"Hello, my name is Aki Machida, and I've had the privilege of building a career that spans nearly 43 years, marked by diverse experiences and substantial contributions to the technology and business landscape.
I started my professional career with HP Japan, where my initial focus was on HP product sales support and marketing. In those early years, communication with HP’s headquarters required by facsimile or email. As I transitioned into sales, I soon recognized the untapped potential in developing Japanese markets for products. This realization prompted me to advocate for the establishment of a marketing function in Japan.
I studied English hard, visited HP headquarters several times, and finally lived in Silicon Valley for 2 years.
Taking on the role of product marketing for the Japanese market, I became the worldwide responsible product marketing manager role of the inkjet printer head position control sensor, contributing to the generation of around $5 billion in business with an impressive 20% profit margin. Notably, the optical mouse sensor, a project I spearheaded, achieved remarkable success, securing over another $5 billion in business over two decades.
Over the next 30 years, I remained a dominant force in the inkjet and the mouse market, consistently delivering results and maintaining a strong profit margin. However, my journey didn't stop there. I transitioned my focus to camera modules for cell phone applications, where I collaborated with industry giants like Motorola, Sony Ericsson, and Siemens.
Following the sale of the group to Micron Technologies, I decided to challenge at startup company as a supplier development role. The life of startup was not a stressful 24-7. It was rather passionate 25-8.
Despite facing challenges such as financial instability leading to bankruptcy at one point, my resilience led me to another startup before ultimately joining Fujifilm just before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of adversity, I actively engaged in numerous investment and collaborative activities.
After the termination of Fujifilm project, I started my own consultant company for Japanese companies seeking to enter the U.S. market and providing guidance to U.S. startups interested in the Japanese market.
My responsibilities extend to offering consultation and investment advisory services, leveraging my extensive experience and insights.”
The latter part of the interview delves into the unique landscape of Silicon Valley—a culture that has significantly shaped the innovation ecosystem. Silicon Valley, while often depicted as an industrial park, is more accurately described as a culture, an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and innovation. Its landscape, with low-rise buildings and a mix of residential and industrial spaces, is a testament to its unique character.
This culture is deeply rooted in the presence of renowned universities like UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and Stanford University, where professors actively support students in pursuing new ideas and ventures. The ecosystem comprises layers of venture capitalists, angel investors, corporate venture capitalists, successful unicorn companies, and tech giants, creating a continuous cycle of innovation and growth.
The collaborative spirit, access to funding, mentorship, and a rich history of successful companies contribute to the vibrant startup scene in Silicon Valley. It is this culture and ecosystem that make Silicon Valley an attractive hub for startups and tech companies, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking innovations.
The interview also explores the challenges of bridging the gap between Japan and Silicon Valley. In the last three years at Fujifilm, Mr. Machida was actively involved in open innovation activities. The initial intention was to connect with local startups, but challenges arose. Foreign service employees faced difficulties in communication due to language barriers, lack of English proficiency, and limited business development experience.
Recognizing this mismatch, Mr. Machida proposed a shift in focus from connecting with local startups to collaborating with Japanese corporate partners. Japanese employees in Silicon Valley proved to be more open-minded and better equipped to understand the business culture, leading to successful business matching activities. The fundamental difference lies in the mindset and openness of people, where Silicon Valley's culture fosters open communication and networking, essential elements for innovation.
“In conclusion, my journey reflects not only the resilience to overcome challenges but also the adaptability to thrive in diverse roles and industries. From my early days at HP Japan to navigating the complexities of Silicon Valley, my experiences have shaped my commitment to innovation, collaboration, and driving success in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business.”
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