How to Stand Up a Venture Capital Arm

George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota

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In the ever-evolving world of business, staying ahead isn't just about what a company does today, but how it prepares for tomorrow. This is where a venture capital arm comes into play. It is a specialized division within a larger company that focuses on investing in emerging startups and innovative projects.

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In this article, George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota, and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota, share their experience on how to stand up a venture capital arm.

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Things you will learn:

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How did Woven by Toyota got started
Successfully start a venture capital arm
Leadership in managing people
Biggest Lessons Learned
Dealing with cultural difference

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Woven by Toyota aims to deliver the safest, most intelligent mobility experiences and lifestyle for Toyota customers globally. The company envisions a human-centered future where advanced technology enhances global mobility, improves driver capabilities, and empowers individuals. Combining Silicon Valley innovation with Japanese quality craftsmanship, Woven by Toyota fosters a unique global culture. As society, technology, and customer needs evolve, the company continuously seeks new ways to create more personal and seamless customer experiences.

Industry

Software Development

Founded

2023

Website

http://woven.toyota/en/

George Kellerman

George Kellerman is the VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota, overseeing corporate development and Woven Capital, an $800 million venture fund for Toyota's growth-stage investments. With a career starting as an M&A attorney on Sand Hill Road, George has represented major Silicon Valley companies like Oracle and Intel, and worked on Yahoo's notable acquisitions including Broadcast.com and GeoCities. At Woven by Toyota, he established the corporate development team, focusing on leveraging investments as a potential M&A pipeline to drive strategic growth.

Alexander Baum

Alexander Baum is the Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota. Based in Tokyo since April 2022, Alexander played a key role in the company's inorganic expansion into the U.S. Despite initial challenges due to COVID-19, he successfully navigated the integration process remotely before relocating to Japan. Alexander's background in investment banking and his adaptability have been crucial in managing complex, time-sensitive projects and fostering collaboration between U.S. and Japanese teams.