Although the pandemic will represent a damaging shock, Watanabe believes it may eventually be beneficial for Japan's startup space.

Katrin Salchert, previously vice-president for knowledge and tech transfer at BTU Cottbus, has been appointed rector of HTW Dresden.

Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures' international outlook has eased the switch to remote working somewhat, and opportunities are available for careful investors.

Caroline Dreyer, leader of Conectus, has been appointed president of the national Satt Network for a one-year term as part of a board reshuffle.

Taiichi Hoshino has departed from his managing director position overseeing Japan Post Bank's investments to lead an investment strategy department at SoftBank.

Brandon Middaugh has been promoted from Microsoft's cloud energy and sustainability team to direct the Climate Innovation Fund it disclosed in January.

Former NTUitive chief executive Jui Lim will lead the Singaporean government's deep tech-focused investment unit from this May.

Microsoft's corporate venturing arm has hired Priyanka Mitra, who had previously logged time in CVC at Kaiser Permanente.

Mayo Clinic alumnus Timmeko Moore Love has co-founded nascent corporate venture capital unit Entergy Strategic Ventures as managing director.

Faisal Rehman, previously a partner who managed SoftBank Vision Fund’s Middle East investments, has ascended to managing partner following the departures of several key executives.