Speaker Bios
Richard Anslow, Partner, Ellenoff Grossman & Schole
Richard I. Anslow, a senior corporate and securities partner whose practice focuses on domestic and international securities, financings, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate representation. His practice encompasses representation of a variety of public and private company issuers, investors and investment banks. Skilled in Investor Relations, Venture Capital, Acquisitions, Securities, and Equities. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a J.D. focused in Law from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University.
Laura Anthony, Founding Partner, Anthony, Linder & Cacomanolis, PLLC
Laura Anthony, Esq. is the founding partner of Anthony, Linder & Cacomanolis, where she has established herself as a preeminent authority in U.S. securities laws and going public transactions. As a prolific author and thought leader, she provides sophisticated counsel to domestic and international issuers (including, but not limited to, the firm’s considerable Japanese practice) navigating the complexities of public and private corporate finance transactions, including, but not limited to, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), direct listings (DPOs), registered direct offerings (RDOs), confidentially marketed public offerings (CMPOs), follow-on public offerings (FPOs), best-efforts public offerings (BEOs), private investment in public equity transactions (PIPEs), at-the-market offerings (ATMs), equity lines, Regulation A offerings, de-SPAC transactions, and listing of securities on the NASDAQ and NYSE. Her solution-oriented approach has made her a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and boards of directors involved in high-stakes capital markets transactions.
Takuro Awazu, Partner, City-Yuwa Partners
Takuro Awazu is a Partner at City-Yuwa Partners, specializing in cross-border transactions, overseas listings, international trade, economic security, and China-related legal matters. He advises Japanese and international clients on M&A, foreign direct investment, regulatory compliance, and complex cross-border commercial transactions. He has extensive experience representing issuers in overseas capital markets transactions, including IPOs on Nasdaq and other international stock exchanges. Mr. Awazu also has deep expertise in trade law, including export controls, anti-dumping, and foreign investment regulations, drawing on his experience as Deputy Director of the Multilateral Trade System Department at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Recognized by leading international legal directories for his work in international business transactions and trade law, he is valued for providing practical, strategic, and business-oriented legal advice to clients operating in global markets.
Drew Bernstein, Co-Chair, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
Drew Bernstein is the Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of MarcumAsia, initially co-founder of Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, a PCAOB registered accounting firm which has been providing SEC audit and advisory services to Asian companies since 1983. The firm was formerly an affiliate of Marcum LLP. Today, MarcumAsia is one of the largest middle market accounting firms servicing Asia-based, US publicly traded companies and the most active independent auditor for cross-border IPOs and SPAC mergers.
Archibald Ciganer, Managing Partner, Artemis Ventures
After joining BNP Paribas (Tokyo) in 2000, Mr. Ciganer worked as a credit analyst and M&A banker before joining T Rowe Price Japan as a research analyst in 2007. For over a decade, he was the fund manager for the Japan Equity Strategy and CIO of the Investment division, leading a number of investment projects in both public and private stocks. In particular, since 2018, Mr. Ciganer has been involved in many crossover investments in late-stage companies. He also been supporting the growth of Japan’s startup ecosystem through various initiatives such as serving as a judge for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "Deep Ecosystem".
Crocker Coulson, CEO, AUM Advisors Inc.
Crocker is an award-winning investor relations and corporate communications advisor with two decades of experience helping public and private companies access the capital markets and complete major acquisitions and business transformations. He has worked with senior leaders of over 100 companies across various industries ranging from startups to Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 scale enterprises. His firm, AUM Advisors, provides capital markets, investor relations, financial reporting, and corporate communications advisory services, with a strong focus on companies from Asia going public in the U.S. via IPO or SPAC merger.
David E. Danovitch, Partner, Sullivan & Worcester LLP
David is the managing partner of Sullivan's New York office, where he is also director of the Corporate Department and co-heads the Firm’s Asia practice. He has extensive cross-border transaction experience representing issuers, broker-dealers and investment funds in financings, capital markets transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. David's clients span a variety of industries and his practice includes such matters as general corporate governance, securities regulation, mergers and acquisitions, and financings, and has defended numerous government enforcement actions. He also maintains several securities industry licenses, including the Series 24 (Registered Principal), Series 7 (General Securities), Series 79 (Investment Banking), and Series 99 (Operations), which gives him a unique insight into the challenges facing regulated firms.
