Current Role | Founder & CEO, Wantedly Inc. |
Previous Position | Analyst, Goldman Sachs |
Key Recognition | Forbes Japan "Most Influential Women in Tech" | Nikkei Woman of the Year |
Background and Early Foundations
Akiko Naka’s journey from the trading floor of Goldman Sachs to the digital frontlines of Japan’s tech scene reflects a generation seeking meaning through innovation. With a background in economics from Kyoto University and early exposure to the rigidity of Japan’s corporate culture, she saw a critical gap in the way young professionals sought purpose.
In 2010, after a stint at Facebook Japan, she left to create her own startup. By 2012, she had launched Wantedly — a mission-driven job platform designed to connect professionals with companies based on values and culture, not just salary and title.
Today, Akiko Naka stands as one of Japan’s most prominent female tech founders, shaping how the country’s youth view work and identity.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2012 | Launched Wantedly as a culture-first job-matching platform |
2016 | Reached 1 million users in Japan, expanded into Singapore and Hong Kong |
2017 | Took Wantedly public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers section |
2021 | Introduced “Wantedly Visit” — a feature enabling culture-based interviews |
2024 | Launched AI-powered candidate–company personality matching engine |
- Monthly Active Users (2025): 3.5 million+
- B2B Clients: 40,000+ companies, mostly tech/startups and SMEs
- Regional Expansion: Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong
- Product Differentiator: Mission-driven matching, visual storytelling over résumés
Leadership Style and Influence
Naka leads with product intuition, emotional intelligence, and founder transparency:
- Advocates for workplace authenticity and creative hiring processes
- Publicly shares her ups and downs as a solo female founder in Japan’s male-dominated tech industry
- Encourages internationals and women in tech to challenge traditional norms
She has also been featured in startup documentaries and founder circles across Asia, inspiring cultural shifts around career values.
Legacy and Future Focus
Akiko’s legacy lies in shaping Japan’s modern hiring psychology:
- Introduced the notion of “interviewing the company” as much as being interviewed
- Made mission and culture central to startup recruitment
- Created one of the few tech IPO success stories led by a solo female founder
Looking ahead, she is:
- Expanding Wantedly’s AI-matching engine for soft skill-based hiring
- Building tools for employer branding and gen Z work psychology analytics
- Launching a founder-support fund for female-led startups in Japan
