#1 The Past, Present and Future of Japanese Venture Capital

Tomotaka (Tommy) Goji began his career at Japan's METI (the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) where he helped draft the Limited Partnership Act that gave Japanese venture funds their legal footing. He later left government to co-found UTEC, building a firm under the very framework he had helped create. Two decades on, he leads UTEC as CEO, chairs the Japan Venture Capital Association (JVCA), and teaches science and technology entrepreneurship at The University of Tokyo. In the first ever episode of Rising Edge, UTEC Partner Kiran Mysore talks with Goji about the origins, building, and future of Japanese venture capital.Agenda:00:00 Introduction: Rising Edge, UTEC, and guest Tomotaka Goji02:59 Drafting Japan's Limited Partnership Act at METI05:30 The LP Act and the TSE Mothers Market that launched the Japanese ecosystem07:24 Studying at Stanford and betting on early-stage deep tech11:30 Founding UTEC in 2004 and keeping it independent16:24 PeptiDream’s IPO and diversifying exits22:13 Taking the portfolio global and teaching the next generation26:26 From law to a data science PhD, and AI in investing29:48 Leading the JVCA and the outlook for the next decadeLinks:UTEC (University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners)Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred LansingJapan Venture Capital Association (JVCA)Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth MarketPeptiDreamConnect with the guest Tomotaka Goji and host Kiran Mysore:Tomotaka GojiKiran MysoreStay tuned for more stories from the land of the rising sun!