Yoshikatsu Yamamura
Board Director
Material Inc.
Japan
Yoshikatsu Yamamura is a serial entrepreneur who has founded and managed multiple companies for more than 20 years, consistently pioneering new markets in Japan's digital media and advertising industry.
In 2009, he co-founded Isobar Japan, the Japanese arm of the world's largest digital creative agency network. Following Dentsu's acquisition of the Aegis Group, he served as the key liaison for post-merger global integration, coordinating across international offices to ensure operational alignment.
At Candee, which he co-founded in 2015, Yamamura built one of Japan's leading mobile live-streaming platforms. He raised JPY 4.25 billion in funding — one of the largest raises in Japan's video marketing sector — and pioneered a "virtual gifting" monetisation model that became foundational to the VTuber economy. In 2023, the company was successfully acquired by Shogakukan, one of Japan's largest publishing conglomerates.
Today, Yamamura channels his extensive entrepreneurial experience into nurturing the next generation of business leaders. His philosophy — "I don't build companies; I build the people who build companies" — defines his approach. He has supported more than 10 executives as mentor and advisor, contributing to measurable industry growth: Material Group achieved a successful IPO under his guidance, and at Arvid Japan, he mentored a first-time CEO to achieve 130% revenue growth.
His mentoring style draws out potential from within rather than providing ready-made answers. Regardless of age or experience gaps, he listens intently and co-creates new directions — a cross-generational approach that has earned him recognition across Japan's digital ecosystem.
To Quote: "Even past the age of 50, he retains the same relentless drive for success, curiosity for challenges, and unconventional leadership. For organizations, partners and clients, he is a dependable turbo engine for the success of the business and project." - Yusuke Akiba, former CEO, Aegis Media Japan and current CEO, Mode Media Japan
