Takashi (Taka) Sano is the Chief Investment Officer at MUFG Innovation Partners, the corporate venture capital arm of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG). With a background as a finance controller at Sony, where he oversaw technology investments and acquisitions, and later leading Sony’s global retail energy business then moved to venture capital firm Global Brain, Taka brings extensive experience in both tech operations and investment. Since joining MUFG in 2021, he has driven the group's open innovation strategy, and establishing 50 portfolios across the U.S., Israel, Asia, and Africa. Taka’s leadership has fostered strategic partnerships and joint ventures within the MUFG group, working closely with startups in diverse industries. His work focuses on bridging the gap between traditional finance and emerging technologies, fostering innovation through corporate venture investments.