Team

Taira Kobayashi Taira Kobayashi

Venture

Taira Kobayashi graduated from the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at the University of Tokyo and subsequently worked at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Medical Science, the International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Toyota Central R&D Labs, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company before joining JAFCO in October 2020. He is responsible for investments across all technology domains originating from universities in the Industry-Academia Life Science Investment Group of the Investment Division. Since around 2023, he has narrowed his focus to the life sciences field, leveraging his advanced expertise, and has concentrated particularly on investments in pharmaceutical and therapeutic medical device businesses based on strategies to prove their clinical value. He holds a PhD in life sciences.

As I accumulated practical experience in a wide range of fields, from basic science to technology application, business development, and clinical science, I keenly felt the importance of proving the business value of science and growing it as an industry through the efforts within our own country. With that in mind, I let go of my position as a scientist and chose the path of an investor, betting on a glimmer of hope. My investment decisions are based on three criteria: scientific value, industrial viability, and whether it will benefit patients. I prioritize working together with founders to develop business strategies and share goals even before investing. In many cases, it may take up to several years before investing. In addition to financial support, I am committed to achieving objectives by employing all necessary means, including company establishment, business strategy development, and national projects, as well as information analysis, lectures, and writing without limiting myself to a specific approach.