Jordan Fisher, Co-Founder & Chairman, Zehitomo Inc. Venture Partner, Antler Japan
Jordan Fisher is Co-Founder and Chairman of Zehitomo, Japan’s marketplace for local services. From home renovations to karaoke coaches, Zehitomo provides a platform to match with 600+ types of service professionals. Jordan is also Venture Partner at Antler Japan, supporting and investing in ambitious founders from Day Zero. Previously, Jordan was Vice President at J.P.Morgan in Tokyo, working in Fixed Income Technology and Equities Sales Trading.
Born and raised in New York, Jordan holds a B.S. Computer Science from the University of Southern California. He is also a loving husband, and a father to two young daughters.
Raffaele Gambardella, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Risk Officer, Alliance Global Partners
Raffaele Gambardella is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Risk Officer at A.G.P. He is responsible for the firm’s operations and oversees risk management for all departments.
Mr. Gambardella has over 25 years of experience in the Securities Industry. He has been a Partner in RG Michals Holdings since 1999 and was affiliated with several independent firms where he was responsible for the oversight of branch operations for multiple offices. Between 2009 and 2018 he managed over 300 Registered Advisors and Operations personnel.
Raffaele started his studies at the University of Economics in Naples (Italy), and he graduated from Baruch College, CUNY with a BBA in International Business and a minor in Psychology.
Raffaele currently has his Series 7, 63, 4, and 24 licenses.
Edric Yi Guo, Chief Executive Officer & Head of Investment Banking, Univest Securities, LLC
Edric Yi Guo is a visionary leader in global investment banking. As one of the most prolific and influential investment bankers spanning the Asia-Pacific and North American markets, Mr. Guo has spearheaded transactions exceeding $1 billion across a diverse range of financial vehicles, including private placements, IPOs, follow-on offerings, SPACs, and M&A.
Under his leadership, Univest Securities has transformed into a full-service global financial powerhouse, integrating investment banking, equity and debt capital markets, as well as institutional and high-net-worth sales & trading. His strategic vision and execution have positioned the firm as a premier platform for cross-border capital flow and high-impact financial solutions.
With over a decade of expertise in investment banking and capital markets, Mr. Guo is renowned for his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, structure innovative deals, and drive significant value for issuers, investors, and institutions. His deep understanding of both Western and Asian financial ecosystems makes him a sought-after advisor and dealmaker at the intersection of international finance.
Carol Hou, Co-Head of APAC (ex-China) Capital Markets, The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
Carol Hou is Co-Head of Asia Pacific (ex-China) Capital Markets at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), specializing in guiding APAC companies and shareholders through the NYSE listing process. With a career dedicated to capital markets, she brings ECM experience from Morgan Stanley and Mizuho Securities, where she advised Asian issuers on IPOs and capital markets transactions across local and US markets.
Keith Yuki Isobe, Managing Director of DG Ventures & CEO of ONL(fka Open Network Lab)
Keith Yuki Isobe is Managing Director and Member of the IC Board at DG Ventures, one of Japan's leading global venture capital firms with AUM of approx 600 million, 240 direct investments, and 40 LP investments through a Fund of Funds program with Tier 1 global GPs. Concurrently, Isobe serves as CEO of ONL (fka Open Network Lab)
Prior to DG Ventures and ONL, he was a co-founder of Medically, which was acquired by M3 (TSE2413), and served as CFO and Board Member of Medcare. He was also President and COO of Adstars, acquired by Geniee, and subsequently served as COO and Senior Vice President at Geniee (TSE6562).
Unicorns in Isobe's recent portfolio: MX Technologies, GrubMarket, Healthians, NOBROKER, LIME (Neutron Holdings), Quantstamp, Playco and Mysten Labs.
He holds an MBA from Waseda University.
