Resources: Playbooks
and Expert Insights
Welcome to the Gradient Consulting Resources page, your access point to my frameworks and insights I use to accelerate revenue growth for AI startups across Japan, Korea, and APAC.
The JAPAC Blueprint
7 Proven Steps for Successful Japan Market Entry & APAC Expansion
Why This Guide is Critical for You
If you are a Founder, CEO, or Head of Sales, you face high-stakes challenges when seeking to grow revenue with limited resources in JAPAC:
You Need Early Adopters, Not Pragmatists: Your product is still evolving, so you need visionaries willing to take risks on an unfinished product, not mainstream buyers who require a fully-developed product and proof of ROI.
The Go-to-Market Confidence Gap: You need confidence that your GTM investments will actually deliver results and avoid wasted time and resources on a non-tailored strategy.
The Talent and Network Scarcity: It is rare to find leaders who possess the full package required for success in Japan: deep local networks, sales ability, technical understanding, and knowledge of business practices.
The Capital Risk Threshold: You must secure initial revenue (we recommend $500K to $1M USD per year) before making major capital investments, such as establishing an entity and hiring full-time employees.
Your Battle-Tested Playbook: The 7 Steps
This guide gives you the immediate, tactical advice and structured methodology you need to accelerate market entry and revenue growth in Japan, Korea, and the larger Asia Pacific region.
The JAPAC Blueprint, when applied correctly, has consistently delivered results, helping AI startups land their first major customers and establish long-term, high-value revenue streams.
Why Listen to Me (Mike Kim)?
I am the founder of Gradient Consulting and a Go-to-Market consultant who helps AI startups break into JAPAC markets. I've run Asia Pacific for startups, sourced and closed major deals, and developed this proven methodology based on decades of experience living and working in the region. When you work with me, you get someone who knows AI, knows startups, and knows how to close deals.
The Survival Guide for Japanese Leaders at US Startups
10 Essential Principles to Thrive in a Fast-Paced, Cross-Cultural Environment
Why This Guide is Critical for You
You're brilliant, but the rules of the game have changed. US startups don't operate on harmony, consensus, or clear swim lanes. If you come from a structured Japanese company, you face immediate challenges:
Ambiguity is Chaos: Things feel chaotic and disorganized, forcing you to struggle to take initiative because you're waiting for clarity and consensus that never comes.
Paralysis by Perfection: Your commitment to quality means you spend too much time aligning and preparing, causing you to be seen as "slow" or "bureaucratic" by HQ, eroding your credibility.
Invisible Value (Humility): Your excellent work is overlooked because your cultural humility is misunderstood. Your contributions risk being forgotten or misattributed.
Your Battle-Tested Playbook: The 10 Principles
This guide, built from a decade of coaching Japanese leaders in US hyper-growth environments, gives you the immediate mindset and behavioral shifts you need.
Why Listen to Me (Mike Kim)? I am a unique, dual-culture veteran who can bridge this gap. I've walked the path you're on, from San Francisco to where I now live in Tokyo.
“When I first met Mike while at Deloitte Consulting in 2010, I was at Palantir and we collaborated for him to lead the first Palantir project at Deloitte which was for the U.S. government. Many years later, I introduced him to the founder of a startup and under Mike’s leadership as the Head of APAC, the Asia Pacific region became the leading region for the company. Mike has dedicated many years to Asia and has developed an approach that is a valuable resource for startups looking to enter and expand in the region.”
Trae Stephens
Founders Fund, Partner