| Representative |
Rei Okajima
After graduating from Sophia University's Faculty of Economics in 2016, joined Johnson & Johnson. Gained experience in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, and business partnering. Assigned to Singapore as part of the Global Leadership Program, engaged in IR reporting and post-acquisition integration. Joined Unilever Japan in 2020, responsible for brand finance for Lux, Dove, and other brands, as well as new brand launches. In 2022, became the world's youngest CFO of cosmetics subsidiary Lafra Japan, driving business restructuring and investment strategy renewal. Assumed COO duties in June 2023, achieving 1.5x sales growth and a 30% improvement in operating profit margin through manufacturing in-sourcing and organizational reform. Founded Transstep in July 2024, motivated by challenges in subsidy utilization and a passion for SME growth, assuming the role of President and CEO, a position held to this day. |
| Main Achievements |
Founded in July 2024
Joined the ICT Startup League in July 2025
Launched the beta version of the DX solution “Toretel” in July 2025 |
| Childhood Dream |
As a child, I was driven more by a strong curiosity about many things than by any specific dream. By high school, I had multiple aspirations—astronaut, veterinarian, archaeologist—and to achieve them all, I resolved to become an entrepreneur who could make a significant impact on society and create systems. |
| Influential People, Things, and Events |
People: “My middle school mentor, Mr. Tsugane,” “my family,” “co-founder Shota Oda”
Things: “Biographies of great figures,” “anime, manga, movies,” “board games”
Events: “Mr. Tsugane's death,” “the Great East Japan Earthquake,” “my experience in Singapore,” “my management experience at Lafra Japan” |
| Motivation, Goals, and Ideal World |
My formative experience that inspired me to become an entrepreneur was the Great East Japan Earthquake I experienced during my second year of high school. Witnessing students preparing for entrance exams in the disaster-stricken areas striving for their future despite immense loss made me deeply question my own way of life in my privileged environment. Driven by a desire to create significant value for society, I aspired to become a business leader. While gaining practical experience, I discovered a specific challenge: the information asymmetry within the subsidy market. This insight came through my management experience at Lafra Japan and consulting work on the side. This became the direct catalyst for founding Transstep Inc. to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
My current goal is to grow Transstep Inc.'s current business into infrastructure that supports societal growth and challenges, thereby revitalizing Japanese society and its economy.
The world I want to create is “a society where children and future generations can live happier lives, where each person's potential is maximized, and where smiles and happiness abound.” My mission is to contribute to solving social issues and boosting Japan's economy, thereby building a future where children can hold onto hope. |
