CEO Biography
Kaz Terada was formerly Managing Director and Board Member of ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Inc. (ITV), a venture capital firm ($270mil under management). In ITV, Kaz headed its investment activities mainly in ICT(Software, Hardware and Service), Green Technology and Wireless Healthcare space such as Ooyala(acquired by Telestra), Thuuz, SiTime(acquired by Mega Chips), Sakti3(acquired by Dyson), GoNet, eSionic(formerly called Zettacore), Runa(acquired by Staples), 41st Parameter(acquired by Experian), Link A Media(acquired by SK Hynix), Teknovus(acquired by Broadcom), TonchiDot, Vasily(acquired by Start Today), Silver Egg Technologies(IPO in 2017), PremiumAgency(acquired by Hearts United Group), Peatix and CMerTV(acquired by Voyage Group). Kaz brought more than 20 years of business experience to ITV, from ITOCHU Corporation(ITOCHU)'s Aerospace, Information Technology & Multimedia Group in Japan, the U.S., Taiwan and Europe.
Prior to joining ITV in May 2006, Kaz was responsible for the business development and strategic investment of ITOCHU’s ICT & Media Group in the U.S. as a senior vice president of ITOCHU Technology, Inc (ITI). Prior to ITI, Kaz initiated ITOCHU's Business Transformation Outsourcing project based upon the horizontal integration of the ITOCHU Group's business infrastructure resources- business consulting, human resource management, business education and customer relationship management (CRM). The project capitalized on ITOCHU's original strength in IT(Information Technology) / FT(Finance Technology) / LT(Logistic Technology). Previously, as a senior manager, head of business development and a leading ITOCHU's strategist, Kaz headed strategic IT projects in Communications, Networking, Security, Wireless, Enterprise Software, Semiconductor and Manufacturing Equipment. From 1997 to 1999, Kaz led Venture Investment efforts in the US, investing in early-stage Silicon Valley technology companies. Kaz was responsible for ITOCHU's first U.S. technology venture capital fund, Horizon Ventures to be established.
Kaz was the former president of TiE Japan, the former board member of ITV, Macnica Fuji Electronics Holdings, Inc.(TSE:3132), Cuoca Planning Co.,Ltd.(acquired by Tomiz), Vasily, Inc.(acquired by Start Today), Runa, Inc.(acquired by Staples), DMP, Inc.(TSE Mothers: 3652), CTCSP Corporation, CTC Create Corporation and the founder of ITC Technology Taiwan Corporation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Japan's Waseda University.
Kaz is currently President & CEO of A2O,Inc., Founding Board Member & Charter Member of TiE JAPAN, Venture Advisor of Monta Vista Capital, Advisor of Innovation Leaders Summit, Board Member of ACALL, Strategic Advisor of SafeAI, Mentor of 500 Startups, Mentor of Osaka Innovation Hub(OIH), Charter Member of AAMA and Councilor of Kamiyama Foundation.
