Team

Representative Director and CEO: Joe Kokubu

We strive to be the company of choice for entrepreneurs. We are committed to transcending the boundaries of conventional CVC, crafting a captivating company that breaks free from norms. We actively embrace challenges alongside our invested partners, fostering collective growth and innovation. Your unwavering support and guidance are invaluable to us. We look forward to your continued support and collaboration.

Career: Joe joined a manufacturer specializing in chemicals and materials science as a new graduate. Progressing through sales roles within the construction, energy, and electronics sectors, both domestically and internationally, he took on the responsibility of managing investments in companies situated in North America, Europe, and Israel from the Silicon Valley office.
In 2020, Joe advanced to a senior position as an expert in the CVC domain and subsequently and played a key role in founding and leading the CVC department at a group company. Joe joined Lotte Ventures Japan Co., Ltd in October 2022, as a President and Representative Director.
Joe holds an MBA from Cambridge University Business School.

Director: Takashi Sawada

We are committed to championing individuals who actively strive to bring joy to others through proactive thinking and action. We wholeheartedly endorse those who embrace challenges in the pursuit of success. My sincere gratitude goes out to the entrepreneurs I encounter, as I recognize that their success is the overarching mission we are determined to achieve. Let us collectively amass a wealth of diverse experiences, fostering organizations that nurture the next generation of business leaders and innovation. Together, let's steadfastly commit to achieving tangible results.

Career: Takashi joined Itochu Corporation as a new graduate. In 1997, he joined Fast Retailing, ascending to the position of Vice President the subsequent year. In 2005, Takashi established Revamp, a corporate support entity, where he concurrently served as President and CEO. Assuming the role of President at FamilyMart in 2016, he steered the company's leadership.
Takashi joined Lotte Ventures Japan Co., Ltd as Chairman of the Board in March 2022. Currently, he is appointed as President and CEO of CellSource, showcasing his continued commitment to executive leadership.

Investor: Sungwook Shin

My affection for Japan, where I have lived for a decade, and my homeland, Korea, runs deep. I am committed to contributing in any capacity to the prosperity of these nations and their people, be it through investment or business development.

Career: Sungwook, originally from South Korea, arrived in Japan in 2011 and completed his Master's in Economics at Hitotsubashi University in 2013.He then joined a manufacturer specializing in chemicals and materials science, where he contributed significantly to global EV and battery-related initiatives. From 2020 onward, he has been actively executing numerous investments in the sustainability sector within the Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) department, stationed in Silicon Valley.Sungwook joined Lotte Ventures Japan in October 2023, specializing in startup investments in both Japan and South Korea.

Investor: Kou Kudou

My objective is to deliver an unparalleled customer experience by offering exceptional products, services, and technology. I am enthusiastic about collaborating with entrepreneurs who strive to create new value in the world, employing customer-centric and on-site-centric approaches. My personal favorite Lotte snack is Ghana Ripple!

Career: Kou joined Lotte Corporation in 2006. Since joining, he has been involved in sales and marketing activities for retailers such as GMS, SM, and Drug stores. After acquiring sales experience in the metropolitan area, Kou was positioned at the headquarters, overseeing major corporations nationwide. His outstanding efforts were recognized with the prestigious President's Award from one of the key clients.
Kou joined Lotte Ventures Japan in October 2022.

Investor: Kazumasa Suzuki

With the motto 'Creating a business is creating companionship,' I passionately support the success of entrepreneurs. Together, let's build a cohesive team, involving team members, customers, investors, and various stakeholders as valued companions.

Career: Kazumasa joined Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd. in 2021, specializing in tech scouting and business development support for major clients, including pharmaceutical and beverage manufacturers. He played a key role in managing accelerator programs and offering business development support tailored for startup ventures. Kazumasa joined Lotte Ventures Japan in 2023.

Investor: Ami Nakatomi

My aspiration is to empathize with the pain of every individual, support the dreams and visions of entrepreneurs, and grow together through shared endeavors. With heartfelt love and passion, I am committed to continuing this journey of pioneering the future.

Career: Ami joined Lotte Ventures Japan as a new graduate after graduating from International Christian University in 2024. During her university years, she interned at multiple startups, leading her to join Lotte Ventures Japan in her final year. She spent her elementary school years in America and high school years in Vietnam.