In an insightful conversation with Indian Startup Times, Koshu Kunii, General Partner at Lifetime Ventures, delved into the evolving dynamics of venture capital, the promise of impact investing, and the future of fintech. With a career shaped by global exposure and a foundation in development finance at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Kunii brings a unique perspective to early-stage investments that prioritize both profit and purpose.
From Development Finance to Impact-Focused VC
Koshu’s transition from IFC to Lifetime Ventures was driven by a desire to merge financial performance with positive societal and environmental outcomes. “I wanted to invest in startups that align financial success with social and environmental impact,” he shared, reinforcing his commitment to backing ventures that drive meaningful change.
Investment Thesis: People First, Planet Always
Lifetime Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage companies in sectors that influence human and planetary health. Koshu and his team place a strong emphasis on founder quality—particularly traits like the ability to build teams, acquire customers, and secure capital. A unique aspect of his evaluation is “lovability”—a founder’s capacity to attract a loyal network, which Koshu believes is essential for early-stage success.
Fintech in India: Promise Meets Practicality
Koshu sees significant opportunity in India’s booming fintech ecosystem, driven by a massive population and increasing digital adoption. However, he also notes hurdles such as regulatory complexity and challenges in achieving unit profitability—factors that may deter some international investors. “India’s fintech sector is promising, but long-term success hinges on sustainable business models,” he stated.
The Role of AI in Investment Decision-Making
While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential in enhancing decision-making, Koshu cautions against overreliance. “AI can amplify efficiency, but outsourcing critical investment decisions entirely to algorithms is risky,” he warned. The human element, in his view, remains irreplaceable—especially when assessing early-stage founders.
The Power of Strategic Partnerships
A distinguishing strategy at Lifetime Ventures is fostering partnerships between startups and their partner research institution- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). Koshu cites a case where Nutrix, a Swiss health tech company successfully collaborated with a research institute to accelerate innovation. “Such collaborations de-risk innovation and open doors to scalable impact,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
As Lifetime Ventures continues to back founders building the future of human and planetary well-being, its unique approach—blending rigorous founder evaluation, sector focus, and global partnerships—positions the firm as a forward-thinking player in the venture capital space. Koshu Kunii’s vision reflects the growing demand for capital that not only generates returns but also leaves a lasting, positive footprint.
