A reasoned shortlist
Relevant organisations and named roles where they can be verified, with the evidence behind the selection.
Richard Mort · Japan–Europe
Who is worth approaching, and why?
A list of company names is easy to obtain. Deciding which ones make sense for your business takes more work. I research the companies, their people and the context behind a possible approach.
Begin with the decision
Are you looking for a distributor, a development partner, a potential customer or a route into an unfamiliar sector? I start by understanding that distinction, then investigate the evidence that would make a candidate worth your time.
I work across English, Japanese, German and French sources. A Japanese interview, a product announcement or a local company record can change the picture you get from the English homepage.
What comes back
An approach with context
The reason to contact each priority company, the questions to ask and a useful way to explain your offer.
The next piece of work
Written preparation, agreed outreach or help with a conversation, when the brief includes it.
I have helped conversations become business
My work has included helping a French chamber of commerce bring startup delegations to Japan and arrange opportunities to pitch to SoftBank. I have also helped Japanese company presidents meet providers in Cologne and go on to contract with them.
Good research gives you a reason to approach someone. From there, somebody still has to explain the fit, answer their questions and follow the conversation through.
A focused research brief from €750
A first assignment might investigate one market question or assess a small group of potential partners. You receive a source-linked written brief and a discussion of the findings.
Before you book, I specify what I will investigate, the depth of the work and the delivery date. Company approaches or meeting support are included where we agree them.
Scope and costs before you book
Before paid work starts, I'll put the scope in writing: what you'll receive, the language, deadline, fee and who will do each part. The quote identifies any travel, event admission and partner costs, along with any applicable taxes. I start the agreed work once we've settled the brief and you've paid the 50% advance. We'll agree any additional work separately. Prices are in euros.
Scope and costs before you book
Before paid work starts, you receive a written scope covering the deliverables, language, timing, fee and who is responsible for each part. Travel, event admission and partner costs are identified in the quote. Substantive work begins once the brief is agreed and the 50% advance has been paid. Additional work is agreed separately. Prices are in euros; the quote states the final fee and any applicable taxes before you book.