Toyota’s Woven Capital named Michiko Kato as CIO and CEO of Toyota Invention Partners, marking her as the first female CEO of a Toyota subsidiary. Mia Panzer joins as COO, overseeing finance, operations, HR, and legal strategy. Woven Capital manages two $800 million funds, focusing on mobility startups including space, cybersecurity, and autonomous driving. The firm aims to back 20 Series B investments and foster collaboration with Toyota. Kato brings 15 years of investing experience and has led investments in startups like Nuro and Stoke. Panzer’s COO role strengthens operational efficiency as the firm expands its portfolio.
What Happened
Michiko Kato officially took her roles at Woven Capital and Toyota Invention Partners this week. Woven Capital operates two $800 million funds launched in 2021 and 2025, targeting growth-stage mobility startups. Mia Panzer transitioned from Toyota’s technology subsidiary to become COO, managing core business functions. The firm’s portfolio includes companies such as satellite firm Xona and defense manufacturer Machina Labs.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
Woven Capital’s leadership changes signal a strategic push to invest in advanced mobility technologies impacting construction and manufacturing sectors. Their focus on aeromobility, physical AI, and hardware innovation could transform manufacturing processes and supply chains. The firm’s flexible investment approach offers partnership opportunities for startups developing infrastructure and autonomous solutions relevant to AECM professionals.
What's Next
Woven Capital plans to deploy capital into at least 20 new Series B startups in the coming years. Kato and Panzer will focus on partnership creation and scaling operational capabilities. The firm’s evolving portfolio will likely introduce new technologies influencing mobility and manufacturing industries.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/31/toyotas-woven-capital-appoints-new-cio-and-coo-in-push-for-finding-the-future-of-mobility/. Read the original story →
