Kaz Shimizu

Kaz Shimizu is an experienced investment and business development professional currently serving as グループ長 at KDDI Corporation since April 2018, after relocating from San Francisco to Tokyo. Kaz leads the KDDI accelerator program "KDDI MUGENLABO," facilitating collaboration between enterprises and startups in Japan. In addition, Kaz has played a significant role as an investor in numerous US startups, including Halo Neuroscience, Jibo, Inc., August Home, Inc., Ossia Inc., Edmodo, and Plumzi, Inc., through the KDDI Open Innovation Fund. Prior experience includes positions as Investment Director and Investment Manager at KDDI America, Inc., and Project Manager at KDDI Corporation. Kaz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environment and Information from Keio University.