Kotai Gen（厳 公泰）
Global Advisor, Fintech Association of Japan.
Sozo Ventures / Sozo Scholar
Based in Silicon Valley since 2019, Kotai has been engaged in startup investments in the Fintech sector and LP investments from financial institutions. Before being seconded to Sozo Ventures, he served as a Director at SMFG, leading new LP investments and business development initiatives for top U.S. venture capital firms. Prior to that, he spent six years as a financial sector banker in the investment banking division at SMBC Nikko Securities, a leading investment bank in Japan, and three years in the corporate banking division at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Liberal Studies from Waseda University.