KAZUMA IEIRI

Kazuma Ieiri is a highly influential figure in Japan's startup ecosystem, renowned for his multifaceted career as a serial entrepreneur and now a leading venture capitalist. As a General Partner at NOW (Japan), he brings a unique founder-centric perspective to early-stage investing. His role involves identifying and nurturing promising startups, providing not just capital but also invaluable strategic guidance drawn from his extensive operational experience.

Ieiri's investment focus at NOW (Japan) spans a wide array of technology sectors, with a particular interest in disruptive innovations that address real-world problems. Given his background, he often seeks out companies in areas such as consumer internet, e-commerce, fintech, and software-as-a-service (SaaS), though his portfolio is diverse. He is known for backing founders with strong vision and execution capabilities, often those who are building platforms that empower individuals and small businesses, mirroring his own entrepreneurial journey.

Before transitioning into venture capital, Kazuma Ieiri built an impressive track record as a serial entrepreneur. He founded paperboy&co., a web services company that went public on JASDAQ. Following this success, he founded BASE, Inc., an e-commerce platform designed to make online store creation simple for anyone, which later listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers. He also founded CAMPFIRE, one of Japan's largest crowdfunding platforms, further solidifying his reputation as a builder of impactful internet services.

His deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs of building a company from the ground up makes him an invaluable partner for founders. At NOW (Japan), Ieiri leverages this firsthand experience to support portfolio companies through their critical early growth phases, offering mentorship on product development, market strategy, and team building. While specific individual investments are often confidential, NOW (Japan)'s portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering innovation across various industries, from B2B solutions to consumer-facing applications, all guided by Ieiri's strategic insights. His transition from a celebrated founder to a venture capitalist underscores his enduring commitment to cultivating the next generation of Japanese tech leaders.