With 14 years of experience in startup investing, he has backed companies across a wide range of sectors—ranging from IT services to space—with a strong track record of exits, including IPOs and M&A, particularly in AI, space, and robotics. Previously, he joined a University of Tokyo–affiliated venture capital firm as a founding team member and served as Head of Investments. He also founded “1stRound,” a cross-university entrepreneurship support program, helping many teams launch startups. In recent years, he has focused on expanding strategic growth pathways for startups, including corporate carve-outs and management buyouts (MBOs).
- Career
- • 2025: Joined ain as a founding team member; appointed CEO & Partner
• 2017–2025: University of Tokyo–affiliated VC — Launched 1stRound and AOI Fund I; served as Head of Investments
• 2012–2016: Showa Shell Sekiyu — Led new business initiatives (payments, retail electricity, etc.) through market launch
• 2007–2011: Daiwa Securities Group — Venture investing in high-tech sectors
• M.S., Kyoto University (Management of Technology); passed the final stage of the Japanese Patent Attorney (Benrishi) examination
- Track Record
- Synspective; Astroscale; Axelspace; Telexistence; UrbanX Technologies; and others.
- Awards & Recognition
- • Ranked #8 on Forbes JAPAN’s “The Most Influential Venture Investors in Japan” (2025)
• Recipient of the Japan Venture Awards Venture Capitalist Encouragement Award (FY2025)
- Investment Focus & Style
- Seed to early-stage deep tech; corporate carve-outs / MBOs; roll-ups and broader startup restructuring.
- From
- Nara, Japan
- Motto
- “Seize rare opportunities—change is your advantage.”
- Interests
- Business planning; talent scouting; gadgets; cycling.