Toyota’s Woven Capital, the growth-stage venture capital arm of Toyota, has made strategic appointments to accelerate the search for advancements in the mobility sector. Michiko Kato, an experienced professional with a diverse background, has taken on the roles of Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Toyota’s Woven Capital and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Toyota Invention Partners, becoming the first female CEO of a wholly owned Toyota subsidiary.
Woven Capital focuses on supporting founders in mobility sectors like space, cybersecurity, and autonomous driving. With a recent announcement of an $800 million Fund II, the firm aims to invest in at least 20 new Series B startups. Some notable companies in its portfolio include Xona and Machina Labs.
Mia Panzer joins as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Woven Capital, further diversifying the leadership team. These appointments highlight a shift towards gender diversity in the finance and investment domain.
Kato emphasized the importance of finding the future leaders in mobility and fostering collaboration with innovative companies that can complement Toyota’s vision. The firm’s flexible investment approach allows for varying levels of engagement, from co-leading to making aggressive investments.
In an evolving landscape where technology and transportation converge, Toyota’s Woven Capital is positioned to drive impactful changes in the mobility sector through strategic investments and partnerships.
Source: TechCrunch