Masahide (Masa) Isono

Principal

2000 - Current

• Manage a venture investment portfolios. Researched, identified, and evaluated new investment opportunities based on market, competitor analysis and objectives to make sounds investment decisions; developed and negotiated terms and conditions with prospective investees to develop a mutually agreeable risk-reward deal structure; involved in monitoring and value-adding activities to bring portfolio companies into successful liquidation events. • Served as a Board of Director of the portfolio companies to successfully manage the investments, most were early stage investments. • Initiated and developing a “Next Generation Global Venture Capital Fund for Emerging Countries in Asia,” with the objectives to pursue not only economic return, but also social and environmental impact by utilizing the benefit of the Disruptive Technologies to solve social problems in emerging markets. • Initiated and developed a comprehensive plan and strategy for a project to incubate not Silicon Valley Style, but also Japanese style of entrepreneurship and innovation program targeted for young intrapreneur-minded mid-level managers in Japan. The idea comes from experience that Silicon Valley Style of entrepreneurship and innovation program does not always work in Japan because the ecosystem and underlining social value is different. • Planned and organized forums for IT industry business professionals in the Silicon Valley to introduce new technology trends in Japan by inviting speakers from leading Japanese companies such as SONY, Panasonic, and NTT DoCoMo. The purpose of this forum (the size is 200-300 participants) is to provide a platform for exploring business opportunities between the US and Japan markets. • Mentored and supported Japanese entrepreneurs who want to start their own ventures in Silicon Valley.