Aki Kobashi - Tech Leader Propelling CADDi to $89 Million Investment

 

Aki Kobashi is Chief Technology Officer at CADDi - AI Data Platform for Manufacturing. Aki Kobashi studied electrical engineering at Stanford University's graduate school, Worked at a global security and aerospace company, analyzing large amounts of satellite data as a software engineer in coordination with NASA and JAXA. In late 2017, Kobashi's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found CADDi Inc. alongside Yushiro Kato.

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), he now leverages his diverse experience to drive technological innovation in manufacturing and supply chain management. Selected as “30 under 30” by Forbes in 2019. CADDi Inc. is a leading AI-powered B2B platform specializing in manufacturing supply chain management, focusing on optimizing procurement processes and digitizing technical drawings through its CADDi Drawer solution.



Website: https://caddi.asia/author/cto-aki-kobashi

Address: Tokyo, Japan, 100-0000

Mail: aki_kobashi@caddi.jp

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Aki Kobashi is a distinguished technology leader with a remarkable background in electrical engineering and software development. He earned his degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University Graduate School, laying the foundation for an impressive career trajectory.

His professional journey began at a global security and aerospace company, where he honed his skills as a software engineer. In this role, Kobashi analyzed vast amounts of satellite data, collaborating closely with renowned space agencies NASA and JAXA. Following this, he transitioned to Qualcomm, where he delved into the critical field of semiconductor security.

Kobashi's expertise caught the attention of tech giant Apple, leading to his recruitment at their US headquarters. At Apple, he contributed significantly to mobile product development, particularly the iPhone. His innovative work extended to the creation of sensor components for AirPods and the enhancement of battery life for embedded products.

In late 2017, Kobashi's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found CADDi Inc. alongside Kato. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), he now leverages his diverse experience to drive technological innovation in manufacturing and supply chain management.

Aki Kobashi: Engineering Visionary and CADDi Co-Founder

Aki Kobashi has emerged as a transformative figure in manufacturing technology, combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive. His journey from academia to Silicon Valley and global entrepreneurship reflects a relentless pursuit of innovation.

CADDi is a global manufacturing company on a mission to "unleash the potential of manufacturing." The company strives to transform the manufacturing industry through its primary offering, "CADDi Drawer," an AI-enabled drawing management system, helping further unlock the potential of manufacturing by significantly improving the efficiency of procurement teams.

Education and Early Career

Kobashi earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. During his studies, he began working at Lockheed Martin, where he developed data processing systems for satellite projects in collaboration with NASA and JAXA. This early exposure to aerospace engineering honed his skills in managing complex technical challenges.

Silicon Valley Breakthroughs

After Lockheed Martin, Kobashi transitioned to Qualcomm, focusing on semiconductor security. His work caught Apple’s attention, leading to a role at their U.S. headquarters. At Apple, he contributed to iPhone battery optimization and led sensor development for AirPods. These experiences solidified his reputation for bridging hardware and software innovation.

Founding CADDi: Revolutionizing Manufacturing

In November 2017, Kobashi co-founded CADDi Inc. with Yushiro Kato, aiming to “unleash the potential of manufacturing”. The company’s name blends “CAD” (Computer-Aided Design) and “caddy,” symbolizing its role as a supportive infrastructure for the industry.

CADDi’s Core Innovations:

  1. CADDi Drawer: An AI-powered platform that digitizes and analyzes 2D/3D technical drawings, enabling rapid data retrieval and supplier matching.
  2. Procurement Automation: Reduces quoting time from weeks to seconds using proprietary algorithms.
  3. Global Expansion: Now operates in Japan, the U.S., Vietnam, and Thailand, serving over 5,000 manufacturers.

Under Kobashi’s technical leadership as CTO, CADDi has:

  • Raised $164 million in funding, including an $89M Series C round in 2023.
  • Won Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Manufacturing Technology Company” (2024).
  • Achieved 99% on-time delivery rates while cutting procurement costs by 20%.

CADDi’s Vision for Manufacturing

CADDi transforms legacy manufacturing processes through:

  • Data Democratization: Making decades of drawing archives searchable via AI.
  • Supply Chain Optimization: Matching buyers with vetted global suppliers.
  • Quality Assurance: Operating 10+ international inspection centers.

Kobashi’s leadership philosophy emphasizes “thinking big” while maintaining technical rigor—a balance reflected in CADDi’s mission to empower manufacturers through digital transformation.

About CADDi Inc.

Founded: 2017

Headquarters: Tokyo, with U.S. hub in Chicago Key Services:

  • Manufacturing AI Platform (CADDi Drawer)
  • Automated Quoting System (CADDi Quote)
  • Assembly and Quality Inspection Services

Milestones:

  • 2021: Expanded to Vietnam and Thailand
  • 2024: Recognized by Gartner for manufacturing analytics
  • 2025: Launched AI-driven predictive maintenance tools

With Kobashi’s technical vision, CADDi continues redefining how manufacturers leverage data—proving that even century-old industries can embrace Industry 4.0 transformation.

 

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