COMPANY
MEMBER
Lina Sakai
Founder and CEO
Lina started her career in financial institutions (Fuji Bank and Deutsche Bank) in Tokyo and spent more than 10 years in finance, corporate planning, and M&A. Lina’s curiosity to make use of resources that had not been effectively utilized drove her to study fermentation and biotechnology, leading to the founding of Fermenstation in 2009. She is passionate about utilizing micro-organisms to build a circular economy. Lina holds a degree from the Department of Brewing and Fermentation Science at the Tokyo University of Agriculture. She has also graduated from the International Christian University.
Shota Kitabatake
COO
Shota joined Fermenstation as COO April 2021. Prior to Fermenstation, he was director and COO at NeuroSpace Co., Ltd. being responsible for overall managerial operations.
Prior to NeuroSpace, he was at M3, Inc. being involved in business development as well as being responsible for data business for pharmaceutical companies. Prior to M3 he has held a number of consulting positions at ICMG CO. Ltd. and Accenture Japan Ltd.
Osaka Prefecture University (Bachelor of Engineering)
Toshikazu (Toshi) Sugimoto
CTO
Toshi joined Fermenstation as CTO June 2022. Prior to Fermenstation, he was a manager of R&D department of Asahi Group companies (Asahi Breweries, Nikka Whisky Distillery and Asahi Quality & Innovations), responsible for basic research, production technology development, and new business development. Prior to Asahi Group, he began his research career with Kyowa Hokko Kogyo as a microbiologist investigating fermentation technology. He was awarded the 21st Technology Award (2012) of the Society for Biotechnology, Japan.
Kyushu University (Master of Microbial Technology), University of Tokyo (PhD of Applied Microbiology)
Hiroko Endo / Director
SX Capital, Inc. Director, Chief Investment Officer
Graduated from Rikkyo University, Faculty of Law. Worked at Nikko Securities (now SMBC Nikko Securities), Nikko Capital, Crimson Asia Capital Holdings, Ltd, a US-based VC firm, and as head of investment at Intec IT Capital. MBO of Intec IT Capital to present. Experienced in due diligence of investments, portfolio company support, planning, structuring and managing venture funds, legal work related to investments and venture fund work in general. member of the Japan Analysts Association.
