I never imagined that I would work in venture capital. At each stage of my career, I chose the most challenging and exciting job available. What seemed like an inconsistent career path with roles in manufacturing and consulting is now clearly a continuous thread. I can look back and connect the dots.

“A cool, era-defining product like the Walkman for the world.”

In the 1990s, I lived in Indonesia, where Japanese products from Sony and Toyota were objects of respect. Even as a child, this left a strong impression on me, and I dreamed of being a part of products that would spread across the world. This led me to my first job at the world’s largest glass manufacturer, AGC. I gained on-the-ground experience with everything from production management to international sales, an understanding of the process from 0 to 1 to 100. That moment when an industry begins to sprout was just as exciting as the products. Later, in the 2010s, China’s smartphone industry was booming, driven by huge investments and human capital. It was dynamic and overwhelming. It left me both in awe and with a sense of urgency, even envy.

“Strong will to drive industry creation from the outside.”

Eventually, I transitioned to consulting, where I could further empower businesses. I worked on a variety of projects, from creating new businesses within large companies to M&A and structural reforms. Through daily dedication to my clients, I gradually formed my own ideas about what is crucial for creating new industries.

“Entrepreneurs are the ‘levers’ of industry.”

It is people who create businesses. The more challenging the theme or area, the more critical the human element is. Entrepreneurs who start their own businesses and commit to them over the long term are the keys to industry creation. This is how I decided to finally enter the world of venture capital.

About 2,200 years ago, the mathematician Archimedes invented a pulley system to lift a huge ship. Even today, this basic principle of creating great force from small input is applied in large-scale construction. My career in venture capital has shown me that startups are the levers within giant industries.

It often takes five years, sometimes over ten, for a business to achieve results. I believe in the ambitious long-term visions of entrepreneurs, and I am committed to facing challenges with them on their journey. We will create new industries to leave to future generations.