Toyota’s Woven Capital appoints new CIO and COO in push for finding the ‘futureof mobility’

Toyota's Woven Capital names Michiko Kato as CIO and Mia Panzer as COO, marking significant leadership changes in its venture capital arm focused on innovative mobility solutions. This move emphasizes Toyota's commitment to finding future mobility leaders and highlights the increasing role of women in leadership positions within the traditionally male-dominated venture capital space.

Key Points

• Michiko Kato is appointed CIO and CEO of Toyota Invention Partners, becoming the first female CEO of a wholly owned Toyota subsidiary.
• Mia Panzer is appointed COO of Woven Capital, enhancing female representation in leadership roles.
• Woven Capital has $800 million in its second fund aimed at investing in mobility startups.
• The firm targets collaboration with portfolio companies like Xona and Machina Labs in areas including space and autonomous driving.
• Kato aims for a hands-on approach with startups and focuses on developing partnership opportunities.

Relevance

• The appointments reflect a broader trend of increasing female representation in leadership within venture capital firms, which was previously male-dominated.
• In 2025, women now hold 15.4% of investment roles, a rise from 7% in the top 100 venture firms in 2014.
• This shift in leadership at Woven Capital aligns with the growing emphasis on smart mobility solutions and innovative technologies in the automotive sector.

Kato and Panzer's leadership at Woven Capital signals a transformative approach to venture capital in the automotive industry, with a focus on future mobility and enhancing diversity within the tech sphere.