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Yasuko Shusa

Medical Device | Technology Assessment, CVC, Investor, Corporate Strategy, Global Business Development, R&D Collaboration

San Jose, California

Overview 

Yasuko Shusa is a seasoned professional in medical device technology assessment, corporate strategy, and global business development, currently serving as the Venture Investment Lead at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. With a background in R&D collaboration and strategic partnerships, Yasuko has held key roles in companies like Olympus and SoftBank Group, specializing in early-stage startups and healthcare innovations. Yasuko's career highlights include leading strategic business development at Olympus Business Creation America, Inc., and managing business development at SoftBank Group, showcasing expertise in technology evaluation, investments, and startup acceleration within the medical device industry.

Work Experience 

  • Venture Investment Lead - Olympus Innovation Ventures

    2014 - 2022

    Aug 2021 - Oct 2022 OLYMPUS INNOVATION VENTURES/OIV | CVC Group, A stage agnostic venture fund *FOCUS AREA: GI, Respiratory, Urology Apr 2019 - Aug 2021 OLYMPUS Corporation of The Americas | Global Business Development: Technology Exploration & Alliance | R&D/Innovation Strategy Global: Technology Scouting *FOCUS AREA: GI, Respiratory, Urology, AI, Robotics Apr 2015 - Mar 2019 OLYMPUS Communication Technology of America - A subsidiary of Olympus Corporation of the Americas: Primary responsible for establishing collaboration strategy by scouting innovative medical device technology. Research qualified companies for new partnership opportunities for Olympus's strategic fit in technology and market. Interacting with startups, VCs, Universities, R&D Institutions to initiate collaboration for joint development, licensing and M&A. 2014 - 2015 Worked as an exclusive consultant for Olympus HQ in Japan

Spiration is a developer of therapeutic medical devices for the treatment of air leaks and lung diseases.

Raised $94,300,000.00 from InterWest Partners, New Leaf Venture Partners, Three Arch Partners, Investor Growth Capital Limited, New Enterprise Associates, Versant Ventures and Olympus Medical Systems.

  • Director, Strategic Business Development

    2004 - 2013

    A subsidiary of Olympus Corporation (Medical Systems, Scientific Solutions, and R&D) Formerly ITX International Holdings/Nissho Iwai (Corporate Venture Capital) * Researched qualified companies for new partnership and/or early-stage investment opportunities for strategic fit in technology and market. * Invested up to $5.0 million in several early stage companies, based on research, market, competitor analysis, and other investment criteria. Conducted thorough due diligence prior to negotiations. * Established and maintained strong ongoing relationships with venture capitalists, entrepreneurial scientists, top tier university professors for on-site analysis and assessment of prospective technologies, business models, financial health, and strategic planning in preparation for potential partnership or acquisition. * Led internal and external cross-functional teams to identify synergy, discuss potential business relationships, and nurture company growth through strategic business development.

Spiration is a developer of therapeutic medical devices for the treatment of air leaks and lung diseases.

Raised $94,300,000.00 from InterWest Partners, New Leaf Venture Partners, Three Arch Partners, Investor Growth Capital Limited, New Enterprise Associates, Versant Ventures and Olympus Medical Systems.

  • Manager, Business Development

    2002 - 2004

    ”SB Life Science Equity Management” Venture Capital firm founded by SoftBank, targeting the entire spectrum of Life Science: Medical Device, Biotechnology, incl. Pharmaceutical Development/Drug Discovery tools & platforms, and Medical informatics.

  • Director, Corporate Development

    2000 - 2002

    IT/MSP Start-Up Company, Spin off of Itochu Corporation

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