Why Hachiko?
Many people have asked why our business is called Hachiko. There is a bit of a story behind this, so I thought it’d be worth writing an explanation for those curious creatures among you.
Pictured on our first full day together, L-R: Matt Hill, Jonas Dias, Garry Filakhtov, Rakhesh Martyn, Sebastian Machuca
The original idea
Our business originated from a simple idea - to create a software platform that would enable distributed battery storage to scale, with a focus on making life easier for those trying to build big portfolios. This is an idea with global applicability and significant global demand.
We have worked in this area for a long time, and have a good understanding of the technological barriers that are in the way of making this happen. Our focus is the middle section between residential and utility-scale. In Australia, for example, this combines the C&I and non-scheduled sectors (i.e. batteries between 200kW and 5MW rated power, with or without co-located load or PV). However, the way in which we’re structuring the product enables us to take it abroad with relative ease, focusing on equivalent categories in each market we enter.
Loyalty
We truly want to create value for our customers. When we do this, they will reward us. We’re not mercenaries just out to make a quick buck without truly understanding our customers’ problems, which can sadly be the case sometimes. We generate revenue because we care about our customers. Their growth will lead to our growth, more so than would have been the case if we didn’t prioritise their needs.
Source - A-Z Quotes
I (the founder) also love dogs, especially senior dogs. They’re amazing. They have their quirks but are such interesting creatures in their old age, and so easy to love. I will include photos of my seniors below.
Hachiko is known to the world as one of, if not the most loyal dogs ever to have lived. He went to the train station every morning with his owner and sat there until he came home in the evening. However, one day, his owner tragically died from a cerebral haemorrhage whilst at work, and Hachiko waited patiently at the station for over 9 years for a man who would never come home. Hachiko himself eventually died as a senior at a train station in Japan, and became a national icon in the process. There has been a film made about him (which I haven’t watched yet because films where dogs die make me VERY sad, but I will watch it one day)!
So there you have it. That is the origin of the name. A business whose explicit goal is to enable its target customers to grow their own businesses, founded by a market specialist who also happens to be a lover of senior dogs.
Dogs!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this. Now for the real attraction - some top-tier pooch content!
Ruby (Spoodle, born 06/06/2010) and Pebbles (Chihuahua x Jack Russell, born 04/12/2009). Adopted on 28/08/2022 after their original owner passed away and her daughter tried to have them put down. Steadfast friends, and great office mates.
A wise man once said - get a dog who loves you, and you’ll never poo alone again for the rest of its life.
Where it all began - Coco (R) and Sophia (L), litter mates. Born 14/05/2003, adopted on 27/09/2018 when their original owner went into care. They lived with us until their sad passing from natural causes on 20th May 2022 and 3rd June 2022 respectively. Absolute (NEM) gems, both of them.