CEO Insights Magazine

CFOs are the architects of financial success, guiding companies through complex mar­ket dynamics and ensuring fiscal stability. Their astute financial acumen and strategic thinking drive growth and optimize performance. Leading financial transformation at GA Technolo­gies (a global proptech company based in Japan) is Yuichi Fujikawa.

Fujikawa began his career at the Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi UFJ, where he worked as a sales repre­sentative in the Tokyo office, focusing on small and medium-sized businesses. After three years in the domestic market, he was transferred to the Lon­don office, where he served blue-chip non-Japanese clients in the EMEA market and played a key role in developing the region's business plan. His ex­pertise extends beyond banking and finance. He has worked in investment banking, covering major trading houses such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui as well as leading automobile OEMs such as Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi Motors. During this time, he gained hands-on experience in cross-border merg­ers and acquisitions and global offerings, handling equity and bond issuances for various companies.

In his pursuit of professional growth, Fujikawa attended University of Michigan's Ross School of Business to study management and leadership, fur­ther enhancing his skill set. Afterward, he was re­sponsible to change the HR system at MUFG and also joined Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division. His motivation stems from his desire to revolutionize the real estate industry by leveraging technology and providing customers with excep­tional experiences. CEO Insights Asia is excited to interview this maven.

How would you define GA Technologies as an organization and its uniqueness.

GA Technologies is a trailblazer in the Japanese real estate industry, revolutionizing the market with its proptech solutions. By merging real estate with cut­ ting-edge technology, the company addresses signif­icant industry challenges head-on. Outdated analog processes, subpar user experiences, and informa­tion asymmetry are prevalent issues in the real es­tate sector. GA Technologies tackles these obstacles by harnessing digitalization to provide transparent, efficient, and customer-centric experiences.

Setting itself apart from competitors, GA tech­nologies offers a comprehensive end-to-end online service. Customers can seamlessly purchase and manage properties entirely through digital chan­nels. The digital journey begins with targeted digital marketing to attract customers, followed by virtual interviews and property viewings. Financing can also be completed digitally, simplifying and expe­diting the transaction process. GA Technologies' streamlined digital contract procedure further en­hances the convenience for customers.

After the property acquisition, customers gain access to the OWNR app, specifically designed for property management. This powerful app, known as ‘OWNR by RENOSY’, empowers property owners by allowing them to efficiently manage income and expenditures within a single platform. The app's simulations feature enables users to analyze in­vestment performance beyond monthly cash flow, projecting yields and earnings. Additionally, OWNR by RENOSY grants users access to vital documents and property information, such as tenant status and rental details.

As the Chief Financial Officer of GA Technologies, how do you plan to apply your extensive professional experience to add significant value to the organization? Additionally, could you share the unique traits of your leadership style?

As the Chief Financial Officer of GA Technologies, my plan is to leverage my extensive professional ex­perience to drive the organization forward. My pri­mary focus is to increase the enterprise value and equity value of the company while ensuring client satisfaction. By prioritizing both financial growth and client-centricity, we can accelerate our progress and continue to create a new market for real estate investment without engaging in direct competition for market share.

My approach to leadership emphasizes change and transformation. I strive to inspire my team members to exceed their own expectations and tap into their full potential. I encourage the exploration of new ideas and embrace change, always seeking innovative approaches that challenge conventional practices. By fostering an environment of continu­ous improvement and adaptability, we can drive growth and stay ahead in the industry. I prioritize attracting and retaining talented professionals who share our vision and passion for transforming the real estate industry. I believe in empowering indi­viduals, providing them with the resources, support, and autonomy they need to excel. By fostering a col­laborative and inclusive environment, we create a strong foundation for success and drive collective achievements.

Share some major milestones of your professional journey so far?

One of the significant challenges faced by Japanese companies and professionals is the need for rapid business growth. This challenge is particularly evi­dent in blue chip and larger legacy companies that may struggle to keep pace with the fast-paced indus­try dynamics. It creates a chicken and egg situation where more leaders with experience in high-growth industries are needed to drive substantial change, continuous growth, and expand market presence. As a committed member of the management team in a leading proptech company, I am driven by the desire to make a significant impact and contribute to the market's growth, allowing Japanese companies to thrive and maintain or increase their global pres­ence.

What is your future roadmap for the next five years?

Looking ahead, I envision accelerated growth in the proptech industry, including GA technologies. With significant investments in technology and innova­tion, we are poised to scale our operations. This will drive profitability, self-growth, and other vital KPIs. As the prop tech industry expands at a faster pace, it will bring about substantial changes in the industry's landscape, positioning us for a successful future.

Yuichi Fujikawa, CFO, GA Technologies

Fujikawa’s forward-thinking mindset and extensive experience in finance, investment banking, and leadership development have equipped him with a unique perspective on industry trends. His belief in the transformative power of technology and his passion for driving growth have propelled him to seek talented individuals from financial backgrounds to join the industrial space.