Zak Murase

Zak Murase is a seasoned professional who has spent 25 years in Silicon Valley, assisting Japanese corporations and entrepreneurs in navigating the dynamic ecosystem of the tech hub.

With a background as a Venture Capitalist at Global Brain and Plug and Play Ventures, Zak has a wealth of experience in startup advising and mentoring.

His passion lies in fostering the success of students and young entrepreneurs from Japan, dedicating his efforts towards educating and empowering the next generation of innovators.

Zak is a notable figure in the Japanese business landscape, serving as an Official Columnist for Forbes Japan with a featured column on startups.

Having studied Social Science and Computer Science at Keio University and participated in an exchange program in Computer Science at the University of Maryland, Zak's academic background complements his practical experience in the tech industry.

Throughout his career, Zak held various key positions in prestigious organizations such as Partner at AZCA, Inc., Managing Director at Pacific Sky Partners, and Advisor/Mentor at Women's Startup Lab, among others.

His extensive investment portfolio includes companies like CrediFi, Jibo, Inc., Bitfinder, VentureBeat, and many others, showcasing his diverse interests and contributions to the tech and startup sectors.

Zak's active involvement in the startup community is evident through his roles as an Executive Advisor, Head of Ventures, and Silicon Valley Office Representative at Plug and Play Japan as well as his engagements with other innovative ventures.

You can find Zak sharing insights and resources on his official website at Pacific Sky Partners, on AngelList, or follow his updates and thoughts on Twitter under the handle @ZakMurase.