【Event Report】Stepping Up Listing from PRO Market – AlbaLink President Kawata Shares the Inside Story of the Fastest Listing at the IPO Monthly Meeting
Key facts
- 【Event Report】Stepping Up Listing from PRO Market – AlbaLink President Kawata Shares the Inside Story of the Fastest Listing at the IPO Monthly Meeting
- IR Robotics held its May monthly meeting for the "Next IPO Club," inviting AlbaLink President Kenji Kawata to speak about their step-up listing from the TOKYO PRO Market to the Growth Market. The event shared real IPO preparation processes, unexpected troubles, and the importance of business growth, offering valuable insights not typically disclosed.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 11, 2026
Direct answer
IR Robotics held its May monthly meeting for the "Next IPO Club," inviting AlbaLink President Kenji Kawata to speak about their step-up listing from the TOKYO PRO Market to the Growth Market. The event shared real IPO preparation processes, unexpected troubles, and the importance of business growth, offering valuable insights not typically disclosed.
- Citation
- 【Event Report】Stepping Up Listing from PRO Market – AlbaLink President Kawata Shares the Inside Story of the Fastest Listing at the IPO Monthly Meeting (June 11, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 11, 2026
IR Robotics held its May monthly meeting for the "Next IPO Club," inviting AlbaLink President Kenji Kawata to speak about their step-up listing from the TOKYO PRO Market to the Growth Market. The event shared real IPO preparation processes, unexpected troubles, and the importance of business growth, offering valuable insights not typically disclosed.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 19:12
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 10:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (30h 31m after Collected)
IR Robotics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Sungju Kim; HP: https://ir-robotics.co.jp/) held its May monthly meeting for "Next IPO Club," a membership community for companies serious about achieving IPO, on May 21st (Thursday).
For May, Mr. Kenji Kawata, Representative Director of AlbaLink Inc. (TSE GRT5537), a graduate of our club and the 38th company to achieve IPO, who successfully completed a step-up listing to the Growth Market just two years after listing on the TOKYO PRO Market in November 2023, was invited as a speaker.
Mr. Kawata shared in detail the realistic IPO preparation process, which is not usually made public, including the "background of the decision-making for listing on the PRO Market and unexpected troubles during the preparation period" when listing was not initially envisioned.
・Why We Hold the "Next IPO Club Monthly Meeting"
The IPO industry is notably opaque, with "urban legends" of unknown origin such as "I heard that..." or "I've heard about..." spreading and causing confusion for companies preparing for IPO.
Our club is committed to pursuing "latest real-world examples" and "unbiased primary information."
We hold the Next IPO Club monthly meetings to resolve the opacity and urban legends surrounding IPOs by disseminating fact-based, accurate information directly from the presidents of listed companies who have achieved IPO within the last two years or executives deeply involved in IPO preparations.
Since its operation began in July 2017, our club has seen 39 companies listed on the general market and 5 companies on the TOKYO PRO Market.
・May Next IPO Club Monthly Meeting Overview
In the May monthly meeting, Mr. Kenji Kawata, Representative Director of AlbaLink Inc. (TSE GRT5537), was our speaker.
The company operates a business that acquires and resells vacant and problem properties nationwide, utilizing its unique web marketing strategies.
They began IPO preparations in 2021, listed on the TOKYO PRO Market in November 2023, and subsequently achieved a step-up listing to the TSE Growth Market in just under two years.
The meeting was a candid account of the company's journey from its founding to IPO, covering how they attracted Nomura Securities, a major underwriter, amidst the "securities refugee" problem, and how they balanced a rapidly growing sales organization with strict compliance management.
AlbaLink (TSE GRT5537) President Kawata
・Seminar Highlights
In our completely closed-door sessions, case studies from the IPO preparation period were shared.
■ Encounter with "XXXX" after being in a "Securities Refugee" state
■ Sudden changes in "XXXX" and handling unexpected troubles
■ Fierce battles with "XXXX" during "XXXX" decision negotiations
■ The dilemma between "budget achievement" and "labor management"
■ The true role of the CFO and utilizing "insiders"
・On-site Scene
Scene from the Next IPO Club May Monthly Meeting
Throughout the seminar, Mr. Kawata consistently emphasized, "IPO preparation cannot be handled with textbook knowledge; there is a raw reality to it."
What was particularly impressive was his statement, "Most textbook problems could be solved by business growth," and "Business growth becomes the foundation for everything, significantly influencing the securities firm's judgment and response."
Regarding changes after listing, Mr. Kawata noted, "Since it was a step-up from the PRO Market, there weren't drastic changes," but he also mentioned seeing a new perspective, such as "the people I meet have changed" and "I can now communicate with shareholders."
We are confident that the fact-based, concrete know-how for IPO preparation provided an extremely valuable learning experience for all companies aiming for an IPO.
About Next IPO Club
・Future Schedule
【June】
Basic Inc.
(TSE Growth 519A)
Representative Director: Masaru Akiyama
Listing: March 25, 2026
Supporting front-office DX for B2B marketing tools like "ferret One"
【July】
NE Inc.
(TSE Growth 441A)
Executive Officer CFO: Yukihiro Tomiyama
Listing: November 4, 2025
Development and operation of the EC integration management platform "Next Engine"
・Community Participation and Inquiries
"Next IPO Club" is recruiting companies in the IPO preparation stage that are serious about achieving an IPO.
We welcome inquiries from companies interested in obtaining "live primary information" not swayed by internet rumors or hearsay, and as a place for management teams to gain input!
・Next IPO Club Detailed Page: https://next-ipo-club.jp/
・Inquiry Form: https://next-ipo-club.jp/contact/
Request materials here
If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
IR Robotics Co., Ltd.
Company Name: IR Robotics Co., Ltd.
