SBVA has strengthened its global investment team by appointing Kaz Yoshimaru and Chris Lee as Venture Partners, the firm announced on August 26, 2026. Both individuals previously worked as investment professionals at SoftBank Vision Fund and bring extensive cross-border experience. The appointments are intended to expand SBVA's network across the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia while improving support for portfolio companies entering overseas markets.
Strengthening the Global Investment Platform
The addition of Yoshimaru and Chris Lee reflects SBVA's broader strategy to build a stronger connection between leading technology ecosystems and Asian markets. Their combined backgrounds cover U.S. venture investing, Asian growth equity, and private equity. SBVA expects the new Venture Partners to help identify promising companies globally and support their expansion into new regions.
Kaz Yoshimaru and U.S. Technology Networks
Kaz Yoshimaru holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Tokyo, along with an MBA from Harvard Business School. He joined SoftBank Group in 2015 and later served as an Investment Director at SoftBank Vision Fund within the U.S. investment team. During that time, he invested in technology companies including Databricks, Wiz, Perplexity, and Sierra while supporting their entry into Japan.
Yoshimaru's Role at SBVA
As a Venture Partner at SBVA, Yoshimaru will apply his U.S. technology and venture ecosystem expertise to a range of initiatives. He will also lead strategic advisory and structuring efforts for a new fund focused on investing in U.S. startups. His role is designed to strengthen SBVA's presence in Silicon Valley and improve access to high-growth American companies.
Chris Lee and Southeast Asia Growth Opportunities
Chris Lee earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Chicago and later worked at CVC Capital Partners and GIC. Before joining SBVA, he was a Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, where he led investments in high-growth companies across Asia. His portfolio included Yanolja, Carro, Advance Intelligence Group, bKash, IYUNO, and Funding Societies, building deep regional expertise.
Chris Lee's Mandate at SBVA
At SBVA, Chris Lee will help identify co-investment opportunities in Southeast Asia and support new fund formation. He will also assist portfolio companies looking to enter and expand in local markets. His experience in private equity and growth equity is expected to enhance SBVA's ability to source and manage regional deals.
Executive Perspective
JP Lee, CEO of SBVA, said the two Venture Partners bring extensive investment experience and networks built through identifying and supporting innovative companies across global markets. He added that their arrival should strengthen SBVA's role as a bridge between the global technology ecosystem and Asian markets. The leadership team views the appointments as a key step in expanding the firm's international capabilities.
The appointments of Kaz Yoshimaru and Chris Lee mark a notable expansion of SBVA's global investment capacity. By combining U.S. technology networks with Southeast Asian market knowledge, SBVA aims to offer more practical support to portfolio companies pursuing international growth. The firm's strengthened global team positions it to identify new opportunities and reinforce its role in connecting investors and founders across regions.