― Leveraging Expertise in Security and Advanced Technology to Drive Strategic Sophistication for Next-Generation Startups ―

TOKYO, Japan — ON&BOARD Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; Managing Partners: Masato Shimodaira, Kosuke Nakayama) is pleased to announce the appointment of Masanori Nishi, former Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense, as Strategy Advisor.

Mr. Nishi has held numerous prominent positions within the Ministry of Defense, including Administrative Vice-Minister and Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense, playing a pivotal role at the forefront of Japan’s national security policy for many years. In his new role as Strategy Advisor, Mr. Nishi will provide strategic guidance based on national policy and international trends, particularly in ON&BOARD’s focus areas: defense, dual-use technology, and deep tech/AI related to national security.

Background of Masanori Nishi’s Appointment

In recent years, the role of startups has expanded rapidly in sectors critical to economic security, such as AI, robotics, space, cyber, and dual-use technologies. In these fields, business success depends not only on technological superiority but also on a deep understanding of policy, regulatory compliance, public-private partnerships, and a global perspective.

Against this backdrop, ON&BOARD seeks to integrate Mr. Nishi’s extensive policy experience and strategic vision to further enhance its investment decision-making and strengthen mid-to-long-term growth support for its portfolio companies.

Drawing on his profound expertise and vast network in the economic security domain, Mr. Nishi will advise ON&BOARD on the following initiatives:

• Promoting public-private partnerships to foster the growth of the startup ecosystem in the economic security sector.

• Executing investment decisions aligned with long-term national strategies and the evolving security environment.

• Formulating business strategies for the social implementation of deep tech and dual-use technologies developed by portfolio startups.

Masanori Nishi: Biography

Masanori Nishi: Professional Biography

Education

Mr. Nishi most recently served as Administrative Vice Minister of Defense for Japan (2013–2015), playing a central role in strengthening Japan’s defense industrial base and strategic policy frameworks. His work included modernizing defense export principles, overseeing the introduction of the F-35 fighter program, coordinating submarine export discussions with Australia, guiding the enactment of peace and security legislation, revising the Japan–U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines, and establishing the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).

He previously served as Director-General of the Defense Policy Bureau (2011–2013) and Director-General of the Bureau of Finance and Equipment (2009–2011), leading defense policy formulation and procurement reform, and from 2007 to 2009 was Director of the Cabinet Office’s Office for Abandoned Chemical Weapons, where he replaced legacy plans with a mobile destruction facility approach.

In 2006, he served as Deputy Director-General of the Technical Research and Development Institute, contributing to the SM-3 Block IIA missile program. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles including Director-General of the Naha Defense Facilities Bureau (2004–2006), Director of Public Relations, Director of the Secretariat Personnel Division, and Director of the Facilities Planning Division.

In the 1990s, Mr. Nishi served in key procurement and equipment roles, including Director of the Naval Weapons Division and Director of the Ordnance and Supply Division, leading responses to major industrial incidents, procurement rationalization, and defense contracting reforms. As a senior official in the Equipment Bureau (1993–1995), he supervised defense equipment transfer negotiations to the Cambodian government following the withdrawal of Japanese PKO forces, coordinated logistics responses to major domestic emergencies, and participated in bilateral discussions with the United States on ballistic missile defense.

Mr. Nishi began his career in 1978 with the Japan Defense Agency and served as Secretary to the Director-General in 1991. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Tokyo and a Master of Letters (M.Litt.) in International Relations from the University of Oxford, where he studied under Professor Michael Howard.

During his tenure in senior leadership, Mr. Nishi played a central role in several transformative initiatives, including the promotion of the defense industry, the revision of the "Three Principles on Arms Exports," the induction of the F-35 fighter, and coordination for submarine exports to Australia. He also oversaw the enactment of the Legislation for Peace and Security, the revision of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation, and the establishment of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).

Comment from Masanori Nishi

"As the environment surrounding economic security in Japan and globally undergoes profound changes, the role and importance of startups have never been greater. I am committed to leveraging my experience and expertise to provide strategic support, ensuring that the innovations developed by ON&BOARD’s portfolio companies achieve successful social implementation as high-value solutions for both Japan and the international community."

Comment from Shunsuke Hasegawa, Partner at ON&BOARD

"With the addition of Mr. Nishi to our team, ON&BOARD is now positioned to provide multi-dimensional and highly effective strategic support to startups. Our guidance will extend beyond mere technology and market perspectives to incorporate deep insights into national policy, regulatory frameworks, and the international landscape. We remain committed to providing robust support to ensure that startups creating fundamental value for society can achieve sustainable growth and successfully scale their innovations for the benefit of the world."

About ON&BOARD

ON&BOARD is a venture capital firm primarily focused on seed and early-stage investments.

Under the mission "Unlock Talent Across the World," the firm acts as a lead investor across a diverse range of sectors—from AI agents, medical devices, and robotics to nuclear fusion—aiming for broad social implementation of transformative technologies. The team comprises a wide spectrum of experts and advisors, including former strategic consultants, trading house professionals, AI engineers, researchers, lawyers, and specialists with extensive M&A experience, all dedicated to working closely with startups from their founding.

ON&BOARD actively expands the startup ecosystem through various initiatives, including:

• ON&BOARD TIMES: A media platform providing the latest insights and actions for modern entrepreneurship.

• Out Of BOUNDS: An incubation program focused on "zero-to-one" company creation.

• SWISH! Startup Camp: A premier startup conference originating from Nagano Prefecture.

Company Overview

• Company Name: ON&BOARD Co., Ltd.

• Fund Name: ON&BOARD Investment Limited Partnership

• Fund Established: June 2024

• Managing Partners: Masato Shimodaira, Kosuke Nakayama

• Headquarters: CIC Tokyo, 15F Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6415, Japan

• Business Description: Management and operation of venture capital funds and incubation business

• Website: https://onboardvc.com/

Contact Information

ON&BOARD Co., Ltd.
Contact: Shunsuke Hasegawa
Email: info@on-board-vc.com