Atsushi Usami

Atsushi Usami holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Tokyo. Prior to joining the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC) in October 2013, he worked as a consultant at Mitsubishi Research Institute, advising pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and other industries on mid- to long-term business strategy and new business development.

As a Partner and Board Director at UTEC, he focuses on venture investments and hands-on support for seed and early-stage startups in the life sciences sector. He played a key role in founding companies such as OriCiro Genomics, Inc. (acquired by Moderna, Inc.) and Repertoire Genesis, Inc. (acquired by Eurofins Scientific SE), leading investments and providing operational support. He currently serves on the boards of approximately 10 startups in Japan and the U.S.

In 2023, he was named one of Japan’s most influential venture capitalists by Forbes Japan and received the Venture Capitalist Encouragement Award at the 23rd Japan Venture Awards. He also serves as a project evaluation committee member for the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).