Alex Jin, Managing Director, Maxim Group
Mr. Jin has over 10 years of investment banking experience focusing on emerging growth companies in Greater China. Mr. Jin has participated in over $2 billion worth of transactions, including IPO, SPAC, Follow-on, RD/CMPO, Private Placement and M&A. Mr. Jin currently spearheads Maxim’s China practice and has been instrumental in propelling firm’s practice to a industry leading position. Prior to joining Maxim Group, Mr. Jin was with Global Hunter Securities, where he focused on executing China-based transactions. Prior to Global Hunter Securities, Mr. Jin began his investment banking career at Sterne Agee & Leach. Mr. Jin holds an MBA and B.A. from the University of California, Riverside. He is bilingual in English and Mandarin. Mr. Jin holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 79 Registrations.
Hirohisa Kato, Partner, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
Hirohisa Kato is a licensed Japanese Certified Public Accountant and seasoned Audit Partner with over 30 years of experience spanning Big Four public accounting and mid-market advisory. A graduate of Waseda University (Bachelor of Commerce, 1993), he began his career at Deloitte Japan and built a distinguished track record across domestic and international audit engagements, IPO services, and cross-border transactions.
Hirohisa brings rare depth in both Japanese GAAP and IFRS, with significant hands-on experience in US GAAP environments gained during five years at Deloitte's Dallas office (2002–2007). Fluent in English and Japanese, he has served as audit partner for clients listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, NYSE, Korea Stock Exchange, Taiwan Stock Exchange, and Singapore Stock Exchange — all applying IFRS — as well as for companies pursuing Nasdaq listings in the United States.
Sachiko Katori, Director Japan, AUM Advisors Inc
Sachiko Katori has over 18 years of experience in cross-border equity transactions, capital markets advisory, and financial communications, with a focus on U.S.–Japan and Asia ex-Japan markets. Her background spans ECM, M&A, private company fundraising, and investor communications for public and private companies. She previously held roles at Nomura Securities International, Daiwa Capital Markets America in New York. Sachiko holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a law degree from Waseda University.
Craig Linder, Partner, Anthony, Linder & Cacomanolis, PLLC
Craig D. Linder, Esq. is a partner (Head of Capital Markets) at Anthony, Linder & Cacomanolis, PLLC, who has over 30 years of experience as a securities lawyer representing foreign (including, but not limited to, the firm’s Japanese practice) and U.S. issuers and investment banks in public and private corporate finance transactions, including, but not limited to, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), direct listings (DPOs), registered direct offerings (RDOs), confidentially marketed public offerings (CMPOs), follow-on public offerings (FPOs), best-efforts public offerings (BEOs), private investment in public equity transactions (PIPEs), at-the-market offerings (ATMs), equity lines, Regulation A offerings, de-SPAC transactions, and listing of securities on the NASDAQ and NYSE. Craig has worked with a significant number of Japanese companies on their IPOs, de-SPAC transactions, and direct listings on U.S. exchanges. He is a graduate of NYU Law School.
Yuji Mori, Director/CFO, SmartHR Inc.
Rakuten (Investor Relations)
Joined SmartHR in 2020, head of Finance / Investor Relations since 2021
Kei Nagasawa, Managing Partner, Minerva Growth Partners
After working in the investment/M&A advisory division mainly in energy, retail, and food sector at Mitsubishi Corporation, Kei joined Goldman Sachs Investment Banking Department in 2007 where he was responsible for financial advisory services including M&A and IPOs, mainly in the technology sector in Tokyo and San Francisco. Nagasawa became CFO at Mercari, Japan’s first private unicorn to raise capital twice, and took the company public in June 2018. He resigned as CFO in September 2020. Graduated from Keio University, and an MBA from University of Chicago.
Akira Nozaki, Founder, SprAut Accounting Corporation
Founded SprAut Accounting Corporation in 2022. Specializes in U.S. IPO project management, serving as a trusted financial advisory partner in Japan from pre-audit, filing, and valuation support to comprehensive financial solutions.
Expertly delivers critical requirements for U.S. listings, including GAAP conversions, auditor coordination, drafting registration documents, and valuation support. Brings extensive experience as a Japanese CPA with a leading Big 4 firm, including a secondment at its Silicon Valley office.
