From transforming recruitment in Japan to joining the New York Yankees, a journey of innovation and ambition
Few entrepreneurs embody the confluence of technological innovation, business acumen, and cultural adaptability like Soichiro “Swimmy” Minami. With achievements spanning human resources technology and professional sports, Minami has forged a career that seamlessly bridges industries while addressing critical societal challenges.
Born in Japan, Minami’s early life was shaped by global experiences. At the age of six, he moved to Toronto, Canada, where he developed an appreciation for diverse cultures and ideas. Returning to Japan and later studying at Tufts University in the United States, Minami earned a double major in economics and international relations, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial vision.
Minami began his professional journey at Morgan Stanley in Tokyo, where he worked in M&A advisory, gaining valuable insights into corporate strategy.
— In 2004, he became a founding member of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, a professional baseball team in Japan.
This pivotal experience, under the mentorship of Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, reinforced his belief that business should drive positive societal change.
In 2009, Minami launched BizReach, a groundbreaking career networking platform that reshaped Japan’s recruitment industry.
— Often compared to LinkedIn, BizReach connects mid-to senior-level professionals with employers, tackling inefficiencies in traditional recruitment.
Minami transformed Japan’s recruitment industry with BizReach, often dubbed the ‘LinkedIn of Japan
In 2020, Minami transitioned BizReach into Visional, Inc., a holding company that oversees a suite of human resources solutions, including HRMOS, a cloud-based platform integrating recruitment, talent management, and analytics.
— By leveraging data-driven insights, Visional addresses critical issues like Japan’s aging workforce and declining birthrate.
Visional’s 2021 debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange marked a major milestone, with the company achieving a valuation of $2.5 billion. This accomplishment not only elevated Minami to billionaire status but also underscored his influence in Japan’s HR technology landscape.
In April 2023, Minami’s love for baseball came full circle when he became a limited partner of the New York Yankees.
— Inspired by his childhood admiration for the team and its legendary figures, he sees this venture as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of professional sports management and broaden his impact in the industry.
Minami’s contributions have garnered international recognition, including his selection as Japan’s representative for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2024. His leadership prioritizes equity, innovation, and the reduction of unconscious biases in workforce management.
He became a limited partner of the New York Yankees, blending business acumen with a lifelong passion for baseball
Soichiro Minami’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and global thinking. From transforming Japan’s recruitment industry to engaging with one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises, he continues to redefine what it means to be a modern entrepreneur. With a steadfast commitment to societal betterment, Minami inspires a new generation of leaders poised to leave their mark on the world.