Kepple Group, the Japanese VC firm led by founder and CEO Takahiro (Taka) Kanzaki, has revamped its governance structure with the appointment of three new board members, signaling ambitions to expand its global footprint — including deeper ties with Africa’s startup ecosystem.
The Tokyo-based firm, which manages Japan’s largest secondary fund at ¥10 billion ($68 million), has brought on Ory Okolloh, a partner at Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures (VKAV), as an outside director. She is joined by Kei Tanaka, a former Goldman Sachs Japan investment head, and Eric Marcks, a legal expert in cross-border startup transactions.
The appointments come as Kepple seeks to strengthen its corporate governance while accelerating international growth, particularly in Africa, where its joint venture with Nigeria’s Verod Capital has been actively investing.
Kepple Group, which operates venture capital, data, media, and platform businesses, has framed the leadership overhaul as part of a broader push to become a “truly global financial group.”
Okolloh, a Kenyan lawyer and investor, brings extensive experience in African tech and policy, having previously served as Google’s Head of Policy & Government Relations for Africa and Managing Director at Omidyar Network Africa. Her appointment underscores Kepple’s focus on Africa, where VKAV has backed startups like Nigerian fintech Traction and agritech Releaf.
“Joining Kepple’s board presents an exciting opportunity to work alongside a team that shares my passion for driving meaningful impact through strategic investments,” Okolloh said in a statement.
Kei Tanaka, who spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs, will contribute expertise in private equity and distressed debt, while Eric Marcks, a Tokyo-based lawyer specializing in venture capital and M&A, will bolster governance.
Kepple’s partnership with Verod Capital, launched in 2022, positions it as one of the few Japanese VCs with a dedicated Africa focus. The $60 million VKAV fund targets high-growth startups across the continent, leveraging Okolloh’s network and Kepple’s secondary market expertise.
The move aligns with growing interest in African tech from Asian investors, including Japan’s SBI Holdings and Singapore’s Tolaram. However, Kepple faces competition from established players like Partech and TLcom Capital.
While Kepple’s governance revamp signals ambition, scaling in Africa won’t be easy. Currency risks, regulatory hurdles, and a funding downturn pose challenges.
For now, Kepple’s global push hinges on balancing its Japanese LP base with bolder international bets. If successful, it could emerge as a rare bridge between Asian capital and African innovation.
