What product or service does Hinoki offer?
Hinoki democratizes homeownership and hospitality with investment property financing options for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
How did you come up with the idea for this business?
I’ve co-developed a boutique hospitality portfolio and am interested in serving freelancers, creators, and business owners interested in financing their own projects.
Why did you decide to participate in the HI Hub Incubator program?
The real estate and hospitality ecosystems can take different approaches to growing and funding companies than the tech industry, and I’m interested in exploring alternatives.
What do you enjoy most about creating your own startup business?
The potential to fund creative space-making projects that can also support emotional freedom and financial access.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating founding a startup?
Think carefully about what matters to you and consider which initial products are realistic in various funding and partnership scenarios.
What is something you learned through this process that you wish you’d known before you created your startup?
It’s always worth remembering to start lean and test before building new tech.
What does the future of your startup look like in an ideal world?
Creating resilience in the housing market by allowing more approaches to homeownership, including for a diverse group of freelancers and creatives, while taking a conscientious approach to community.
Have you worked with any alumni or mentors on this project? If so, who and what was that experience like?
I look forward to it!