Koshu Kunii

Impact‑oriented pre-seed investor: As General Partner & Chief Impact Officer at Lifetime Ventures, Koshu focuses on pre-seed and seed investments that aim to improve human and planetary health. He evaluates founders on traditional execution metrics (team, customers, capital) and a qualitative 'lovability' metric — and emphasizes strategic partnerships (notably with research institutions) to de-risk deeptech and healthtech innovation. lifetime-ventures+2

Development‑finance background informs investment approach: Prior work at the IFC (World Bank Group) and advisory roles (OECD) gave him experience investing in fintech across emerging markets and a development-minded lens that shapes how he balances financial returns with social and environmental impact. oist+1

Public thinker and writer on venture philosophy: Koshu publishes the 'Venture Humanist' Substack where he writes about venture metrics, exposure, AI, mental health and founder sovereignty — signaling that he combines hands‑on investing with ongoing public-facing thought leadership. substack+1

International experience and Japan ecosystem focus: Born in Japan and raised across multiple countries, Koshu has worked across Switzerland, the U.S., Mexico and France; he now operates in the Japanese VC ecosystem (Lifetime Ventures is Tokyo‑based) and participates in regional events (e.g., OIST fireside chats, Tech for Impact Summit). oist+2