Funds Startups Appoints New Principal to Accelerate Deep Tech Investment

Overview of Executive Appointment

Funds Startups Inc. has announced the appointment of Yoshihiro Sasaki as its new Principal, effective August 1, 2026. The company currently manages its second fund targeting deep tech startups, the "All-Stage Deep Tech Debt Fund." This strategic appointment significantly strengthens the fund's operational framework and investment evaluation structure.

Background of New Principal Yoshihiro Sasaki

After graduating from Osaka University, Mr. Sasaki worked at Daiwa Securities and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Most recently, he served as the Head of Finance and Investor Relations at a Japanese deep tech unicorn. He possesses deep expertise in handling and negotiating government grants such as those from NEDO, as well as corporate finance execution, enabling him to support startups' capital policies from both financial and operational perspectives.

Finance Strategy in the Deep Tech Sector

The commercialization of deep tech startups requires substantial capital and long-term commitment. While building an optimal capital structure that combines equity with grants and various forms of debt financing is crucial, established playbooks are still lacking in Japan. Leveraging his extensive fundraising experience scaling into the tens of billions of yen, Mr. Sasaki aims to support startups with their capital strategies while pioneering new financing methodologies within the domestic market.

Future Outlook

With Mr. Sasaki joining the team, Funds Startups has established an organizational structure that fuses insights from financial institutions, operating companies, and startups. Moving forward, the firm will continue to play a role akin to an investment banking division specializing in startups, driving the provision of risk capital and the diversification of fundraising methods to support the growth of companies creating profound social impact.