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Raphael Hodé
I help startups design at the level of their ambitions | Co-Founder and CEO @nowthen
Japan
Startup Mentor at Founder Institute
Skills
Design Product Design Web Design +3
Languages
Anglais Français Japonais
Startup Mentor
Founder Institute
CEO & Design Director
nowthen
+No
Partnership Programs :
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Target Location :
Target Locations
About Me
Raphael Hodé is a product designer and creative entrepreneur who helps ambitious startups craft design-led products and experiences. As the Co-Founder and CEO of nowthen, a Tokyo-based design studio, he blends strategy and design to help founders bring clarity to their vision and shape products that resonate. With a background in creative direction, UI/UX, and startup collaboration, Raphael thrives at the intersection of aesthetics, functionality, and business.
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Highlights & Achievements
- Co-Founder and CEO of nowthen, a design studio helping startups design at the level of their ambition
- Led product design for multiple early-stage startups across Japan, Europe, and the U.S.
- Expert in translating complex ideas into intuitive digital products
- Frequent collaborator with venture-backed teams, helping align design with growth and investor expectations
- Experience working across sectors including SaaS, consumer apps, fintech, and healthtech
- Startup mentor at Founder Insitute where I actively advising early-stage startups on scaling, fundraising, and go-to-market strategies
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Why You Should Collaborate with Me
- Founder-Focused Product Design – Helping early-stage founders turn visions into well-designed MVPs
- Design-Led Brand Positioning – Aligning visual identity and user experience to elevate startup positioning
- Cross-Border Design Insight – Merging Western design practices with Japanese startup ecosystems
- Scalable UX Strategy – Building systems and interfaces that scale with your product
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Blogs
Skills
Design Product Design Web Design Product Development Founder Institute Feature Mentor Startup Mentor
Languages
Anglais Français Japonais
Similar People
Co-Design Your Startup’s First Product
Open to partnering with early-stage founders to design intuitive, elegant MVPs and V1 products that reflect their unique vision and ambition.
Collaborate on Brand Identity for Fundraising & Launch
Looking to team up with startups to craft a standout visual identity that supports go-to-market and investor pitches.
Partner on UX Redesigns to Boost Product Engagement
Available to collaborate with growth-stage startups on overhauling UX/UI for better engagement, retention, and product-market fit.
Startup Mentorship & Advisory
Mentoring startups on refining business models, securing investment, and scaling efficiently, particularly in cross-border markets. My background in venture capital and business development enables me to offer hands-on advice to guide companies from seed stage to growth.
Marketing & Event Collaborations
Collaborating on events, webinars, and speaking engagements that highlight entrepreneurship, global business strategies, and social impact. These events aim to increase awareness and engagement on critical business issues in the global economy.
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