Representative: Sungju Kim
Headquarters: 5-3-23 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo WeWork Yotsuya Building
Business Description: With a vision to "become a business platform for growing companies to grow further," we engage in consulting services (IPO/management study sessions/IR support) and human resource placement services (for high-caliber professionals).
Company HP: https://ir-robotics.co.jp/
Keywords:
For May, Mr. Kenji Kawata, Representative Director of AlbaLink Inc. (TSE GRT5537), a graduate of our club and the 38th company to achieve IPO, who successfully completed a step-up listing to the Growth Market just two years after listing on the TOKYO PRO Market in November 2023, was invited as a speaker.
Mr. Kawata shared in detail the realistic IPO preparation process, which is not usually made public, including the "background of the decision-making for listing on the PRO Market and unexpected troubles during the preparation period" when listing was not initially envisioned.
・Why We Hold the "Next IPO Club Monthly Meeting"
The IPO industry is notably opaque, with "urban legends" of unknown origin such as "I heard that..." or "I've heard about..." spreading and causing confusion for companies preparing for IPO.
Our club is committed to pursuing "latest real-world examples" and "unbiased primary information."
We hold the Next IPO Club monthly meetings to resolve the opacity and urban legends surrounding IPOs by disseminating fact-based, accurate information directly from the presidents of listed companies who have achieved IPO within the last two years or executives deeply involved in IPO preparations.
Since its operation began in July 2017, our club has seen 39 companies listed on the general market and 5 companies on the TOKYO PRO Market.
・May Next IPO Club Monthly Meeting Overview
In the May monthly meeting, Mr. Kenji Kawata, Representative Director of AlbaLink Inc. (TSE GRT5537), was our speaker.
The company operates a business that acquires and resells vacant and problem properties nationwide, utilizing its unique web marketing strategies.
They began IPO preparations in 2021, listed on the TOKYO PRO Market in November 2023, and subsequently achieved a step-up listing to the TSE Growth Market in just under two years.
The meeting was a candid account of the company's journey from its founding to IPO, covering how they attracted Nomura Securities, a major underwriter, amidst the "securities refugee" problem, and how they balanced a rapidly growing sales organization with strict compliance management.
AlbaLink (TSE GRT5537) President Kawata
・Seminar Highlights
In our completely closed-door sessions, case studies from the IPO preparation period were shared.
■ Encounter with "XXXX" after being in a "Securities Refugee" state
■ Sudden changes in "XXXX" and handling unexpected troubles
■ Fierce battles with "XXXX" during "XXXX" decision negotiations
■ The dilemma between "budget achievement" and "labor management"
■ The true role of the CFO and utilizing "insiders"
・On-site Scene
Scene from the Next IPO Club May Monthly Meeting
Throughout the seminar, Mr. Kawata consistently emphasized, "IPO preparation cannot be handled with textbook knowledge; there is a raw reality to it."
What was particularly impressive was his statement, "Most textbook problems could be solved by business growth," and "Business growth becomes the foundation for everything, significantly influencing the securities firm's judgment and response."
Regarding changes after listing, Mr. Kawata noted, "Since it was a step-up from the PRO Market, there weren't drastic changes," but he also mentioned seeing a new perspective, such as "the people I meet have changed" and "I can now communicate with shareholders."
We are confident that the fact-based, concrete know-how for IPO preparation provided an extremely valuable learning experience for all companies aiming for an IPO.
About Next IPO Club
・Future Schedule
【June】
Basic Inc.
(TSE Growth 519A)
Representative Director: Masaru Akiyama
Listing: March 25, 2026
Supporting front-office DX for B2B marketing tools like "ferret One"
【July】
NE Inc.
(TSE Growth 441A)
Executive Officer CFO: Yukihiro Tomiyama
Listing: November 4, 2025
Development and operation of the EC integration management platform "Next Engine"
・Community Participation and Inquiries
"Next IPO Club" is recruiting companies in the IPO preparation stage that are serious about achieving an IPO.
We welcome inquiries from companies interested in obtaining "live primary information" not swayed by internet rumors or hearsay, and as a place for management teams to gain input!
・Next IPO Club Detailed Page: https://next-ipo-club.jp/
・Inquiry Form: https://next-ipo-club.jp/contact/
Request materials here
If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
IR Robotics Co., Ltd.
Company Name: IR Robotics Co., Ltd.
Representative: Sungju Kim
Headquarters: 5-3-23 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo WeWork Yotsuya Building
Business Description: With a vision to "become a business platform for growing companies to grow further," we engage in consulting services (IPO/management study sessions/IR support) and human resource placement services (for high-caliber professionals).
Company HP: https://ir-robotics.co.jp/
Keywords:
FAQ
How did AlbaLink achieve a step-up listing from the TOKYO PRO Market to the Growth Market?
They achieved rapid business growth by utilizing unique web marketing strategies. Amidst the "securities refugee" issue, they secured Nomura Securities as lead underwriter and balanced a fast-growing organization with strict compliance.
What is the most important factor in IPO preparation?
Business growth is the foundation, more so than textbook knowledge, significantly influencing the securities firm's judgment. The ability to handle raw realities is crucial.
What are the challenges in the IPO industry?
It is highly opaque, with "urban legends" and unreliable information spreading. Therefore, sharing accurate information based on primary sources is emphasized.
What kind of companies does Next IPO Club target?
It targets companies in the IPO preparation stage that are serious about achieving an IPO. Companies seeking "live primary information" not swayed by internet rumors are welcome.
What kind of troubles did AlbaLink's President Kawata experience during IPO preparation?
While some details are undisclosed, he mentioned overcoming the "securities refugee" situation, handling unexpected troubles, intense negotiations, and the dilemma between budget achievement and labor management.