Mark Kojo

Background

About Mark Kojo

I am an Operating Partner & Head of Japan at Matter Venture Partners, leading hardtech venture strategy and cross-border growth between the U.S. and Japan. As Founder & CEO of Chip One Stop, I built Japan’s first B2B semiconductor e-commerce platform from scratch, led the company to an IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2004, and later executed a tender offer exit to Arrow Electronics (NYSE: ARW). After the acquisition, I served as President & Chairman of Arrow Electronics Japan, driving post-acquisition growth while maintaining founder-level agility. Currently, as Operating Partner & Head of Japan at Matter Venture Partners, I lead Japan-side strategy, strategic LP relations, hardtech startup scouting, Japan GTM support, and cross-border collaboration with Japan’s industrial leaders. I also support fundraising and strategic financing initiatives for portfolio companies expanding into Japan. My Mission: Connecting US hardtech innovation with Japan’s manufacturing power to create long-term industrial impact. I have expertise in: • Cross-border hardtech venture partnerships • Japan GTM and commercialization across robotics, semiconductors, mobility, and AI • Strategic LP relations and fundraising • Founder-to-executive leadership from startup to IPO and global M&A I also serve as a Visiting Professor at Kobe University, teaching global leadership and innovation. In my private life, I am an avid golfer and a proud member of Kasumigaseki Country Club, Sagami Country Club, and Otaru Country Club. I also have a deep passion for Burgundy wines, and am a member of both the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin and the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne.