About
Philosophy
“Unison” is a musical term that means “all playing the same tune.” Like an orchestra layering many instruments and sounds to create a beautiful melody, we look to work in harmony with our portfolio companies to support their growth. Our philosophy is that companies can achieve a new growth trajectory when management, employees and shareholders share the same values and work towards a common goal.
Guiding Principles
Established at the time of Unison Capital’s inception, the Guiding Principles are at the core of our work as investors.
Objectives
Profits are a key to our success. We seek to maximize long-term returns for the company, shareholders, employees and clients—at the expense of short-term profits if necessary.
While we rigorously pursue profitable opportunities, we aim to make an impact on the business community we are involved in. We seek to create business transactions which have value not only to ourselves but also to society.
Values
Partnership is a basic premise of our business. We share benefits generated by the company equitably among shareholders and employees.
We are a team seeking common goals, not individuals’ ones.
We conduct business in a first class manner. Integrity, sound judgement and professionalism enable us to earn respect and to establish an excellent reputation.
Trust is essential to all relationships, both internal and external. In everything we do, we do not compromise to risk this most important element of any relationship.
We are hard working but not at the expense of our families or personal lives.
We believe in building our business and reputation one transaction, one client at a time. Care and professionalism should be extended to everyone we deal with.
We strive to achieve transparency in everything we do. Complete and timely disclosure is vital to our business.
We believe in having fun at work!
History
| 1998 | Unison Capital established |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Fund I closed (38 billion yen) |
| 2004 | Fund II closed (75 billion yen) |
| 2007 | Stand-By Facility closed (60 billion yen) |
| 2009 | Fund III closed (140 billion yen) |
| 2014 | UCK Partners established |
| 2015 | Fund I (Korea) closed (308 billion won) Fund IV closed (70 billion yen) |
| 2019 | Fund II (Korea) closed (500 billion won) |
| 2021 | Fund V closed (71 billion yen) |
| 2022 | Co-Investment Fund closed (30 billion yen) |
| 2023 | Fund III (Korea) closed (1,065 billion won) |
Strategy
Focus Sectors
Leveraging over two decades of accumulated networks and industrial expertise, Unison Capital invests in and supports the growth of primarily mid-cap companies in the following industrial sectors.
Healthcare
Consumer
B2B Services
Approach
Unison Capital takes diverse, tailored approaches to supporting each of its portfolio companies. Some key approaches include strengthening management, revisiting business strategies, providing necessary funds and resources, digital innovation, as well as aiming to create better environments for both portfolio companies and their periphery through a commitment to ESG initiatives.
Strategy
Development
Management
Resources
Digitalization
ESG
Team
In Japan Unison Capital is headed by 8 partners.
Tatsuo Kawasaki
Chairman of Unison Capital Inc. Extensive investment experience in consumer, B2B services and other sectors. Previously worked at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey and NextCard, an internet start-up in the U.S.
Tatsuya Hayashi
Representative Director of Unison Capital Inc. Extensive investment experience in consumer, healthcare, and other sectors. Served as Chairman of Japan Private Equity Association between 2021 to 2023. Previously engaged in investment banking activities at Goldman Sachs.
Tsutomu Kunisawa
Representative Director of Unison Capital Inc. Extensive investment experience in healthcare, and other sectors. Previously worked at Mitsubishi Corporation, Boston Consulting Group, the Development Bank of Japan and the Regional Economy Vitalization Corporation of Japan.
Osamu Yamamoto
Based in Singapore, engaged in developing new business opportunities related to Southeast Asia and India for both the Unison Group and its portfolio companies. Previously worked at Sanwa Bank and McKinsey.
Teppei J. Kono
Leads Unison’s IR-related activities. Extensive investment experience in consumer and other sectors in both Japan and Korea. Founding member of Unison’s Seoul office. Previously worked at Merrill Lynch, engaged in M&A advisory.
Hitoshi Yamaguchi
Oversees Unison Capital Group’s financial, operations and fund administration functions. Previously worked for a U.S.-based real estate investment fund, engaged in structured finance and IPO support for REITs.
Junko Katayanagi
Extensive investment experience in healthcare and other sectors. Previously worked at Morgan Stanley, engaged in corporate finance and M&A advisory.
Daimon Punjabi
Extensive investment experience in consumer and other sectors. Previously worked at Nikko Citigroup and SMBC Nikko Securities engaged in corporate finance and M&A advisory.