Kentaro Kawamori

Partner, Shoreline Vehicle Design Group

Kentaro Kawamori is a Partner at Shoreline Vehicle Design Group, bringing a global entrepreneurial network, a passion for automotive culture, and a sharp eye for building brands that endure.

A multi-time founder and entrepreneur, Kentaro is best known for building First Recon AI and Persefoni, two platforms operating under the same company. First Recon AI is a cybersecurity platform for secure enterprise AI adoption, while Persefoni enables businesses to manage their sustainability posture and compliance requirements. Used by thousands of companies globally, the company has raised nearly $200 million in venture and growth capital since its founding in 2020 and has been recognised by Forbes Best Startup Employers, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and Time's list of top global startups. Investors include TPG, Hermes, Bain & Co., SMBC, and EDF.

Prior to this, Kentaro founded Umbrage, an enterprise software venture acquired by Bain & Co. in 2023. Before his entrepreneurial journey he spent his career as a venture investor, CIO of a Fortune 500 energy firm, and Cloud Practice Leader at the world's largest systems integrator.

Beyond technology, Kentaro is a passionate collector, gearhead, and investor whose broader portfolio reflects his personal passions, including co-ownership of Echo Collectibles, Eighth Era Studios, and Rikai, alongside venture investments in companies such as Meili Vodka, Elios, LinokTech, Fish's Eddy, and Nala Earth.

Kentaro is also the bestselling author of Capitalism Created the Climate Crisis and Capitalism Will Solve It, and has been recognised with EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Goldman Sachs Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs.