Karthik RAMPALLI

Karthik Rampalli is an Associate at AZCA and the founder of a cybersecurity startup. He advises Japanese and international companies on cross-border strategy, technology commercialization, business development, and innovation partnerships between Japan and the United States.

A recipient of the prestigious Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, Karthik earned a degree in Japanese Language from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from the Tokyo Institute of Technology (now Institute of Science Tokyo). Fluent in Japanese and English, he combines technical expertise with deep cultural understanding to bridge businesses, investors, and innovators across international markets.

Before founding his startup, Karthik built his career across management consulting and venture capital. He advised Japanese corporations on innovation and digital transformation initiatives before investing in deep technology startups spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, climate technology, cybersecurity, and healthcare. He has supported startups and multinational corporations with fundraising, product strategy, strategic partnerships, and market expansion across Japan, the United States, and India.

Beyond his professional work, Karthik has been selected for internationally recognized leadership programs including the St. Gallen Symposium Leaders of Tomorrow, Salzburg Global Seminar, World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community, and One Young World. He is also the co-founder of the MEXT Scholars' Association, a global network connecting more than 25,000 scholars and alumni.