Hi, I’m Mike Kim — founder of Gradient Consulting

My Mission

My mission is to help AI Startup Founders, CEOs, CROs, and Heads of Sales accelerate revenue and win customers quickly, setting the foundation for lasting success in Japan, Korea, and the Asia Pacific region. At my core, I thrive on being a trusted advisor to my clients and building meaningful relationships between companies that last. I am a consultant and advisor full-time and have no other distractions. This is my sole focus and full-time commitment to your success.

I believe AI startups shouldn't have to spend years figuring out how to succeed in Asian markets. Every day, innovative companies miss opportunities because they're unsure how to navigate these complex markets. After years of running Asia Pacific operations and seeing the same solvable challenges repeat, I knew there was a better way. When Sequoia Capital and Geodesic Capital introduced me to AI startups facing these exact issues and seeking help, I founded Gradient Consulting to make a difference. Today, I help companies skip the painful learning curve and start growing faster within months in these valuable markets.

About Me

I'm Mike Kim, founder of Gradient Consulting and a veteran of the Asia Pacific technology scene. Having served as Head of APAC and leading the APAC business for multiple AI startups, I've walked the path you're on and understand what it takes to succeed in this dynamic region. 

Originally from Chicago, I moved from San Francisco to Tokyo, where I now live with my wife and two sons (both born in Tokyo).

My track record speaks to deep expertise in scaling technology businesses across Asia Pacific:

• Two decades of scaling APAC operations, successfully closing significant deals with leading enterprises and governments across the region (numerous six-figure and seven-figure deals)

• Successful market entry and expansion across nine Asia Pacific countries, building enduring relationships with key decision-makers, partners, and investors throughout the region

• Unique blend of commercial and defense sector experience, enabling me to effectively sell across diverse industries

• Regularly invited as a speaker at industry conferences and panels on Japan & Asia Pacific market entry

• Contributing Writer for The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun), where I write about startups, technology and AI, US-Japan collaboration, and business trends in Japan

My journey began at Deloitte Consulting, where I spearheaded the firm's first Palantir implementation—a classified project spanning multiple U.S. government agencies. This experience opened my eyes to the transformative potential of startup technology, setting the stage for my future work with AI companies.

What truly sets me apart is my hands-on approach to both sales and operations. You won't need to explain startups, AI, or business development—I seamlessly integrate with your leadership team and hit the ground running. Additionally, I am familiar with key sales methodologies, including The Challenger Sales Model, Solutions Selling, SPIN Selling, BANT, and Sandler, all of which I leverage to drive results and growth.

Perhaps my proudest professional achievement is the longevity of my business relationships. Many of the customers, partners, and investors I worked with years ago continue to collaborate with me today—a testament to the trust I've built and the value I deliver. In Asian business, these enduring relationships are the ultimate measure of success.

About You

You're an AI Startup Founder, CEO, CRO, or Head of Sales who recognizes the immense potential of Asian markets but feels uncertain about how to succeed there. You're likely:

• Drawn to the revenue potential but wary of investing resources in unsuccessful market entry attempts

• Facing pressure from your board/investors to demonstrate rapid traction

• Getting conflicting advice about market entry strategies

• Concerned about navigating language barriers and local business practices

• Seeking someone who deeply understands both AI startups and Asian markets

• Ready to move beyond generic advice to achieve tangible results

If you're not an AI startup, don't have existing customer traction to leverage in Asia, or aren't prepared to make a serious commitment to Asian markets, we might not be the right fit. I focus exclusively on helping AI companies achieve rapid, sustainable growth in these markets.