Toyota’s Woven Capital Names First Female CEO, Unveils $800M Fund II Plan
Michiko Kato has been named CIO of Toyota’s Woven Capital and CEO of Toyota Invention Partners, becoming the first female CEO of a wholly owned Toyota subsidiary. Woven Capital’s $800 million Fund II plans at least 20 Series B investments in mobility startups like Xona and Machina Labs.
1. Executive Leadership Changes
Michiko Kato officially assumes the dual role of CIO at Woven Capital and CEO of Toyota Invention Partners, marking the first time a woman has led a wholly owned Toyota subsidiary. Mia Panzer moves into the COO position at Woven Capital, giving the firm two female executives at its top.
2. Fund II Investment Focus
Woven Capital closed its $800 million Fund II in August 2025 and intends to back at least 20 Series B rounds in growth-stage mobility startups. The firm’s strategy spans space technologies, cybersecurity, autonomous driving and collaboration partnerships, with existing investments in satellite operator Xona and defense infrastructure provider Machina Labs.
3. Strategic Implications and Experience
Kato brings 15 years of investing experience, including M&A at Unison Capital and serving as CFO of AI firm ABEJA, and has led six Woven investments such as Nuro and Stoke. Her hands-on focus on aeromobility, physical AI and hardware development aligns with Toyota’s goal of shaping future manufacturing and mobility innovation.