KOKI MIZUTANI

Profile

In April 2013, Koki joined Sumitomo Corporation and was assigned to the Risk Management Department. He was in charge of M&A in the electric power business including renewable energy and the manufacturing and distribution business of steel products for automobiles. He was also engaged in formulating company-wide programs to improve the probability of success of investments, including reviewing the decision-making process with the aim of enhancing the sophistication of M&A.
Since joining Genesia Ventures Inc. in July 2018, he has promoted investment support (sourcing, investment execution, up-round support, etc.) for approximately 20 companies, mainly seed-stage startups promoting DX in diverse industrial domains.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tokyo.

Q&A

Place of birth/residence

Tokyo

Hobbies, Favorite Things, Holidays

cooking, fishing, European football, and running

Episodes from your school days (club activities, majors, etc.)

I belonged to multiple clubs (soccer and a cappella) and seminars, and was blessed with many playmates. Although I failed the national government exam and had to repeat a year, as a result, I was able to participate in long-term volunteering in Sanriku district after 3.11 and experience studying abroad in the UK, which became very valuable experiences.

Favorite country/episode

Culture, foods, and lifestyle from Japan, UK, Spain are my best favorites.

Favorite Company/Vision/Value

Sumitomo business spirits “Under no circumstances, shall it pursue easy gains or act imprudently.”

Why did you become a VC?

The reason I became a VC was because I had a strong interest in investing and startups. The reason I continue as a capitalist is because I’d like to challenge the mission of creating a VC industry in Japan, alongside the entrepreneurs we support and respect.