James Riney, Founding Partner & CEO, Coral Capital
James is the CEO & Founding Partner of Coral Capital, where he invests in companies both in Japan and globally that will define Japan’s next century. The firm’s portfolio includes SmartHR, Kyoto Fusioneering, Ramp, Anduril, and General Matter.
Prior to Coral, James launched the first fund for 500 Startups in Japan, and before that he covered early stage investments for DeNA’s venture arm, focusing on Silicon Valley and Asia.
Before investing, he was the founding CEO of ResuPress (now Coincheck, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan, NASDAQ: CNCK). In another life, he worked at J.P. Morgan in New York and Tokyo. He grew up in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese.
Kiyoshi Seko, President,Kyoto Fusioneering
Kiyoshi Seko joined Kyoto Fusioneering in April 2021. Prior to joining KF, he worked for Mitsubishi Corporation for almost 10 years, where he was involved in business development and strategic investments, including for the establishment of overseas JVs and cross-border M&As. After obtaining his MBA, he worked for Coral Capital, a leading VC firm in Japan, where he made several investments – including one in Kyoto Fusioneering before joining the company – mainly in the deeptech area. Kiyoshi has an M.S in Mechanical Engineering from Kyoto University and an M.S in Applied Physics from University of Tokyo, as well as an MBA from IE Business School, Spain.
Shinya Shimizu, CEO, Elephantech Inc.
In 2014, Shimizu founded Elephantech Inc. — then known as AgIC Inc. — and assumed the role of CEO.
Elephantech was the first company in the world to commercialize a circuit formation process using proprietary copper nanomaterials. The company contributes to the realization of high-density, high-thermal-performance packaging required in the AI era.
Prior to founding the company, he worked at McKinsey & Company from 2012, where he engaged primarily in consulting for the manufacturing sector.
He holds a Master’s degree from the Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo.
John A. Stapleton, Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
John Stapleton represents clients in domestic and international corporate and securities transactions. He regularly advises issuers and underwriters in a variety of public and private securities transactions, including initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, debt offerings and special purpose acquisition company transactions. His clients operate businesses in a variety of industries, primarily including healthcare, real estate, medical technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and blockchain and crypto assets, among others.
John lived for six years in Japan and is a leading capital markets and M&A attorney in cross-border Japanese legal matters. He has extensive experience representing Japanese and U.S. companies in a variety of cross-border corporate and capital markets transactions. John serves as an independent director on the board of directors of LogProstyle Inc., a Japanese company which operates a real estate renovation and resale business, a real estate development business, a hotel management business and a restaurant management business.
Robert Stephenson, Managing Director, Investment Banking, ROTH Capital Partners, LLC
Robert Stephenson is a Managing Director, Co-Head Sustainability Investment Banking at ROTH. He has been with the company since 1998. Starting in 2005, he played a pivotal role in developing Roth Capital Partners' China Investment Banking practice and currently leads the Industrials and Cleantech sectors. Throughout his career, he has successfully completed nearly 170 transactions with a total value exceeding $6.5 billion. Notably, he has been involved in over 80 transactions, totaling over $3.5 billion, specifically for U.S.-listed Chinese companies. Prior to joining Roth in 1998, he gained experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (formerly known as Coopers and Lybrand, L.L.P.).
Mr. Stephenson holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California.
Gen Takahashi, Vice President, Cohen & Company Capital Markets
Gen is an investment banking professional specializing in M&A advisory, SPAC advisory and capital-raising. At Cohen & Company Capital Markets he has advised companies on strategic transactions and access to the U.S. capital markets, including cross-border transactions involving companies across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Prior to CCM, Gen was with Guggenheim Securities, where he executed M&A and capital raising transactions. Prior to his finance career, Gen served as a Combat Engineer Officer in the United States Marine Corps and as a Special Agent in the FBI, where he focused on counterintelligence matters related to the aerospace and defense sector.
Gen holds an MBA from Cornell University and an LL.B. from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan.
Issei Takino, CEO and Co-Founder, Mujin, Inc.
