With different backgrounds but a shared MBA experience at IE Business School, Lucas León and Faisal Barakat transformed a classroom connection into a growing international brand — Akiro, Spain’s first Nikkei handroll bar. In this interview, they reflect on the business strategy, partnership dynamics, and leadership principles that have guided Akiro’s growth from Madrid to new markets like Barcelona and Chicago. They also share how they’ve approached scaling with integrity, maintaining quality while expanding globally, and turning cultural fusion into a sustainable business model. #IEBusinessSchool #IEAlumniStory #WeAreIE