#Japan #Shibuya #Funds Startups #Takashi Kojima #Mami Obara

Funds Startups Welcomes New Leadership Team

Funds Startups, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, recently announced a significant reorganization of its leadership, effective May 1, 2026. This restructuring sees Takashi Kojima appointed as Director and Mami Obara as Executive Officer and Fund Partner. This strategic move is part of the company's ongoing commitment to strengthen its management system and broaden its financing capabilities, especially in the venture debt sector.

Background of the Reorganization

Since launching its first fund in 2023, Funds Startups has focused on supplying capital to sectors and companies that traditional financial systems often overlook. Utilizing the venture debt model, the company aims to address funding gaps—particularly in 'deep tech', where research and development requires substantial investment and time. With the evolving landscape of capital markets and increased variability in startup growth phases, the importance of venture debt has grown. Based on the solid performance of the first fund, Funds Startups is eyeing the launch of its second fund to enhance capital supply and diversify financial strategies.

To navigate the increasing complexity of projects and to secure larger capital allocations, the company deemed it necessary to bolster its management structure.

Executive Profiles and Comments

Takashi Kojima - Director

Biography: Takashi Kojima graduated from Sophia University in 1996 and began his career at Mitsui Trust and Banking (now Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank). After gaining a Master's degree in Diplomacy from Georgetown University in 2001, he worked at Goldman Sachs on global offering projects. From 2002, he diversified his expertise at Phoenix Capital in areas like business revitalization and NPL investment. From 2013, he led venture financing and growth support at Shinsei Bank (now SBI Shinsei Bank) and played a key role at Digital Garage's fintech initiatives. Kojima joined Funds Startups as an Executive Officer and Partner of the Funds Venture Debt Fund in April 2024, and will now serve as Director.

Comment: "With over 25 years of experience in finance, I've witnessed the power of capital firsthand. It’s evident to me that Japanese startups need stronger access to debt financing. I believe we must channel institutional investors' funds effectively into the startup ecosystem. As I join Funds Startups in a pivotal role, I am committed to transforming venture debt into an indispensable infrastructure of Japan's startup community, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve remarkable growth without constraints."

Mami Obara - Executive Officer / Fund Partner

Biography: Mami Obara holds a B.Sc. in Finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo and is a certified analyst recognized by the Japan Securities Analysts Association (CMA). After developing asset management products at Aozora Bank, she gained experience in PE/debt funds and the evaluation of non-listed companies' financing risks. Since 2021, she led numerous investments at Aozora Corporate Investment as a capital strategist for the venture debt fund. In July 2024, she joined Funds Startups as the Principal of Funds Venture Debt Fund, taking on the role of Executive Officer and Fund Partner in May 2026.

Comment: "Our company has provided startups with diverse funding options through venture debt, and in light of the evolving capital markets and startup growth phases, the need for effective capital policies is more critical than ever. As I step into this new position, my goal is to enhance our venture debt offerings and foster an environment where startups can optimize their capital management. In deep tech particularly, adapting financing to meet the uncertain and lengthy growth processes from research to societal implementation is vital. We aim to address these funding gaps to support sustainable growth among deep tech startups."

A Message from CEO Hirohiyo Maekawa

CEO Hirohiyo Maekawa expressed his enthusiasm about the promotions of Kojima and Obara, recognizing them as critical players in the next chapter of Funds Startups. Kojima's extensive experience and Obara's 'ace' contributions as a leader have been instrumental in the company's mission to develop a system conducive to startups achieving their ideal growth.

About Funds Startups

Founded in December 2023 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Funds Co., Ltd., Funds Startups is committed to developing systems that enable startups creating social impact to achieve optimal growth. As the General Partner of the Funds Venture Debt Fund, the firm focuses on fund management and supporting venture debt initiatives, alongside the aim of acting as a specialized investment banking arm for startups seeking diversified fundraising solutions. Learn more about Funds Startups.