business Connect; Startup World Cup Manila; AI Salon Manila, a global AI community; and
LumineLabs, an innovation hub operated with Uni-President.
Through these initiatives, Kotaro continues to strengthen collaboration among corporations,
startups, investors, and governments, serving as a bridge between Japan and ASEAN’s
innovation ecosystems.
Kotaro holds an MBA from IE Business School in Spain