We interviewed Takeshi Anzai, founder and CEO of Biodata Bank, a Japanese startup founded in 2018.
1.- What is the mission of Biodata Bank, and what do you do? With climate change driving global temperatures higher, heatstroke has become an increasingly serious threat, especially for people working in high-risk environments. Therefore, our mission is to protect workers by offering an innovative, non-invasive solution for heatstroke prevention.
2.- What is Biodata Bank’s flagship product, and why is it so successful? Our flagship product is CANARIA+. It is a cutting-edge device that continuously monitors deep body temperature changes through our patented heat flow sensor. This device alerts users with vibrations, sounds, and lights when their body temperature reaches critical levels, allowing them to take timely action to avoid heatstroke.
3.- What objectives are you pursuing with your expansion strategy? Spain is currently our second most important market after Japan. This growth has been driven in part by the 2023 update of Royal Decree 486/1997, which reinforced the importance of protecting employees from occupational risks, especially those related to high temperatures. Given that summers in Spain often reach temperatures close to 40°C, which continue to rise each year, along with legislative changes to protect workers exposed to such conditions, our goal is to continue expanding. We want to protect more employees, both from our current clients and from new ones who join this mission.
4.- Why did you choose the Community of Madrid as one of your key points? Although we have been present in the Spanish market for four years, we are excited to announce the opening of our official office in Madrid this January 2025.
We chose Madrid not only because it is the capital of Spain but also because it stands out as one of the main centers of innovation and startups in Europe.
The city offers a dynamic ecosystem of visionary companies and a collaborative environment that perfectly aligns with our growth aspirations in Spain.
Additionally, since CANARIA+ has already been adopted by the police and fire departments in Catalonia, our goal is to expand its implementation in Madrid. For example, the Mossos d’Esquadra of Catalonia will implement 2,500 units of our device by the summer of 2025, and the fire department of Catalonia has been using them for the past two years.
5.- What are your expectations with your arrival in our region? Madrid is home to many Spanish companies with both local and international operations. Therefore, we expect that through Invest in Madrid, we will be able to connect with representatives from companies that align with the objectives and sectors in which Biodata Bank seeks to expand, particularly through the meetings and events usually organized by Invest in Madrid. We also trust that Invest in Madrid will provide us access to key organizations or support us directly in events and exhibitions related to our goals. Furthermore, we would like to be introduced to the Madrid City Council so they can learn about our product, as well as to the Special Security Brigades of the Community of Madrid. Our expectation is to strengthen our position in the Spanish market and establish strategic partnerships that will allow us to protect more workers and advance in our mission.
6.- How has your collaboration with Invest in Madrid been, and how has it helped you? So far, Invest in Madrid has honored us with their support by inviting us to pitch at the South Summit Spain 2024 event. They have also dedicated time to visit our offices in Tokyo and meet with the president of Biodata Bank, which has allowed us to align plans and expectations for the future.
7.- How many jobs do you expect to create in Madrid in the short and medium term, and what kind of profiles do you need? Currently, we do not plan to generate new jobs in Spain in the short term. At this stage, we have entrusted Jaime De Andrés with leading the market development in Spain, and we are confident that he will enable us to manage our operations effectively. That said, we are open to evaluating our needs as we progress and grow in the Spanish market. If the need to expand the team arises in the future, we will consider it based on the evolution of our business.
8.- What would you recommend to other foreign investors who are considering opening their business in Madrid? Madrid is a city with a vibrant business ecosystem, ideal for companies looking to expand in Europe. Its strategic location, combined with a collaborative environment and a highly skilled workforce, makes it easier to develop businesses in diverse sectors. Furthermore, having the support of organizations like Invest in Madrid can make a significant difference, as they offer valuable resources, key connections, and visibility at relevant events. Taking advantage of these opportunities and being part of Madrid’s business network can be crucial for achieving success in the region.