In 2010, the firm became independent following its separation from the CSK Group, and changed its name from “CSK Venture Capital” to “Whiz Partners.” At that time, the fund business was often viewed with suspicion as something profit-driven or socially suspect. As Toshio Ando (former Chairman of the Japan Securities Dealers Association) stepped down from public office to return to leadership in the private sector, he made this commitment:
The pursuit of investment performance and uncompromising compliance.
The simultaneous fulfillment of both — this is what gives meaning to our work.
— Toshio Ando, Founder & Chairman
When the firm became independent, leaders who have stood at the forefront of industry and finance — including Hiroshi Okuda (former President of Toyota Motor and Chairman of Keidanren), and Hideto Ozaki (former Member of the Board and Head of Finance at Toyota Motor, first President of Toyota Financial Services, and former Chairman of Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance) — stood with us from their independent perspectives. They did so because they believed that this firm was not merely an entity pursuing economic value, but one that could be trusted to uphold its responsibility to society, uphold the dignity expected of a responsible enterprise, and create new value.
That relationship of trust is the origin of who we are.
We aspire to be an organization that shares a strong ethical compass, sense of purpose, and accountability for return performance as a fund manager, and that can translate them into tangible outcomes.
Each of our directors and employees cherishes dignity, intellect, and sincerity, alongside a steadfast commitment to investment results, fulfilling their responsibilities and continuing the work of bringing our principles to life.
We hope to walk this path with those who share these values and can grow alongside us.
What we have aimed for is not a fund that pursues returns alone.
We seek to break through the sense of stagnation that has settled over Japan —
through finance.
And to support the growth of Japanese industry.
During the biotech winter affecting listed biotech ventures, we supplied PIPEs capital to enable investments that bridge the “valley of death.”
Through the carve-out from Takeda Pharmaceutical, we built Axcelead.
Through a Japan–US joint venture, we built ARCALIS and helped establish domestic manufacturing of mRNA therapeutics.
And the many themes still ahead — healthcare, AI, DX, defense, semiconductors, tourism, regional revitalization, education, culture, and beyond
— all rest on the foundation of the commitment we made at the time of our independence.
And together with the shareholders, fund investors, portfolio companies, partners — every stakeholder who shares this vision, our directors and employees will work together to help shape the future ahead.
That is our commitment.
