Originally published here.
Now is the time for Asian and especially Japanese corporates and investors to engage more proactively with European deep tech. IQ Capital is uniquely positioned to bridge these ecosystems for strategic growth and global impact. From AI and biotech to quantum computing and robotics, European startups are redefining the frontier of science.
Why Asia should be looking more closely at Europe’s deep tech scene
Europe is a global leader in foundational R&D and early-stage innovation. From AI-driven drug discovery and synthetic biology to robotics, quantum computing, and advanced materials, European startups are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. In 2024 alone, European deep tech startups raised over €15 billion, with the UK, France, and Germany leading the charge (2025 European Deep TechReport).
Innovation hubs such as Cambridge, Oxford, Munich, and Paris are becoming critical centers for scientific entrepreneurship. Yet many of these startups face a common challenge: scaling globally.
This is where Japanese and Asian corporates, known for their deep engineering cultures, long-term strategic vision, and operational excellence, can play a transformative role.
By partnering early with European deep tech innovators, corporates in Japan andAsia can shape next-generation industries while also accessing high-potential investment opportunities.
But for Japanese and Asian investors to identify, access, and build trust with European startups requires a partner who understands both sides of the bridge and that’s where IQ Capital comes in.
Why European founders should look east
On the other side, many European deep tech startups are solving some of the world’s most important problems, but they face real bottlenecks when it comes to manufacturing scale, supply chain access, or tapping into growth markets.
Japan and broader Asia offer an ideal expansion path. Japan in particular is home to globally respected corporates, robust IP frameworks, and a growing appetite for innovation, from industry, government, and institutional investors alike. The demand for climate tech, robotics, next-gen computing, and biotech is real—and growing.
Through my role at IQ Capital, I aim to help European founders not just enter Japan but build meaningful strategic partnerships there. That includes everything from cultural translation and ecosystem education to corporate matchmaking and strategic investment alignment.
Why IQ Capital is the ideal partner for Asian corporates and investors
IQ Capital has been backing deep tech for more than two decades, long before it became a buzzword. The team combines deep technical insight (many partners have PhDs and academic backgrounds) with commercial savvy and global perspective. With $1 billion under management, IQ Capital invests from seed through growth, and has delivered exits to companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Oracle, and others.
What drew me to IQ Capital was its conviction-led approach. The firm backs founders building companies around science that the market doesn’t yet understand. They go deep, on technology, on teams, and on long-term support, and they are deeply respected within the global deep tech ecosystem for their integrity and results.
ForAsian corporates looking to invest in or partner with European innovation, IQCapital offers a unique combination of credibility, curation, and connection. We don’t just find promising startups, we help build the cultural bridges and alignment needed to unlock long-term strategic value.
My background: from Sony to global VC
Mycareer began at Sony R&D, where I led new technology and business development initiatives for nearly a decade, including a key assignment with PlayStationUS. Working at the intersection of R&D and commercialisation taught me how difficult it is —not only to invent something transformative, but to bring it to market and scale it sustainably.
In 2015, I joined Global Brain, one of Japan’s largest venture capital firms. I launched and led the firm’s London office, built a cross-continental team, and became the first Japan-born VC to lead a pan-European investment practice with a 50+ startup portfolio. Over the years, I’ve led or supported investments in AI, cybersecurity, climate tech, food tech, biotech, fintech, insurtech, and frontier technologies. I’ve worked closely with founders, VCs, and corporates across the UK, Europe, the US, Israel, Japan, and Asia.
Through this journey, I developed a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges of building cross-border connectivity in deep tech. The next generation of deep tech won’t be built in silos. It will be built through connection: across disciplines, across geographies, and across cultures. That understanding brought me to IQ Capital.
Let’s connect
If you’re a founder, corporate, or investor interested in this mission, I’d love to hear from you. The next generation of deep tech won’t just be built insilos. It will be built through connection, across disciplines, across geographies, and across cultures.
