Team

Yoshikazu Akagawa Yoshikazu Akagawa

Venture

Chief Capitalist

He joined JAFCO in April 2007. He has been consistently engaged in venture investments. Focusing on the AI, Consumer Tech, Medical, DX, and Diversity & Inclusion fields, he is responsible for identifying portfolio companies, executing investments, and providing post-investment support for a wide range of companies at seed to later stages. He has been Chief Capitalist since April 2022, and is Certified Analyst (CMA) of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan. He completed the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2025.

The challenges and landscapes of startups change dramatically at each stage. For nearly 20 years, I have worked with various companies, businesses and management teams in the field of venture investment, from seed to later stages, and even through to IPOs and other exits. Together with the entrepreneurs we have invested in, we design the future, as well as achieve growth and results, while involving our colleagues. I feel this is the best part of my job.