As the Tokyo-based co-founder and managing partner of global VC fund Fresco Capital, Allison Baum is frequently asked “Why are you in Japan?” Indeed, with a global network of corporate partners, investors, and portfolio companies, many of them are curious to know why Fresco sees long term potential in the Japanese market. Though Japan is an advanced and well developed economy, the country is struggling with the need to innovate in the face of critical challenges such as a deflationary economy, a rapidly aging population, and an impending automation of the workforce. Fresco’s view is that this environment presents an extremely promising market opportunity for companies addressing challenges in healthcare, education and workplaces of the future. Join us as Allison shares her experience on the challenges and opportunities of expanding to Japan, bridging the cultural divide between Japan and the rest of the world, and discovering firsthand what it takes to successfully build long term partnerships in Japan.
SPEAKER
Allison Baum, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Fresco Capital
BIO
Allison Baum is a co-founder and managing partner of Fresco Capital, a global, early stage venture capital fund investing in technology companies transforming education, healthcare, and the future of work at scale. Prior to Fresco, Allison was an early member of the team at General Assembly, a global network for education and career transformation specialising in today’s most in-demand skills, where she developed and launched the company’s first part-time and full-time programs for technology, business, and design in New York. In 2012, she relocated to Hong Kong to launch their first business in Asia. Previously, she was a member of the Equity Derivatives team and Cross Asset Sales teams at Goldman Sachs in New York City.
Allison graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a BA in Economics and a Minor in Film Studies. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers community, a mentor for emerging women entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia at Wedu Global, a mentor for global social impact entrepreneurs at Endeavour Capital, and was named by Forbes as one of the 30 Top Emerging VC Managers in Asia.
AGENDA
4:15pm: Doors open
4:30pm-5:30pm: Main Content, followed by discussion
5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking
PARKING
Open parking at Stanford University available starting 4:00pm near Encina Hall unless otherwise marked. Nearest parking garage is Structure 7, below the Graduate School of Business Knight School of Management.