Deepak Mishra, who was part of CSAA and MS&AD’s respective CVC units, will focus on data and AI in his principal role at Hitachi Ventures.

Mishra departs from Avanta Ventures

Deepak Mishra has departed from Avanta Ventures, part of US insurance company CSAA Insurance Group, and joined another corporate venture capital unit Hitachi Ventures.

After nearly two years as senior associate at Avanta Ventures, Mishra has taken up a principal role at Japanese conglomerate Hitachi’s strategic investment arm.

The news came in the wake of CSAA announcing it would wind down Avanta’s investment activities. GCV Powerlist member Sanjiv Parikh is the only member remaining at the unit to manage its existing portfolio.

At Hitachi Ventures, Mishra will be focusing on data and AI technologies. Founded in 2019, the unit invests in healthcare, sustainability and future social business startups across Europe, Israel and North America. Hitachi Ventures has 22 active portfolio companies including Akarion, Xaba and Rescale.

Previously, Mishra was an associate for a year at MS&AD Ventures, the corporate venturing subsidiary of Japan-headquartered insurer MS&AD Insurance Group. He also spent a year at venture capital firm Scout Ventures as a venture fellow.

Roshini Bains

Roshini Bains is the junior news reporter for Global Corporate Venturing and Global University Venturing.