Yasuko Shusa
Medical Device | Technology Assessment, CVC, Investor, Corporate Strategy, Global Business Development, R&D Collaboration
San Jose, California
Overview
Work Experience
Senior Advisor
2025 - Current
MedVenture Partners, Inc founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a successful venture capital firm specializing in healthcare investments, with a particular focus on medical devices. I am based in Silicon Valley.
Innovation & Alliance Advisor
2024
Deep Tech is a key driver of business innovation and profitability. Deep Tech Connections is an exclusive, high-impact platform and professional networking community designed to foster innovation and collaboration within the deep tech industry. By connecting entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, corporate innovators, and government professionals, it accelerates groundbreaking advancements and strategic partnerships.
Medical Device Advocate, Mentor, Healthcare Enthusiast
2023
Experienced medtech evaluator with a strong passion for healthcare and improving quality of life. Well-connected within the medtech ecosystem, particularly in Silicon Valley, with a focus on driving innovation. Mentoring and supporting the growth of startups, while remaining at the forefront of advancements in medtech.
Venture Investment Lead - Olympus Innovation Ventures
2014 - 2022
Aug 2021 - Oct 2022 OLYMPUS INNOVATION VENTURES | CVC Group, A stage agnostic venture fund *FOCUS AREA: GI, Respiratory, Urology Apr 2019 - Aug 2021 OLYMPUS Corporation of The Americas | Global Business Development: Technology Exploration & Alliance | R&D/Innovation Strategy Global: Technology Scouting *FOCUS AREA: GI, Respiratory, Urology, AI, Robotics Apr 2015 - Mar 2019 OLYMPUS Communication Technology of America Primary responsible for establishing collaboration strategy by scouting innovative medical device technology. Research qualified companies for new partnership opportunities for Olympus's strategic fit in technology and market. Interacting with startups, VCs, Universities, R&D Institutions to initiate collaboration for joint development, licensing and M&A. 2014 - 2015 OLYMPUS Headquarters (Tokyo, Japan) Worked as an exclusive consultant
Spiration is a developer of therapeutic medical devices for the treatment of air leaks and lung diseases.
Raised $94,300,000.00 from InterWest Partners, New Leaf Venture Partners, Three Arch Partners, Investor Growth Capital Limited, New Enterprise Associates, Versant Ventures and Olympus Medical Systems.
Director, Strategic Business Development
2004 - 2013
A subsidiary of Olympus Corporation (Medical Systems, Scientific Solutions, and R&D) Formerly ITX International Holdings/Nissho Iwai (Corporate Venture Capital) * Researched qualified companies for new partnership and/or early-stage investment opportunities for strategic fit in technology and market. * Invested up to $5.0 million in several early stage companies, based on research, market, competitor analysis, and other investment criteria. Conducted thorough due diligence prior to negotiations. * Established and maintained strong ongoing relationships with venture capitalists, entrepreneurial scientists, top tier university professors for on-site analysis and assessment of prospective technologies, business models, financial health, and strategic planning in preparation for potential partnership or acquisition. * Led internal and external cross-functional teams to identify synergy, discuss potential business relationships, and nurture company growth through strategic business development.
Spiration is a developer of therapeutic medical devices for the treatment of air leaks and lung diseases.
Raised $94,300,000.00 from InterWest Partners, New Leaf Venture Partners, Three Arch Partners, Investor Growth Capital Limited, New Enterprise Associates, Versant Ventures and Olympus Medical Systems.
Manager, Business Development
2002 - 2004
”SB Life Science Equity Management” Venture Capital firm founded by SoftBank, targeting the entire spectrum of Life Science: Medical Device, Biotechnology, incl. Pharmaceutical Development/Drug Discovery tools & platforms, and Medical informatics.
Director, Corporate Development
2000 - 2002
IT/MSP Start-Up Company, Spin off of Itochu Corporation One of Initial founding members