Principal

Woven by Toyota is the mobility technology subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. Our mission is to deliver safe, intelligent, human-centered mobility for all. Through our Arene mobility software platform, safety-first automated driving technology and Toyota Woven City — our test course for advanced mobility — we’re bringing greater freedom, safety and happiness to people and society. 

Our unique global culture weaves modern Silicon Valley innovation and time-tested Japanese quality craftsmanship. We leverage these complementary strengths to amplify the capabilities of drivers, foster happiness, and elevate well-being.

TEAM

Woven Capital is an $800 million dedicated fund that exists to create a global portfolio of partners and technologies that advance the mission of Toyota. We do this by investing in growth-stage companies that have the potential to partner with us—across areas as diverse as the future of mobility, connected cities, next-generation vehicles, automation, hydrogen, batteries and electrification. Woven Capital is an international, diverse group of investors and operators.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR

Woven Capital is looking for a Principal to join our growing team. Our fund is committed to strategic investments in cutting-edge startups that embody Toyota's vision for the future of mobility. The Principal will report to a Partner, and will play key leading roles in identifying, evaluating, and managing investment opportunities that foster growth and innovation within the mobility and related industries, as well as realizing strategic collaborations between Toyota and portfolio companies. This is an unique opportunity to work in the corporate venture capital, supporting a global investment mandate, based in Tokyo, Japan.

We firmly believe in building an exceptional team as a cornerstone of our success, and we foster a culture rooted in open discussion and collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deal Sourcing and Screening: Proactively identify and assess potential investment opportunities globally by conducting market research and maintaining a strong network within the startup ecosystem. Screen and evaluate inbound investment inquiries, pitches, and applications for alignment with Woven Capital's investment thesis.
• Due Diligence & Deal negotiations: Lead due diligence on potential investment targets, including financial analysis, market research, and risk assessment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess the strategic fit and potential impact of investments on Toyota's long-term goals. Conduct financial analysis to assess the financial viability and potential returns of investment opportunities. Lead investment negotiations with startups.
• Investment Proposals: Lead the preparation of investment memos and make proposals to the Woven Capital's Investment Committee.
• Portfolio Management: Actively engage with portfolio companies as board directors or observers to provide valuable support, monitor performance, provide strategic guidance, and assess opportunities for value creation.
• Industry Research and Trend Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics relevant to Woven Capital's investment focus, both domestically and globally. Contribute to the development of thought leadership content and market insights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years of investment experience in venture capital or other similar growth stage funds.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Legal, or other disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in deal sourcing, due diligence, and financial modeling.
• Advanced business-level English and Japanese skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and strong networking skills.
• Patience in dealing with different cultures/languages and a multinational team with different time zones.
• Excited to become a key member of building a new global investment team, and to devote oneself to transforming a large traditional hardware manufacturer into a digital-ready software-first company.
• Patience in dealing with different cultures/languages and different time zones.

NICE TO HAVES:

• Knowledge of the mobility sector, software development, EVs/batteries, electrification and clean energy industries is valuable.
• Experience working, studying, or living in different cultures and geographies is a plus.
• MBA, JD, or advanced graduate degree is a plus.
• Experience in working at a startup is a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER

・Competitive Salary - Based on experience

・Work Hours - Flexible working time with NO core-hours

・Paid Holiday - 20 days per year (prorated)

・Sick Leave - 6 days per year (prorated)

・Holiday - Sat & Sun, Japanese National Holidays, and other days defined by our company

・Japanese Social Security - all applicable (Health Insurance, Pension, Workers’ Comp, and Unemployment Insurance, Long-term care insurance)

・In-house Training Program (software study/language study)

By submitting your application you agree to the following terms: https://woven.toyota/en/applicant-privacy-notice

Our Commitment

・We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity.

・We pledge that any information we receive from you will be used ONLY for the purpose of hiring assessment.