Tom Kelley is the Founder and Chairman of D4V (Design for Ventures). See sector focus and contact routes.
Tom Kelley is the Founder and Chairman of D4V (Design for Ventures), a Tokyo-based early-stage venture capital firm he established in 2016 alongside his long-standing role as a Partner at the global design consultancy IDEO. D4V targets Seed and Series A startups in Japan, focusing on disruptive technology in consumer and enterprise sectors such as AI, healthcare, fintech, and deep tech. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from approximately $140,000 to $1.4 million and actively provides follow-on capital, often increasing its stake by three to four times the initial check. Kelley’s portfolio includes notable companies like ExaWizards and AirCloset, both of which achieved IPOs, as well as Ubie in AI healthcare and THECOO, which also went public. A distinctive aspect of Kelley’s approach is his emphasis on human-centered design and innovation strategy, leveraging IDEO’s global network to support founders. He is also a best-selling author of books including *Creative Confidence* and *The Art of Innovation*, through which he advocates for nurturing innovative cultures in business.
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