Ryo Umezawa is a startup operator, entrepreneur, and venture investor with extensive experience building and scaling global technology companies in the Japanese market. He currently serves as Vice President at Vector Group (TYO: 6058), where he leads global strategy, new business development, and M&A initiatives.

Throughout his career, he has specialized in navigating one of the world’s most complex markets. He has served as Japan Country Manager for Tinder and HomeAway, part of Expedia Group, as well as CEO of Hailo Japan. His focus has consistently been on building high-performing local teams, establishing strategic partnerships, and driving product-market fit.

As a serial entrepreneur, he has co-founded multiple startups, including AllCoupon Japan, which was successfully acquired. This hands-on experience as a founder informs his work in the venture ecosystem. He previously served as Principal at East Ventures and as Partner and CEO of Japan at Antler, where he has advised or invested in more than 30 startups and public companies, supporting founders across the full lifecycle from formation to global scaling.

He spent 10 years in the Philippines before studying International Business and Economics at Sophia University in Tokyo. He was selected as a Leader of Tomorrow at the St. Gallen Symposium and was among the first members of the Tokyo hub of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community.