When it comes to startups, many young founders dream of getting into Y Combinator (YC), raising funding in San Francisco, and scaling globally. But what happens after that?

This week, we sat down with Jasper Jia, a designer turned founder who has lived in Melbourne, London, San Francisco, and now Tokyo -- to talk about his journey from corporate life to YC startup, and now, to becoming an indie hacker.

We spoke about why building isn't the hardest part anymore, why distribution matters most, and how choosing a personal path over a "VC path" can be a powerful decision.

🎙️ Innovator Stories

Welcome to Innovator Stories, a weekly podcast from Tokyo exploring the people and ideas shaping the future of innovation.

Hosted by a serial entrepreneur based in Tokyo, each episode features candid conversations with startup founders, accelerator leaders, ecosystem organizers, venture capital investors, designers, developers, and students who are redefining what it means to create and build.

From early-stage struggles to breakthrough moments, we uncover the lessons, insights, and inspirations behind every entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a startup founder, a creative professional, or simply curious about innovation in Japan and beyond, you’ll find stories that spark new ideas and connect you to a global community of changemakers.

🎥 Follow our YouTube channel for extended interviews and behind-the-scenes content.