Shigeki Saitoh

Founder, Managing Director at SIP Global Partners

Shigeki Saitoh, also known as "Tommy," is a prominent venture capitalist based in Tokyo, Japan. He is the Founder and Managing Director of SIP Global Partners, a cross-border venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage companies across various sectors, particularly in technology and digital convergence. Saitoh has over 15 years of experience in the venture capital industry, specializing in technology investments and cross-border business development.1 2

Professional Background

Saitoh has held several significant positions throughout his career:

Founder and Managing Director, SIP Global Partners (2019 - Present): Leading the firm in identifying and supporting startups that can thrive in the Japanese and broader Asian markets.
Chairman of the Board and CEO, Strategic Incubation Partners, Inc. (2007 - Present): He has been instrumental in managing this hands-on venture capital firm, which he has been associated with since its founding in 1996 by his father, Atsushi Saitoh, a co-founder of JAFCO, Japan's first institutional VC fund.2
Head of Global Section, Japan Venture Capital Association (2017 - 2020): Saitoh played a key role in promoting venture capital interests in Japan during his tenure.
COO, Digital Garage (1999 - 2004): He contributed to the company's growth and its eventual IPO, leveraging his expertise in IT and business development.

Education

Saitoh holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Tokyo and an MBA in High-Tech Venture Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.1 2

Publications and Contributions

He has published works related to digital convergence, including "Shocks in Digital Convergence," and has been involved in academia as a professor at the Graduate School of Digital Content at Digital Hollywood University from 2004 to 2011.1 2 His extensive networking and experience in companies like NTT and Netscape have provided him with unique insights into the digital business landscape, particularly in areas such as broadband internet and content distribution.1