日本語 
Miho Shimizu has announced her new position at ALPHA, Inc., joining the Tokyo-based venture capital firm as a middle-office professional. In a LinkedIn post, Shimizu said she had joined the company and described herself as the firm’s “one-person middle office.”
Shimizu brings extensive experience across Japan’s technology and startup ecosystem. Her LinkedIn profile states that she has spent around 20 years working in the IT and technology sector, including several years at for Startups, Inc., where she held roles including Principal and worked across human capital and open innovation activities.
Her move comes as ALPHA continues to build its presence in Japan’s startup investment landscape. Founded in 2024, ALPHA is an independent venture capital firm focused on early-stage startups. The firm says its investment approach covers areas including B2B, AI and B2C businesses, with a particular interest in startups addressing challenges unique to Japan.
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The addition of a dedicated middle-office function highlights an often less visible part of venture capital operations. While investment teams typically receive attention for identifying startups and managing portfolios, middle-office responsibilities can support the operational, organizational and administrative processes needed as an investment firm grows.
For Shimizu, the transition also represents a shift from her previous work supporting growth companies and startup talent toward an internal role within a venture capital environment. Her background in executive recruitment, startup ecosystems and organizational development could provide relevant experience as ALPHA expands its activities.
Shimizu’s appointment reflects the broader movement of experienced technology and startup professionals into roles supporting Japan’s growing venture capital ecosystem.
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