Venture Capital Associate

About the Role

Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth-stage venture capital platform, invests in companies shaping the future of mobility, industrial systems, and sustainable innovation. The firm oversees $1.6 billion in capital and backs businesses creating new ways to move people, goods, information, and energy while helping Toyota expand its capabilities and long-term opportunities.

The team is hiring an Associate to support both investment work and an internal AI initiative. This person will help source and evaluate opportunities, support portfolio work, and build AI-powered tools and workflows that improve speed and decision-making across the fund.

This position offers exposure to venture capital and corporate venture capital within a global investment mandate, along with a culture that values open discussion, collaboration, and strong team building.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of internal AI product work by identifying workflow bottlenecks, designing AI agents to reduce repetitive tasks, and building a roadmap for productivity improvements across the fund.
• Train and support the broader team in using AI tools effectively and in adopting smarter working processes.
• Source and screen potential investments by researching markets and maintaining relationships across the startup ecosystem.
• Perform due diligence on prospective investments, including technical review, financial analysis, market assessment, and risk evaluation.
• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to judge strategic alignment and the possible impact of investments on Toyota’s future goals.
• Create and update financial models to evaluate company performance, expected returns, and investment viability.
• Prepare investment memos, presentations, and supporting materials for internal decision-makers.
• Support portfolio companies by tracking performance, offering strategic input, and helping create value.
• Assist with relationships involving key stakeholders and support board-related activities for Woven Capital team members.
• Track industry developments, emerging technologies, and market shifts relevant to the fund’s focus areas.
• Contribute research and insights that can inform thought leadership and broader market perspective.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience building and testing modern AI tools or systems.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with an MBA, or a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in investment banking, venture capital, strategy consulting, technology development, and/or product management.
• Strong interest in technology, startups, entrepreneurship, and venture capital.
• Ability to understand innovations in deep tech and hard tech sectors.
• Experience with deal sourcing, diligence, financial modeling, and market analysis.
• Strong analytical ability, structured problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Clear communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and confidence in networking.
• Comfort working across cultures, languages, time zones, and different decision-making styles.
• Motivation to contribute to a growing investment team and help shape a digital-ready mobility company.
• Preferred qualifications include knowledge of mobility, autonomous mobility, software development, EVs, batteries, electrification, and clean energy.
• Additional advantages include international experience, a strong VC/startup network, a STEM degree plus MBA, or experience founding a startup.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary for this Palo Alto-based role ranges from $130,000 to $150,000 per year. Base pay is only one part of the full package, which also includes short-term and long-term incentives as well as a comprehensive benefits offering. Final compensation will depend on skills, experience, qualifications, location, and level.

Benefits include health, wellness, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) program; flexible vacation; and family planning and care support.

Additional Information

The employer is committed to equal opportunity and values diversity. Any information collected during the hiring process will be used only for recruitment and onboarding, in line with its privacy notice.