Backstory

Growing up in China, I was deeply passionate about learning languages, a love that defined much of my early student life. That path took an unexpected turn when I moved to Japan and enrolled in graduate engineering program at University of Tokyo.

The first couple years in graduate school tested my resilience: I navigated language barriers, cultural nuances, and many late-night study sessions. During graduate school, I joined Pocket Concierge, a dining reservation startup as a non-Japanese intern. There, I explored strategic alliances, drove user growth, and witnessed how nimble teams can reshape old industries. The company’s acquisition by American Express in 2019 showed me the potential of local innovation on a global stage.

What’s a habit or ritual that keeps you grounded?

Every morning, I take my dog for a walk. Come rain or shine, we wander through the quiet backstreets of Tokyo. His curiosity reminds me to slow down and notice the little things.

In my free time, I love playing tennis - it's my way of clearning my mind. Focusing on the ball and getting the timing right feels almost meditative. On weekends, my partner and I like to relax by binge-watching TV shows together.

About Ye

I started my career at Credit Suisse in Tokyo, working on cross-border M&A and capital markets transactions. That experience sharpened my financial skills, but I felt a stronger pull toward the dynamic world of founders transforming industries at the ground level.

That pull led me to MPower Partners, where I focus on investments across sectors - with a particular passion for backing women-led startups and bridging Japan’s innovation ecosystem with global markets. As a trilingual investor, I bring both institutional insights and hands-on startup experiences. Whether deep-diving into due diligence or supporting diverse founders, I’m driven by the belief that the most transformative ideas thrive at the intersection of cultures.