Saisei Ventures, a leading investment firm focused on advancing Japanese biotechnology and therapeutic innovations, today announced that Mr. James Feliciano has been appointed venture partner.

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James Feliciano, Venture Partner

With more than 20 years of experience as a pharmaceutical executive in Japan, Mr. Feliciano is a world-class leader in advancing innovative therapies and guiding global teams to success. Most recently, he founded 3C Advisors GK, a Tokyo-based strategic advisory firm partnering with organizations to navigate the complexities of the Japanese market and drive impactful results. Prior to 3C Advisors, Mr. Feliciano served as president and general manager of Japan operations at AbbVie, where he oversaw strategic initiatives across multiple therapeutic areas, driving strategic planning and operational performance. He also held the role of president of Japan operations at Merck KGaA, where he led large-scale organizational strategy and execution. Earlier in his career at Pfizer, Mr. Feliciano launched the company’s first vaccine division in Japan and secured landmark reimbursement policies for pediatric vaccines.

At Saisei, Mr. Feliciano will play a key role in working with portfolio company management teams to shape their development strategies and enhance the ultimate attractiveness of their drug candidates to global pharmaceutical partners. His deep expertise in late-stage commercialization and market access will help companies anticipate the clinical, regulatory and payer considerations that drive successful partnerships and market adoption.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mr. Feliciano to Saisei,” said Jonathan Yeh, managing partner at Saisei Ventures. “His expertise and insight into Japan’s pharmaceutical and biotech landscape, and his proven ability to lead, mentor and execute strategy on a global scale, will be invaluable as we advance the next generation of biotechnology companies.”

Mr. Feliciano holds a B.A. in psychology from Hampden-Sydney College, an M.A. in Japanese studies from the University of Michigan, and an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. He is actively involved in PhRMA Japan and previously served as chairman, where he led initiatives to highlight the importance of fostering an innovation ecosystem. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Feliciano is deeply committed to mentoring talent in the industry. He is a certified executive coach by the International Coaching Federation and a member of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, where he mentors emerging Japanese leaders and expatriate executives.

“I am excited to join Saisei Ventures at such a pivotal time in the biotechnology landscape,” said Mr. Feliciano. “Japan is uniquely positioned to take on a key role in global innovation, and I look forward to working with the Saisei team to help bring transformative therapies to patients.”

About Saisei Ventures

Saisei Ventures is a life science venture capital firm dedicated to building next-generation companies in the healthcare sector. We create ventures that start from bold ideas and empower dynamic entrepreneurs by providing technical, operational, and financial guidance. Our approach combines Western expertise and Japanese innovations to build globally competitive companies that will have the greatest impact on patient lives. With operations in Japan and the United States, Saisei aims to enhance the value of its portfolio by leveraging its unique networks and the institutional advantages of both countries. For more information, visit https://www.saiseiventures.com/.

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With more than 20 years of experience as a pharmaceutical executive in Japan, Mr. Feliciano is a world-class leader in advancing innovative therapies and guiding global teams to success.