Mamoru Taniya

Overview

Mamoru Taniya is a Japanese angel investor with extensive experience in venture capital and startup ecosystems. He has been actively involved in supporting startups and NGO/NPO initiatives for over 20 years, leveraging his 30 years of experience in the finance industry. At Salomon Brothers, he became the youngest Managing Director in Asia, overseeing the investment departments for Japan and Asia. He later founded Asuka Asset Management, a pioneering independent hedge fund in Japan, and Mercuria Investment Co., a private equity investment joint venture with the Development Bank of Japan. He has also been involved in launching several 'Japan’s first' ventures, including Lifenet Insurance, Money Design (robo-advisory), RECIKA (blockchain), and SDG Impact Japan. He currently serves as Chairman for MNES, R Project, and Discover Japan. He is deeply committed to social impact, serving as the founder and representative of UWC ISAK Japan, the nation's first international boarding school, and as Vice Chair of the Human Rights Watch Tokyo Committee. He graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Law. In addition to his role at Evolution-VC, Taniya serves as Chairperson of SDG Impact Japan, an organization focused on promoting sustainable investments and business incubation. He is also the Chairman of Bio Engineering Capital Inc., a company supporting entrepreneurs in the life sciences field, and serves as a Trustee at the International House of Japan. His diverse roles reflect his commitment to fostering innovation and social impact across various sectors. Taniya's investment philosophy centers on supporting ventures that address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development. His extensive network and experience enable him to provide strategic guidance and resources to startups, particularly in the fintech, healthcare, and technology sectors. His leadership in various organizations underscores his dedication to creating positive change through entrepreneurship and investment.

Investment Focus

• Innovative business models
• Scalable growth potential
• Strong management teams
• Alignment with sustainable development goals

Portfolio Companies