Since Neoteny was founded, "Neoteny" has become more and more common when discussing traits essential for leadership. Here is an article from Harvard Business School. Lucky we have www.neoteny.com. Originally Jun was worried people would think of giant tadpoles when they heard our name. :-)

Are Business Schools Really Important "Crucibles of Leadership?" HBSWK Pub. Date: Sep 30, 2002

by Jim Heskett

The new book Geeks and Geezers by Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas, argues that all the leaders they studied, whether "geeks" (under thirty) or "geezers" (over seventy), have the ability to engage others in shared meaning; a distinctive and compelling voice; a sense of integrity; and "neoteny," a trait that makes them "addicted to life" and able to recruit protectors, nurturers, and believers through a long and productive leadership career.

For Immediate Release
October 7, 2002

Tokyo, Japan - Neoteny Co., Ltd. (Joichi Ito, CEO) announced today the establishment of Neoteny Venture Development Co., Ltd., (NVD) a consulting firm focused on new business development and corporate venture consulting. Matsumoto Hidehiro will be the CEO of the company which will begin business immediately. Neoteny Co., Ltd., which will be spinning out its venture incubation consulting business into the new company, will focus investing.

NVD will provide entrepreneurship support and seminars, cross-industry networking opportunities and support for spin-outs of companies. NVD been developing business for a year preceding its establishment and has already delivered five engagements to large companies including a major telecommunications firm, a telecommunications systems integration firm and an information device manufacturer. NVD plans to grow the business and expand its area of coverage.

Neoteny Co., Ltd. (http://www.neoteny.com) was established in 1999 by Joichi Ito. Neoteny Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm focused on investing in information technology companies and was originally established as an incubator to provide additional consulting services.
Neoteny Venture Development Co., Ltd. (http://www.nvd.co.jp/) is a corporate venture, new business consulting, entrepreneurship support and new business development company.