I'm a Japanese founder who moved to Bengaluru to grow my startup. I love India's energy and how hard people work.

Reiji Kobayashi, a passionate founder from Japan, has made the bold decision to relocate to Bengaluru, India, driven by the vibrant energy and work ethic of its people. His entrepreneurial journey began in Japan, where he dropped out of university to establish a web marketing firm. After successfully selling that business, he ventured into the real estate sector, creating a share house company. In 2018, Kobayashi moved to Kenya to launch a startup, but faced significant challenges in securing funding. Determined, he invested his own resources to create Hakki, a microfinancing platform aimed at helping individuals purchase cars in a market with limited credit options. Over six years, Hakki financed over 3,500 vehicles, yet growth in Kenya began to plateau. With a population of 1.4 billion across Africa, but only 50 million in Kenya, he turned his gaze toward India, where the rapidly growing economy offered new opportunities. In 2024, Kobayashi settled in Bengaluru, establishing a local presence with four employees, while maintaining 74 in Kenya and two in South Africa. His company's headquarters remains in Japan, where he plans to take the business public by 2028. Kobayashi appreciates the casual lifestyle in Bengaluru, enjoying the favorable climate and the positive outlook of its residents. He contrasts this with Japan, where an aging population leads to economic concerns among the people. In his free time, he plays football and has made friends with whom he enjoys watching cricket—an experience he found surprising given his preconceived notions about Indian diets. Despite the warm welcome, he faces challenges adapting to local cuisine and the distinct business culture. In India, he notes a willingness to embrace challenges without rigorous forecasts, a stark contrast to Japan's emphasis on thorough consensus and lengthy meetings. He finds the Indian market more receptive to startups and innovative products, which fosters a friendly atmosphere for new businesses. Kobayashi's admiration for his Indian team is evident; their dedication and work ethic often exceed his own. With plans to potentially expand to Thailand in the future, he remains committed to establishing a strong foothold in India, envisioning a future where he might return permanently. As a foreign entrepreneur navigating this dynamic landscape, Kobayashi's story reflects the exciting possibilities that await those willing to embrace new markets.