Virtual Office client at YANMAR TOKYO
OrganTech, Inc. is a venture company focusing on the research and development of regenerative medicine, a type of technology that regenerates human organs. Mr. Takashi Kondo, the president, was a rugby player from middle school to entering the workforce, and studied sports medicine at university. After graduation, he worked in trading, strategic consulting, and buyout funds before becoming the representative director of OrganTech in January 2023. We asked him what organ regeneration technology is, his vision for the future of the company, and why he chose to work in a shared office.
“We are a company that researches technology to regenerate human organs from stem cells, and we aim to implement this technology in society.”
We are a company that researches technology to regenerate human organs from stem cells, and we aim to implement this technology in society. We currently have six employees including myself. The other five are researchers at RIKEN in Kobe, and I manage the business and finance side in Tokyo.
Yes, it is the world’s first technology that can regenerate human organs other than the brain, and was discovered by our researcher Takashi Tsuji in 2007. To put it simply, we are talking about a level that can almost create cyborgs. I know it sounds like something out of science fiction, but it really is (laughs). Organ regeneration is costly and difficult to market, so even Harvard and Stanford have given up on this area. We have come one step closer to implementation by conducting parallel research on cost innovation. This year, we finally plan to conduct clinical trials for hair regenerative medicine and next-generation implants.
"In terms of hair regeneration, we are closer to a future in which people who suffer from thinning hair and alopecia no longer have to worry about it.”
Yes, we are. In terms of hair regeneration, we are closer to a future in which people who suffer from thinning hair and alopecia no longer have to worry about it.
There are 12 million people in Japan suffering from male pattern baldness alone. Using organ regeneration technology to harvest and regenerate stem cells from the individual's own hair follicles, the normal hair cycle can be restored and 200 hairs can be increased to 20,000 hairs. There are 200 million people in China suffering from thinning hair and alopecia, which is sufficient as a market volume.
Conventional implants are placed directly into the bone, which places a load on the bone. Also, teeth normally move with the jaw as it shrinks with age, but this is not possible with conventional implants because they have no biological function. There is also the risk of bacteria causing bone dissolution, periodontal disease, and bone distortion, which can cause chronic pain.
Next-generation implants, on the other hand, can reproduce periodontal tissue through organ regeneration, allowing the teeth to move in accordance with the growth and contraction of the jawbone to achieve a natural intercuspidal fit position. In other words, next-generation implants can provide implants with the capabilities of human teeth. We expect to be able to offer this at the same price as conventional products.
We will start with hair regeneration and next-generation implants, but we believe that organ regeneration technology is highly versatile. For example, we already have the technology to regenerate artificial skin. Since sebaceous glands and bacteria also exist, they can be used for tests to determine drug efficacy and toxicity, which are necessary for the development of new drugs. It will be the basis for supporting the development technologies of pharmaceutical companies, and it is not impossible to achieve my personal desire for a world in which animal testing is no longer necessary.
In addition, if regenerative medicine that can replace organs as they are is discovered, more people with terminal cancer or intractable diseases can be saved. If we can extend healthy life expectancy, we can contribute to the reduction of national medical costs.
We are currently receiving business partnership offers from pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies around the world, and if the productivity of organ regeneration technology improves, we can reduce costs. We hope that the technology will be widely used to improve everyone's quality of life.
"The aura of the secretaries was also a deciding factor. They are friendly, yet very professional and also provide generous support.”
A venture company starts from scratch with nothing, so we cannot afford any luxuries (laughs). There is also the company's policy of keeping fixed costs down and spending more on research and development. Another major reason was that I am the only one based in Tokyo, so there was no need to set up a typical office.
I would say the accessibility from Tokyo Station. Even if a researcher comes from Kobe, if the office is close to Tokyo Station, transportation is very convenient. I remember specifically searching online for "Shared Office Tokyo Station.”
The other factor was how I felt when I visited. The atmosphere of the working environment is important to me, and I used my intuition to decide if it's a good fit. I toured several shared offices in Tokyo, but the best match for me was Servcorp.
Yes, it was. The location, just one minute from Tokyo Station, was the first advantage, and the view from the large glass window in the lobby was fantastic. The aura of the secretaries was also a deciding factor. They are friendly, yet very professional and also provide generous support.
So far, I have not had any inconveniences at all, and I enjoy working in this pleasant environment. I recommended to a friend of mine, and he immediately signed a contract as well (laughs).
"We are going to be expanding globally, so it is reassuring to have 150 locations around the world.”
There was a month when our fundraising discussions and business collaborations progressed faster than expected and the number of visitors increased all at once. When the private rooms and meeting room options overlapped, our secretary suggested that we change our contract.
With the Premium Virtual Office package, I get four private room usage per month. This option keeps the price lower. It is really helpful to receive suggestions that are tailored to my usage situation because I don't have time to look back at usage fees when I am busy on a daily basis.
The fact that we have access to locations all over the world. We are going to be expanding globally, so it is reassuring to have 150 locations around the world. When I travel to New York in May, it will be less stressful knowing that I will be working in a familiar environment.
Servcorp's advantage is that all of their secretaries are bilingual. When we sent out press releases to the world, they helped us by translating them into English. If you are looking for an office for your overseas venture, I think Servcorp is a great option. I would recommend the YANMAR TOKYO location in particular with confidence.
Thank you very much.
(Take a look at Servcorp’s 150 locations worldwide)
"Servcorp's advantage is that all of their secretaries are bilingual. When we sent out press releases to the world, they helped us by translating them into English. ”
YANMAR TOKYO is a one-minute walk from the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station. The location is directly connected to the station through underground pathway so you don’t have to worry about being affected by weather, and it is accessible by 14 train lines including JR, subways, Narita Express, and bullet trains.
Servcorp offers four types of office services to suit your needs: Serviced Offices, Coworking Spaces, Virtual Offices, and Meeting Rooms. These services are offered at the YANMAR TOKYO location at a lower price than some of the other locations in the area.
There are 30 prime locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Yokohama, and over 150 locations worldwide. If you are interested in using Servcorp’s services, please feel free to contact us.
“No matter what location you go to they are always kept in pristine condition and it’s easy to use and focus on your work.”
“An office is not all about location and rent. Productivity from employees and customer satisfaction are invaluable by-products if you get your choice right.”
“Servcorp provides great value and a lot of advantages for fast-paced companies which want to concentrate on their core business.”
