Shogo Ishida is the CEO of EMURGO Middle East & Africa, leading Web3 investment and ecosystem development across Africa and the Middle East. In 2021, EMURGO, one of the founding entities of Cardano, launched a $100 million investment vehicle to Africa. Since then, EMURGO MEA has invested in 85 startups, accelerated 20, and incubated 3 ventures.
He is also the co-founder and board member of Adaverse, a Web3 accelerator that entered Saudi Arabia in 2024 through a partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, launching the nation’s first Web3 Alliance.
Previously, as CEO of QRC Group, he advised the Uzbekistan government on Web3 regulations and led digitization initiatives with the London Stock Exchange and BSI. His previous service includes roles at Japan’s Consulate in Dubai and as secretary to Japan’s Foreign and Deputy Prime Ministers. He has spoken at Davos 2023 and lectures at major global universities including Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos and IIT Hyderabad.