Tsuyoshi Ito

Background

About Tsuyoshi Ito

I founded Beyond Next Ventures in 2014 to bridge the gap in funding for startups aiming to commercialize cutting-edge research from Japanese universities and institutions. Over the past decade, we have grown into one of Japan’s leading venture capital firms specializing in seed and early-stage deep tech investments, with $325 million under management across four funds, including partnerships with Nagoya University, Waseda University, and a pioneering fund in India. Our focus spans groundbreaking fields such as medical/healthcare/life sciences, AI/robotics, space, quantum computing, agriculture/food tech, climate tech, and energy. Beyond venture investment, we are ecosystem builders. Our efforts include launching acceleration programs for university researchers, fostering entrepreneurial leaders, and operating one of Japan’s few shared laboratories for biotech startups. To date, we have invested in over 70 startups across Japan and India, including 15 Indian ventures, with a mission to empower transformative innovation in both nations. 🤝 Highlights of our impact: • BRAVE Program: Japan’s leading accelerator for deep tech startups, mentoring over 150 teams from 550+ applications, with graduates collectively raising $300+ million. • Innovation Leaders Program (ILP): Awarded by the Japanese government, this initiative connects experienced talents with startups, creating impactful co-founder matches. • Unique Infrastructure: A state-of-the-art wet lab in central Tokyo dedicated to biotech innovation. Before founding Beyond Next Ventures, I led technology-focused investments at JAFCO Co, Ltd, Japan’s largest VC firm, where I supported startups from inception to IPO, including industry leaders like CYBERDYNE Inc, Spiber Inc, and Microwave Chemical Co, Ltd. I hold a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology and am passionate about nurturing the next generation of deep tech pioneers.