Daiki Yamashita leads Sekisui's Silicon Valley push into venture capital

Daiki Yamashita has taken on a key role at Sekisui America Corporation as General Manager of Corporate Venture Capital. Based in Silicon Valley since 2024, he leads the company's early-stage investment team in North America. His work focuses on expanding Sekisui's global reach and fostering innovation beyond Japan.

Yamashita began his career as a chemical engineer at Ricoh before shifting to corporate venture capital in 2014. At KDDI, he invested in startups and managed business development projects. His expertise in materials science and chemistry now helps him merge AI with real-world applications.

Since moving to Silicon Valley, Yamashita has prioritised partnerships with local startups to gain deeper U.S. market insights. He actively engages with startup executives after identifying high-potential ventures, stressing the value of direct communication. Recognised as an *Emerging Leader* in corporate venture capital, he continues to push Sekisui's innovation strategy forward. While his relocation marks a strategic step for Sekisui, no details have been released on how the company's global investment approach has changed since his arrival. His role remains focused on broadening Sekisui's presence in North America and beyond.

Yamashita's position in Silicon Valley strengthens Sekisui's ties to U.S. startups and innovation networks. His background in engineering and venture capital positions him to drive the company's expansion. The long-term impact of his work on Sekisui's global strategy will unfold in the coming years.