Unlocking Global Talent Markets: Insights from Tech GALA 2025
We’re excited to share that our CEO and co-founder, Casey Abel, recently took part as a speaker at the inaugural Tech GALA Japan 2025, held in Nagoya (Aichi prefecture), Japan, from February 4 to 6.
Aichi Prefecture's Commitment to Innovation: Casey highlighted the remarkable transformation underway in Aichi as it positions itself as a hub for deep tech innovation. Aichi stands out as the vibrant heart of Japan's manufacturing industry, proudly hosting the headquarters of global giants like Toyota and Denso. Leveraging its extensive manufacturing footprint, the region is fully invested in attracting startups that can deliver cutting-edge solutions. This commitment represents a significant opportunity for both startups and manufacturers looking to collaborate on technological advancements. This landmark event gathered over 5,000 leaders, startups, and technologists from around the globe, exploring key themes such as mobility, sustainability, life sciences, and advanced technologies.
Casey joined an esteemed panel alongside Hitomi Masuo, HR Strategic Partner from Stage AI, and Kenta Takada, CEO of PLUS IMPACT Pte. Ltd. The panel titled "Building teams that thrive on a global stage: Recruiting and managing global teams for success" sparked dynamic discussions crucial to today's business landscape.
Partnerships between Startups and Manufacturers: One of the most encouraging trends Casey observed was the growing willingness among traditional manufacturers to explore partnerships with startups. During his interactions with various companies, he noted an unprecedented optimism about these collaborations— a clear sign that the gap between established industries and innovative startups is narrowing.
The Talent Challenge: Despite these positive developments, organizations continue to face challenges in talent acquisition. Manufacturers expressed a pressing need for talent in open innovation, engineering, and strategic business development. However, the evolving expectations of job roles are proving difficult for many to manage. On the other hand, Casey pointed out that while startups can attract talent with their compelling mission and vision, they still face hurdles in building globally competent teams. The lack of precedents for success in this area in Japan poses a risk to their growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
Building for the Future: In a rapidly changing business environment, the insights shared by Casey at Tech GALA 2025 underline the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptive talent strategies.
As we continue to foster partnerships between startups and manufacturers, we are confident that the future holds endless possibilities for those willing to embrace change and think globally. We look forward to leveraging these insights as we continue our mission at Zookeep—to help companies optimize their workforce for global competitiveness. Together, we can pave the way for a more innovative and collaborative future!
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Casey and the Zookeep team.
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ZooKeep provides end-to-end talent solutions that drive competitiveness in talent teams through its approach encompassing "People, Process, and Technology." Combining deep expertise in strategic HR, talent management, and hiring with our industry-leading ATS/CRM hiring platform, we help companies navigate organizational transformation, optimize talent operations, and secure the talent they need to succeed.
