Building the Future of Regional Mobility: Insights from Naoki Aoyagi, Founder of Newmo

At our recent IVS Kyoto event, Naoki Aoyagi , founder of newmo , shared his vision for transforming Japan’s transportation sector. Having led significant initiatives at GREE International Entertainment, Inc. and Mercari, Aoyagi now aims to drive a sustainable, user-centric ridesharing platform in Japan. Our investment in Newmo aligns with our mission to support ventures addressing essential regional needs with a global perspective.

Insights

Strategic Market Timing and Long-Term Trends

Aoyagi’s career moves have been guided by his talent for identifying trends early on, whether it was mobile internet adoption or the rise of fintech. His entry into ridesharing follows a similar rationale, leveraging the recent regulatory interest in Japan as an early advantage. “The only things that you should believe are big trends and people,” he said, emphasizing the importance of being strategically early in new markets.

Capitalizing on Local Expertise and Relationships

In a field with major players like Uber, Aoyagi highlights local knowledge as Newmo’s primary edge. By drawing on his experience in regulated sectors and understanding Japan’s unique taxi regulations, Newmo is building a foundation tailored to the Japanese market. Newmo recently acquired an Osaka-based taxi company, adding 1,000 employees and providing an established regulatory pathway to rapidly scale its model.“In Japan, there is still a very unique history of local taxi regulations. We have experiences and government relations,” Aoyagi explained, underscoring Newmo’s local strategic approach.

Building a Committed, Experienced Team

Newmo’s team includes nearly 20 co-founders, all financially invested in the company. Aoyagis network from GREE and Mercari, as well as our full support at Headline Asia, provide Newmo with a solid, aligned growth platform. “Our team and supporters are our unique approach,” he noted, highlighting how critical a dedicated and capable team is to Newmo’s differentiation in the market.

Strategic Acquisitions for Accelerated Growth

Acquiring the Osaka taxi company allows Newmo immediate access to local assets and regulatory pathways, a critical strategy for startups in highly regulated industries. With this acquisition, Newmo can tackle regional challenges head-on and lay the groundwork for future expansions.

Takeaways

• Prioritize Market Timing: Founders and investors should closely monitor regulatory and market changes for early entry opportunities.
• Leverage Local Expertise in Regulated Markets: Strategic local acquisitions can provide immediate access to critical industry resources.
• Build a Committed Team: A team with aligned financial and personal investment fosters resilience and adaptability.
• Use Acquisitions to Overcome Market Hurdles: Acquiring established players can provide essential assets and networks in complex markets.

Our Thoughts?

Aoyagi’s approach mirrors our own investment philosophy at Headline Asia. We prioritize early entry in high-growth sectors and back founders who balance innovative disruption with practical solutions. By investing in Newmo, we support a company tackling regional transportation challenges with a global outlook, reinforcing our goal to empower category-defining companies.

Newmo’s approach offers key insights into succeeding in regulated, high-potential markets: aligning with trends, leveraging local knowledge, and building a committed team. As Japan’s ridesharing market opens, Newmo’s early entry and strategic acquisitions position it for success, illustrating how a forward-thinking strategy can transform essential industries.