# Sozo Ventures

Sozo Ventures is a Venture Capital based in Redwood City, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Venture Capital
- **Headquarters:** Redwood City, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Redwood City, CA, United States
- **Founded:** 2013
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** sozo.ventures
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sozoventures

## Regulatory record

- **CRD number:** 288073
- **SEC file number:** 802-110314
- **Registration status:** Registered
- **Reports private funds:** Yes
- **IAPD record:** https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/288073

## About

Sozo Ventures is an exempt reporting adviser in Redwood City, CA. It advises clients on investment strategies. Sozo Ventures is based in California.

## Sectors

- Enterprise Software
- AI/ML
- Cybersecurity
- FinTech
- Digital Health
- Mobility & Transportation

## Offices

- Tokyo, Japan

## People

- Koichiro Nakamura — Founder & Managing Director
- Phil Wickham — Co-Founder & Managing Director

## Questions

### How does Sozo Ventures source its investment opportunities?

Sozo sources primarily through the personal networks of its partners in Silicon Valley and via introductions from its Japanese corporate limited partners, who seek exposure to US enterprise innovation. The firm's model attracts founders who recognize that Japan represents a significant addressable market but an operationally complex one to enter without local support.

### What role do Japanese corporate LPs play in Sozo's strategy?

Japanese corporate LPs — including trading companies, financial institutions, and technology conglomerates — serve a dual purpose in Sozo's fund structure. They provide the investment capital alongside traditional limited partners, and they function as commercial partners, distribution channels, and potential customers for portfolio companies entering the Japanese market.

### How many portfolio companies has Sozo backed since founding?

Sozo has invested in more than 40 companies since its launch in 2013, spanning enterprise software, fintech, cybersecurity, and applied AI sectors. Notable early-stage positions include investments in Coinbase, Palantir Technologies, and DocuSign, according to the firm's historical public disclosures.

### Where does Sozo Ventures have offices?

Sozo maintains its headquarters in Redwood City, California, and operates a permanent office in Tokyo, Japan. The Tokyo team is responsible for the firm's market-entry and commercial acceleration functions, providing portfolio companies with on-the-ground support for Japanese enterprise sales and partnership development.

### What investment stages does Sozo Ventures typically target?

Sozo targets Seed and Series A-stage enterprise technology companies, with some participation in Series B rounds where its Japan market-access thesis is particularly relevant. The firm focuses on rounds where its capital and operational support can influence near-term revenue generation in international markets.

## Related profiles

- [Soyu](https://altss.com/profile/soyu)
- [Spa Capital](https://altss.com/profile/spa-capital)

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Last updated: 2026-08-14T12:30:00.000Z

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