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As privacy protection gains global attention, Acompany aims to create a world free from privacy risks through secure computation technology. We interviewed founder Ryosuke Takahashi about his vision for ideal data security and future global trends.
Could you tell us about your journey to founding the company?
I was born in 1993 and grew up in Aichi Prefecture. I studied Physics Engineering at Nagoya University, where I began working as a freelance engineer during my studies. Actually, I had dreamed of becoming a CEO ever since kindergarten, though it was a vague childhood dream, similar to wanting to become a professional baseball player. My other passions during university, including hitchhiking and camping, all of these activities are what led me into choosing entrepreneurship as a way forward to pursue my aspirations.
Could you explain your business model?
As a company supporting comprehensive 'Privacy DX' related to personal data usage, we offer two main solutions. First is our product package 'AutoPrivacy,' and second is our consulting service that supports Privacy DX implementation. 'AutoPrivacy' includes a Data Clean Room (DCR) for secure inter-company data collaboration and analysis, compliant with Japanese privacy regulations, and 'AutoPrivacy Governance' specializes in building privacy governance structures.
Our Privacy DX consulting service provides comprehensive support for various challenges related to personal data utilization and new technologies like LLMs, including strategy development, legal framework analysis, and Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) implementation.
What drew you to secure computation technology?
Initially, we were developing blockchain-based solutions, focusing on supply chain data collaboration, leveraging Aichi Prefecture's strong manufacturing bases. However, we discovered that the automotive industry already had established supply chain structures with limited room for new technology adoption.
Meanwhile, we frequently heard about challenges in sharing data during inter-company collaborations. This led us to secure computation technology, which enables calculations while data remains encrypted. At the time only about 10 companies worldwide were working on practical applications in this field. Compared to over 100,000 blockchain-related companies in China alone, we saw a significant opportunity to enter.
What are the common challenges in privacy protection?
Current privacy protection places a significant burden on users. For instance, it's unrealistic to expect users to read and understand all service terms and conditions and judge how their data will be used. Nevertheless, companies often justify data usage through formal logic of 'user consent.'
The ‘Rec-Navi’ incident* is a typical example. Using estimated job offer decline rates in ways that could influence hiring decisions shows a lack of consideration for individual rights and interests. While technically possible, drawing the line for privacy violations is extremely challenging. As privacy regulations strengthen globally, companies urgently need to address governance issues.
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Could you specifically explain how your technology compares to existing privacy protection solutions?
Traditional data protection offered two choices: either encrypt data for storage or anonymize it for use. However, encrypted data couldn't be processed, and anonymization reduced information value. Our secure computation technology fundamentally solves this dilemma.
For example, in financial institutions' credit assessments, traditionally limited by inability to share customer data between institutions, our technology enables analysis of integrated data from multiple financial institutions while maintaining encryption, potentially leading to more accurate assessments.
We're also making progress in healthcare. Our technology is being used in medical AI development, utilizing data from multiple university hospitals, including Nagoya University Hospital, Tohoku University Hospital, and Hokkaido University Hospital. While traditional methods required dedicated lines or physical transport for inter-hospital data sharing, secure computation enables safe integration and analysis of encrypted data.
This has dramatically improved efficiency - for instance, data integration for rare disease research that previously took six months can now be completed within days, while maintaining data anonymization and value.
Do you have any memorable moments from developing the business?
In early business negotiations with larger companies, many were skeptical about whether such technology could actually exist. However, after seeing demonstrations, we increasingly heard positive comments like 'this is revolutionary.' Recently, with the rise of privacy awareness, we are seeing strong interest from many executive company managers.
It's also gratifying to hear when our technical team members receive international recognition for their research papers, often hearing comments like ‘Japanese technology still has much more to offer’.
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Could you tell us about your team's unique features, despite being in such a specialized field?
We have one of Japan's top technical teams. For instance, Takenouchi, who leads our lobbying team, serves on the Digital Agency's Security Working Group alongside members from major corporations like NTT, Hitachi, and NEC.
On the technical implementation side, we've assembled specialists like Sakurai, an IPA Mitou Super Creator, and Momose, a young top researcher in secure computation from the University of Illinois. Momose has published papers at top secure computation conferences for four consecutive years and served as a reviewer in 2024. With about 60 highly specialized members like these, we've built a globally competitive team.
Global Expansion
What are your thoughts on global expansion?
While we currently only focus on Japanese companies, privacy protection needs are universal. Particularly with strict regulations like the EU's GDPR. Inquiries about our technology are increasing.
However, global expansion requires addressing region-specific regulations and business practices. Therefore, we're taking a phased approach, building domestic track records before expanding overseas. We're already technologically competitive globally; now we're focusing on accumulating implementation expertise.
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What are the benefits of being headquartered in Nagoya?
It's an excellent location for R&D. With multiple universities and Toyota-affiliated research institutes, we have access to abundant research talent. Both Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City have seriously committed to startup support in recent years, providing various opportunities and assistance.
We've particularly accumulated expertise in securing large-scale subsidies, knowledge that is harder to obtain in Tokyo. While costs like office rent are lower than in Tokyo, good accessibility makes it relatively easy to collaborate with Tokyo-based clients. The natural environment is also appealing, with easy access to Gifu, Nagano, and Shizuoka within about an hour.
Could you share your vision for the future?
It's predicted that 15% of all cloud computing will utilize secure computation in the future. Just as network communication encryption has already become standard, encrypted cloud processing will soon become the norm. Already, Apple's latest iPhones use secure computation technology for AI processing, making privacy protection a key differentiator.
We aim to create a world where privacy is protected automatically without user awareness. To draw an analogy, current privacy protection is like manual driving, but we want to provide a system that technically guarantees protection, like autonomous driving. This will enable companies to utilize data more safely while freeing users from privacy risks.
Finally, do you have any message for those considering starting a business?
Nagoya is an excellent choice, especially for deep tech startups. Deep tech expertise is accumulating here, and administrative support is substantial. Knowledge about securing large-scale subsidies and other insights that are usually harder to come by in Tokyo without access to specific communities are already available here.
Personally, I've always had a vague desire to become a business owner since childhood and through my various university experiences, I chose entrepreneurship to pursue my goals. Don't fear from stepping away from the conventional path – there's always value in taking on challenges.
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Editor's Note
Takahashi envisions a world where security and privacy are protected without relying on terms of service agreements. The data protection scheme developed in Japan could serve as a role model for other countries seeking to balance privacy protection with data utilization. It won't be long before Acompany's technology resonates in the global market, not just Japan.
Acompany Co., Ltd.
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