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 hire. In 1997, he moved to Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., and was appointed Executive Vice President and Director the following year. In 2005, he founded Revamp Corporation (ReVAMP) and became its President & CEO. In 2016, he became President & Representative Director of FamilyMart Co., Ltd. In March 2022, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Lotte Ventures Japan Co., Ltd. In 2024, he assumed the role of President & CEO of CellSource Co., Ltd.

Takashi currently serves concurrently as Chairman of the Board of Lotte Ventures Japan, Outside Director of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., and Outside Director of Fuji Media Holdings, Inc.

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 as a new graduate. 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: Kota Murakami

Entrepreneurs devote immense effort and passion to every challenge they take on. I profoundly respect that dedication. By working together with a steadfast focus on the customer, I aim to create exceptional services, products, and technologies that bring smiles to as many people as possible. To achieve this, I will continue learning and pour my passion into everything I do.

Career: Started my career at an independent venture capital firm based in Tokyo. I invested in domestic and international startups—primarily in the B2C and blockchain sectors. After founding my own business, I joined Lotte Ventures Japan in February 2025.