Issei Takino is the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer at Mujin Inc, and is responsible for leveraging Mujin's automation technology to fundamentally change the landscape of manufacturing and logistics.
Before founding Mujin, he served as an Award-Winning Sales Manager at the Japanese branch of Iscar, one of the most profitable precision tool makers in the world.
Hidehiro Tanaka, President and CEO, The Bank of New York Mellon Securities Co. Japan Ltd.
Hidehiro Tanaka oversees the overall business operations and governance of BNY’s securities company in Japan. He also works closely with other lines of business and affiliated entities to pursue new business opportunities and strengthen client relationships.
As Head of Depositary Receipts (DR) Japan, he is responsible for communications and relationship management in support of new business development, working with prospective and existing clients as well as key market participants, including investment banks, legal firms, accounting firms, and U.S. exchanges.
Hidehiro Tanaka joined BNY in 2018. Prior to joining BNY, he spent eight years at Deutsche Bank, where he served as Head of DR Japan and as a senior manager in the Equity Capital Markets business, advising Japanese clients on and executing equity financing transactions. Before Deutsche Bank, he worked at JPMorgan for 12 years in a range of roles across Depositary Receipts, Credit Portfolio, and Operations Risk Control. He began his career at Daiwa Securities in securities sales.
Yusuke Tani, Partner, City-Yuwa Partners
Yusuke Tani is a Partner at City-Yuwa Partners, advising on a wide range of corporate matters, with a particular focus on cross-border M&A, overseas listings, antitrust and competition law, China-related legal matters, and international disputes. He has extensive international experience, including legal training in China, India, and Hong Kong, and is admitted to practice in New York. Mr. Tani has advised on numerous cross-border transactions, including listings by Japanese companies on Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Drawing on his knowledge of both Japanese law and overseas legal systems, he provides practical and strategic legal services to clients engaged in international business.
Louis Taubman, Managing Partner, Hunter Taubman Fischer& Li LLC
Mr. Taubman is the managing Partner of HTFL’s New York office.
Mr. Taubman concentrates his practice on securities law, corporate finance and corporate governance. He represents issuers, broker dealers and investors in connection with “going public” transactions, private and public finance. Mr. Taubman provides counsel to issuers and institutional investors with regard to the set up and implementation of public company structuresfor both do mestic and foreign based issuers.
Mr. Taubman has provided advice with regard to initial public offerings for numerous small to mid-cap public issuers with both domestic and overseas operations. He has provided counsel to
such issuers, as well as institutions involved in the finance of such issuers, with regard to both public and private financing transactions. Mr. Taubman provides advice to various issuers with
regard to their continued Securities Exchange Act of 1934 reporting requirements, as well as related issues of corporate compliance and governance. Mr. Taubman also assists issuers with regard to initial listing on the Nasdaq, NYSE- American, OTCQX and other markets and exchanges, as well as ongoing compliance with exchange listing requirements.
Susan Woo, Partner, Beyond Century Consulting, LLC
Susan Woo is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant with more than 30 years of experience in auditing, accounting, and financial advisory services across both U.S. and international markets. Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked with companies across a wide range of industries, including technology, consumer products, business services, natural resources, and manufacturing.
Susan has extensive experience helping growth-stage and private companies prepare for the rigorous financial, accounting, and audit requirements associated with becoming a public company. She advises management teams on IPO readiness, including strengthening financial reporting processes, preparing audited financial statements, implementing internal controls, addressing accounting and compliance issues, and aligning SEC and public company reporting standards.
Her expertise enables organizations to identify potential audit and reporting challenges early, improve the quality and reliability of their financial information, and establish the governance and control frameworks expected by regulators, auditors, and investors. By helping companies build a strong financial foundation before entering the public markets, Susan plays a critical role in reducing execution risk and supporting a smoother IPO journey.
Er (Arila) Zhou, Partner, Robinson+Cole LLP
Er (Arila) Zhou represents special purpose acquisition corporations, emerging growth companies, funds and investment banks, with an emphasis on private and public transactions in relation to a broad range of corporate, private equity, capital markets, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance matters. Arila is a member of our firm’s Business Transactions group and co-leads our Capital Markets + Securities team.