Vincent Y. Tan

Professional Background

Vincent Tan, CAIA, is a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape with a focus on bridging opportunities between Japan and the European Union. Having co-founded a Japan-EU focused venture capital (VC) generalist fund, he has been instrumental in channeling investments into over 30 innovative portfolio companies under the Nextblue Fund 1 since 2020. He has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by preparing to launch Fund 2 in 2023, enabling many startups the chance to tap into the extensive market of Japan, comprised of approximately 120 million people.

Prior to his current venture, Vincent played a key role as an early founding member and portfolio director at D4V (Design for Ventures), a venture capital initiative backed by IDEO. During his tenure from 2017 to 2019, he skillfully managed a $50 million VC fund, where he leveraged his expertise in design thinking. Through running design sprints, he adeptly assisted early-stage startups in ideating, prototyping, and successfully launching their products into competitive markets. His capability to blend design with strategic investment has set a high standard in the industry for nurturing visionary entrepreneurs.

Vincent began his professional career with a strong foundation in management and strategy, having held various positions at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) from 2011 onward. His journey started as a Consultant, eventually progressing to Project Leader, where he honed his ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively and stay committed to core objectives. This experience has enriched his approach to venture capital, emphasizing a blend of actionable strategy and empathetic teamwork.

Education and Achievements

Vincent Tan's academic background is as diverse as his professional pursuits. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Columbia Law School, where he developed a keen understanding of legal frameworks, particularly those influencing business and investment in technology-driven markets. Alongside this, he also cultivated his language skills, having studied Japanese at the prestigious Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC), which aligns perfectly with his professional investment focus in Japan.

Before attending Columbia, Vincent obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Honours in History from The University of British Columbia. This solid historical grounding provides him with an analytical lens to assess market trends and business innovations critically. His well-rounded education ensures that he not only has an exceptional grasp of legal nuances but can also apply historical perspectives to understand and predict industry shifts.

Notable Investments and Organizations

In addition to his current roles, Vincent has exhibited a strong commitment to nurturing emerging companies through a range of investment initiatives. His previous investments span a spectrum of burgeoning industries, from health technology to sustainable food solutions. Notable ventures include his involvement with Positive Food Co., ahead® | The Human Performance Company, Nuw, Blue Farm, and many others, where his investment acumen has contributed to their growth and scalability.

Vincent's past roles reflect his collaborative spirit and dedication to community-building within the investment ecosystem. As a former Community Member at 2hearts and various investment positions, he has continuously sought to align his professional endeavors with socially responsible and impactful initiatives. His extensive background in both traditional consulting roles and contemporary venture capital signifies a well-rounded and insightful approach to investment that resonates particularly well with founders seeking to make meaningful impacts in their respective fields.

His leadership roles, particularly at D4V, established him as a visionary in the VC arena, where he successfully blended capital investment with innovative design. As he prepares for the next stage of his career with the upcoming Fund 2 launch, the experiences and insights he has gained over the years position him uniquely for continued success in identifying and supporting groundbreaking entrepreneurial ventures.

Achievements

• Co-founder and Leader in Venture Capital: Successfully launched a Japan-EU focused VC fund, enhancing opportunities for startups in Japan.
• Experienced Portfolio Director: Managed a $50 million fund at D4V, enabling numerous startups to prototype and launch successfully.
• BCG Expertise: Developed managerial and strategic skills at The Boston Consulting Group, leading cross-functional teams towards successful outcomes.
• Diverse Investment Interests: Invested in over a dozen innovative companies across health, food, and technology sectors.
• Strong Educational Foundation: J.D. from Columbia Law School and BA in History from The University of British Columbia, complementing analytical and strategic investment abilities.