Mikito Ishida and Takahiro Iijima acted as legal counsel for the founding of Zebras and Company Inc. (“Z&C”), a company that enables an increase in, and supports the growth of, “Zebra companies” that seek to resolve social issues and also achieve sustainable management.

“Zebra” is a concept that originated in the west coast of the United States in 2016 as a reaction to the over-expectations attached to “unicorn startups.” Three founders of Z&C have operated Tokyo Zebras Unite since 2019 as the Tokyo chapter of Zebras Unite, an organization that promotes the “Zebra” concept, and they have promoted public awareness and spread the idea of “Zebra companies” in Japan.

With Z&C raising approximately 100 million yen in funds and commencing full-scale business, MHM provided legal advice for the foundation of the company, including with respect to a fund-raising scheme. By establishing the new company, Z&C will seek not only to promote public awareness but also to execute “Zebra-style management” as an actual business in society, balancing the resolution of social issues with sustainable management. MHM will also continue to provide support for various means used to resolve social issues.