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Dai Watanabe
VC and Venture Builder
Dai Watanabe is a prominent figure in the Japanese venture capital industry, serving as the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Delight Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Japan.13 Here's a comprehensive overview of his background and career:
Professional Experience
Dai Watanabe has an extensive career in the tech industry, spanning over two decades:
- Delight Ventures: Co-founded in July 2019, where he currently serves as Managing Partner.3
- DeNA West: Worked as VP of Strategy from November 2010 to June 2019.3
- DeNA Global, Inc.: Served as President from January 2008 to November 2016.3
- DeNA Beijing: Held positions as CEO (July 2006 - March 2009) and Manager of Overseas BD (September 2000 - March 2009).3
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation: Started his career as an Account Manager from April 1999 to August 2000.3
Education
Watanabe holds a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology from Kyoto University, which he completed between 1994 and 1999.3
Role at Delight Ventures
As Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Delight Ventures, Watanabe plays a crucial role in shaping the firm's strategy and operations:
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Investment Focus: The firm concentrates on early-stage investments, from ideation to Series A, without restricting itself to specific industries.2
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Global Approach: Delight Ventures aims to help Japanese startups expand globally, encouraging them to establish an international presence before going public.1
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Entrepreneurial Support: The firm leverages DeNA's talent and corporate culture to contribute to the development of Japan's entrepreneurship ecosystem.2
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Independent Decision-Making: Despite DeNA being a limited partner, Watanabe emphasizes that investment decisions are made independently by the Delight Ventures team.2
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Financial Returns: The firm prioritizes financial returns over strategic partnerships, aiming to create a more optimal environment for big innovations.2
Language Skills
Watanabe is proficient in both English and Japanese, with native or bilingual proficiency in Japanese and full professional proficiency in English.3
Dai Watanabe's experience and leadership at Delight Ventures position him as a key player in fostering innovation and supporting emerging entrepreneurs in Japan's evolving startup ecosystem.
