Venture Capital Associate - AI Focus

About Woven Capital

Woven Capital, Toyota's venture capital arm, spearheads investments in growth-stage companies advancing the future of mobility. Managing $1.6 billion, we focus on emerging technologies that enhance how people, goods, information, and energy move, while promoting decarbonization and sustainability. We connect pioneering innovators with Toyota's global platform to strengthen existing capabilities and unlock new ventures.

Role Overview

We are looking for an AI Associate to join our Venture Capital team. This role involves identifying and evaluating investment opportunities aligned with Toyota’s vision for mobility as well as spearheading internal AI projects to improve team efficiency by building intelligent agents and workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead AI initiatives internally by designing, developing, and implementing AI agents that automate repetitive investment processes, enhancing decision-making speed and quality.
• Train and empower the team on AI tool usage and workflows, and create a long-term AI productivity strategy for the fund.
• Source and screen investment opportunities through proactive market research and startup ecosystem networking.
• Conduct thorough due diligence, including technical, financial, and strategic assessments of potential investments to ensure alignment with Toyota’s goals.
• Build and maintain detailed financial models to evaluate the profitability and viability of investments, contributing to internal investment memoranda and presentations.
• Engage actively with portfolio companies by monitoring performance, providing strategic advice, supporting management, and assisting in portfolio board relationships.
• Track industry trends and emerging technologies, producing insights and thought leadership relevant to the fund’s focus.

Required Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience working with advanced AI technologies.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field plus MBA, or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience spanning investment banking, venture capital, strategic consulting, technology/product management.
• Strong enthusiasm for technology, startups, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.
• Capability to understand technology innovations in deep and hard tech sectors.
• Demonstrated skills in sourcing deals, performing due diligence, financial modeling, and market evaluation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving skills with attentiveness to detail.
• Strong communication, interpersonal abilities, and networking skills.
• Patience and cultural sensitivity to work effectively across diverse languages, countries, and decision-making styles.
• Committed to playing a vital role in evolving a traditional automotive company into a digitally ready mobility leader.

Preferred Attributes

• Familiarity with sectors like mobility, autonomous transport, software development, electric vehicles, battery technologies, electrification, and clean energy.
• International experience or exposure to different cultures and geographies.
• Established network within startup and venture capital ecosystems.
• Combination of STEM undergraduate degree with MBA is advantageous.
• Experience founding a startup is an asset.

Compensation and Benefits

Located in Palo Alto, CA, the position offers a base salary range between $130,000 and $150,000 annually. The total compensation package includes base salary, short- and long-term incentives, as well as a comprehensive benefits plan. Compensation considerations depend on individual skills, experience, and location.

Additional Benefits

• Robust health, dental, vision, and wellness coverage.
• Attractive 401(k) retirement program.
• Flexible vacation policy to support work-life balance.
• Family planning and care assistance.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive work environment valuing diversity. Personal information is confidential and used solely for hiring and onboarding purposes.