Exposed: The Predators Targeting Family Business Successors

A new wave of so-called 'supporters' is preying on successors of family businesses, promising help but delivering exploitation. The Setouchi Startup Flag program, featured by Forbes Japan, has sounded the alarm on these dangerous advisors who take advantage of those inheriting companies. The show, hosted by Kunaki Yamada and Keiichiro Fujita, offers a platform for entrepreneurs and successors in the Setouchi region to share their stories—and to warn others. In a recent episode, co-founder of ABABA, Shunki Kubo, highlighted fatal mistakes young entrepreneurs make, while representatives from Setouchi VC provided growth strategies. The message is clear: successors must be wary of those offering easy solutions, and instead seek genuine, transparent support that includes potential investment, not empty promises.