Kei Shibata

Tokyo born, travel & technology entrepreneur based in Singapore and Tokyo with 20+ years of experience in the travel & technology space. He led his company to an IPO, a MBO, two exits and one acquisition.

As a founding CEO, Kei is running Venture Republic that owns a group of online travel businesses across Asia and the rest of world, including "TRAVEL.jp", Japan’s largest travel metasearch & online travel guide media, and “Trip101”, Singapore based global online travel guide media that curates world’s best short-term rentals, accommodations and destinations.

In 2008, he took the company public in Japan after 7 years in operation. In 2018, company made a strategic partnership with LINE Corporation, one of the leading messaging apps in Asia.

He received the "WiT Hall of Fame" award in 2019 which honors individuals who have had the greatest influence on the progress and professionalism of the digital travel industry in Asia Pacific.

Angel investor in the travel & technology space. Serving as a board of director for various startups including BeMyGuest, Singapore.

As a co-founder/organizer, he also runs WiT Japan & North Asia, a leading international conference in North Asia focusing on technology & travel industry.

Harvard MBA. Keio University BA. Founder of Keio University's alumni association for startup founders/CEOs.

Avid backcountry snowboarder, nordic cross country & alpine skier. Love jazz, coffee and working from vacation homes.