Tony Zhao

Engagements

Ways of working together.

Clear structures, clear economics, published starting points. The numbers move with scope — never mid-engagement.

Built for

  • Growth-stage and established AI, SaaS, and technology companies entering Japan
  • Public companies and corporate groups pursuing Japan or Asia expansion, cross-border partnerships, or M&A
  • Founders and executives who need decision-grade judgment, senior access, and shorter decision cycles
  • Teams with a clear owner, a real budget, and the intent to act

Not a fit

  • No budget — looking for a free consultation or free introductions
  • No clear product, target market, or internal owner
  • Expecting large commitments against a vague idea
  • Pure success-fee structures with no upfront commitment
  • Work unrelated to Japan, Asia, AI, technology, or cross-border growth

01

Strategic Diagnostic

from US$3,000 · fixed fee

Two weeks · written executive memo

For companies weighing Japan — or another complex market — before committing real money.

A 90-minute deep-dive interview, analysis of your company and product, and a clear feasibility judgment: the market's real structure, the main risks and assumptions, a recommended entry path, and what to do in the next 30–90 days. Delivered as a written executive memo. The fee adjusts with complexity; the starting point doesn't.

02

Japan Market Entry Sprint

US$15,000–30,000

4–6 weeks · weekly progress · recommendation memo

For companies that have decided to explore Japan seriously and want real market feedback within a bounded window.

Market and partner mapping, target partner definition, value proposition and outreach narrative, two to three concrete partnership paths, and selective validation with real counterparts. I don't promise a fixed number of introductions or a guaranteed signature — the deliverable is decision-grade reality, in writing.

03

Strategic Partnership Retainer

US$8,000–20,000 / month

Three-month minimum

For companies that need sustained senior execution on Japan or Asia partnerships — without a local BD lead in place.

Monthly strategic review, partner pipeline management, preparation for decision-maker meetings, deal structure advice, negotiation support, and ongoing market intelligence and opportunity screening. I sit on your side of the table.

04

Executive Advisory

US$5,000–10,000 / month

Depth sets the price

For founders, CEOs, and business leads.

A standing outside voice: regular strategic sessions, judgment on which opportunities deserve real investment, and support through complex partnerships and high-stakes decisions. Few seats at a time, by design.

05

Success-linked Engagements

Structured case by case

Base fee + milestone or success components

Only where the value is clear, the path to a transaction is real, and I have genuine access to the process.

A retainer or project fee, plus milestone or success components; equity in specific cases. I don't take pure success-fee mandates — no upfront commitment, no open-ended involvement. If I'm accountable for outcomes, I need real access to decision-makers and information, with attribution and economics agreed on paper before the work begins.

You are paying for judgment and access — not hours.

A first conversation is free; that's how we both decide. Deep analysis, design, and sustained execution begin with a formal engagement.