about us
Bridging Innovation
and Tradition
By integrating modern technological advancements with traditional rural values, Inaka Labs seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem where rural communities can thrive alongside cutting-edge startups and businesses. Our initiatives focus on infrastructure development, community engagement, and creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan’s countryside.
Inaka Labs stands at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and rural revitalization. Founded under the auspices of the Future Economic Rural Network (FERN), our mission is to harness the untapped potential of Japan’s rural areas. We aim to transform these locales into vibrant startup hubs, leveraging local resources and talents to foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
About the Future Economic Rural Network (FERN)
Pioneering Rural Economic Development
The Future Economic Rural Network (FERN) is a UK-based organization with a mission to promote economic diversity and sustainability in rural areas worldwide. FERN collaborates with local and international partners to develop programs and initiatives that support rural innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
FERN believes in the power of rural areas to contribute significantly to national and global economies, provided they have access to the necessary resources, infrastructure, and support systems. Through projects like Inaka Labs, FERN aims to showcase the potential of rural regions as hubs for innovation and growth.
Our Team
Daniel Rad
Director FERN (UK)
With extensive experience in rural economic development, Daniel brings strategic vision and leadership to the Inaka Labs initiative.
Dwayne Grech
Director FERN (Japan)
Dwayne’s deep understanding of Japan’s rural challenges and opportunities ensures the successful localization and implementation of FERN’s initiatives.
Adelle Nazarian
Adelle Nazarian is a US-based journalist, fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, India, and senior media fellow at the Gold Institute for International Strategy in Washington, D.C.
Anne Seubert
Innovator Anne Seubert is member of the FERN advisory board and a sought-after keynote speaker, entrepreneur and facilitator when it comes to destination making.
Dr Veronika Rasic
Dr Veronika Rasic is a general practitioner and founder of Rural Health Compass, a social enterprise dedicated to improving rural health equity & policy for rural communities in Europe.
Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford, Co-founder 9others, author and VC investor: Co-founded 9others, a global entrepreneurs’ network, est in 2011 and now 5,000+ entrepreneurs in 45+ cities around the world. Also a venture capital investor in 24 startups.
Mike Drouin
Mike Drouin is an SEO and e-commerce specialist and heads up FERN’s Canadian activities.
James Nute
James Nute is a blockchain anc cryptocurrency specialist who brings his expertise to FERN’s carbon sequestration programme which is vital to reviving the economic development in rural environments
Jon Basker
Jon Basker runs a successful digital agency and has over 10 years experience in the digital sector. Jon brings his expertise to FERN and Inaka Lab’s digital footprints.
Ted Smith
Ted Smith has been working in Asian media and sports marketing since 2011. He has been an active member of the Osaka startup ecosystem since 2019. In 2023 he co-founded a real estate analytics startup, De Bullion Corporation . De Bullion is currently exploring uses of AI for rural revitalization in Japan.
Ed Sarausad
Ed Sarausad is a cross-border tech and real estate investor passionate about impact investing, developing entrepreneurs, and solving loneliness through rural revitalization Ed leverages his cross-border tech and real estate experience to fuel impact investments, uplift entrepreneurs, and reimagine rural revitalization as a solution to loneliness and a pathway to thriving communities.
Our Partners and Collaborators
Building Strong Networks for Sustainable Growth
Inaka Labs and FERN are proud to collaborate with a diverse network of partners and collaborators, including governmental bodies, private sector entities, educational institutions, and community organizations. Together, we are working towards creating a conducive environment for rural startups by providing access to high-speed internet, modern co-working spaces, mentorship programs, and more.
Specializing in sustainable technology investments, Blue Sphere Ventures is a potential partner dedicated to supporting eco-friendly startups.
A media and communications firm that could play a crucial role in raising awareness and attracting investment for rural startup hubs.
Our collaborative efforts are crucial to the success of our initiatives, providing the foundation for a thriving ecosystem of rural innovation and entrepreneurship.
