Ren Ito — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Co-Founder and COO of Sakana AI, Japan’s fastest unicorn, backed by Nvidia.
Previously served as CEO of Mercari Europe, Japan's first unicorn.
Spent 15 years as a Japanese diplomat, working on the security alliance with the US, negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU, and representing Japan at the World Bank board.
Senior Fellow at NYU Law School.
Youngest member of the Trilateral Commission.

Biography

Ren Ito is the Co-Founder and COO of Sakana AI, a company recognized as Japan’s fastest unicorn after one year in business. Sakana AI is backed by Nvidia and a broad spectrum of Japanese enterprises.

Before co-founding Sakana AI, Ito served as CEO of Mercari Europe, which was Japan's first unicorn. His leadership experience spans both cutting-edge technology startups and established diplomatic service.

Prior to his career in technology, Ito dedicated 15 years as a Japanese diplomat.