Tomohide Handa

Tomohide Handa joined Advent in 2026 and is a Partner / Managing Director and Head of Japan, leading our Tokyo office. He advises on investments in the consumer and healthcare sectors. Tomohide has advised on eight investments during his career across the Business financial services, consumer, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Prior to joining Advent, Tomohide was a Partner and member of the investment committee at D Capital.

Tomohide received a Bachelor of Law from Keio University, Tokyo. 

How has living in your region impacted your perspective on investing?

Living and working in Japan has reinforced my belief that people and culture are central to sustainable, long-term value creation. Harmony and shared purpose shape how organizations operate here, and when teams unite around a common vision, outcomes are significantly stronger. As an investor, I’ve learned that transformation cannot be imposed in a way that disrupts collective purpose. The most enduring value is created by working from within – understanding an organization’s culture, sharing its ambition, and advancing together with trust and continuity.

How do you see Advent’s approach resonating with Japanese companies?

Trust, long-term orientation, and sector expertise matter deeply in Japan. Advent’s sector-focused model and low-ego culture align well with these priorities. The role of the local team is to embed Advent’s strengths in a way that truly works in Japan – respecting local practices, building lasting relationships, and helping companies access global markets, talent, and capabilities.

Since you began your career, what’s changed the most or least about the industry?

When I started my career, private equity was still establishing itself as a credible source of liquidity in Japan. Over time, the value that private equity brings – strategic guidance, capital for geographic expansion, a broader ecosystem of resources – has become much more visible and widely understood. This shift reflects the steady track record the industry has built in the Japanese market. At the same time, as more firms have entered the market and competition has intensified, each firm is increasingly required to re-examine its role and continue evolving.

How do you partner with management teams?

I see management teams as long-term partners, sharing some of the most pivotal years of their professional journeys. Our partnership goes far beyond investment strategy or financial metrics – it’s about aligning personal aspirations and long-term goals with the company’s direction. From the outset, I work to establish a shared vision. Once that’s in place, I prioritize thoughtful delegation over intervention, ensuring management teams have the resources, talent, and global reach they need to succeed.