VC Associate @ Honda Ventures in Tokyo, Japan

Honda Innovations supports all the disruptive technologies Honda is working on behind the scenes as the company helps shape the mobility ecosystem of the future.

Joining Honda Innovations strategic investment and partnership program, Honda Xcelerator Ventures, means you’ll be responsible for supercharging all business units within global Honda, from R&D to new business development.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role located in Tokyo. You will engage with investors, entrepreneurs, and the innovation ecosystem to source and propose unique technology and business opportunities for investment and collaboration within Honda. Being a “super-connector” and a helpful member of the venture community, you see industry trends as they emerge and bring opportunities to Honda—leading strategic investment opportunities with the Corporate Venturing team.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Identify high quality investment opportunities involving transformational technologies strategic to Honda’s business and products from your sourced deals.
• Create and present investment proposals weekly to the Honda Xcelerator Ventures team.
• Lead the internal investment process for selected deals.
• Perform Due diligence including market potential, technical strength, financial viability, team by gathering information from the target company, industry experts and other sources.
• Be the primary interface and support for portfolio companies.
• Develop, broaden, and strengthen your network of VC/CVC’s startups, and related entities.
• Support internal open innovation Startup collaborations as necessary.
• Have expertise in 2 or more technology vertical domains relevant to Honda.

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, business, finance, or related field.

Field of Expertise

• Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) or Venture Capital (VC) investment with an exceptional understanding in several technology verticals for initial due diligence assessment.

Language

• Bilingual (Japanese), Professional (English)

Skills and Experience

Minimum required skills and experience

• 3+ years experience on a corporate venture capital (CVC) or venture capital (VC) team.
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple work streams.
• Proven track record in sourcing, proposing, and closing early-stage investments.
• Expert knowledge in one or more of the following domains: CASE (Connected, Automated, Shared and Electrified) Mobility, Energy or Climate Tech.
• Ability to quickly ramp up technical knowledge in new areas.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Must be a team player who values relationships and people
• Passionate about leveraging new technologies to create new experiences, improve human mobility and bring joy to customers
• Driven and proactive.

Preferred skills and experience:

• Master’s degree in science or engineering and/or an MBA
• Corporate Development Experience

The position is based in Tokyo, Japan.