Shu Oikawa

Shu Oikawa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Glidely, an AI-powered buyer assistant. Glidely automates procurement workflows, helping buyers evaluate vendors, handle Q&A, and align stakeholders. His leadership has guided Glidely through a significant business pivot and into the first cohort of the Alchemist Japan Accelerator, demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive and adaptability in the AI solutions space for B2B procurement. glidely+3

With a strong background in sales, Shu Oikawa honed his skills as a Sales Specialist at KEYENCE CORPORATION from 2015 to 2021. During his tenure, he consistently ranked among the top 5% nationwide, successfully closing $1 million in Annual Recurring Revenue. This experience underscores his proficiency in sales strategy, client engagement, and revenue generation, which he now leverages in his entrepreneurial ventures.

Shu Oikawa holds a STEM-certified MBA from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business (2022-2024), where he actively engaged in startup development. His academic journey included a Pre-MBA program at Boston University and prior studies at Meiji University. At Babson, he validated the market need for an AI sourcing agent and participated in the Summer Venture Program, developing the ZENISHIFT project, showcasing his blend of business acumen and innovative thinking. babson+1

As a fellow at ODF (February-March 2025), Shu Oikawa actively engaged with San Francisco's vibrant startup ecosystem, building a valuable network with top-tier founders. This short-term fellowship indicates his continuous commitment to professional development and strategic networking within the startup community. nitter