Toyota: Venture investment promotion in the US: Toyota AI Ventures
Toyota: Toyota AI Ventures
TRI is a laboratory located in Silicon Valley.
The building houses the CVC “Toyota AI Ventures”.
United States: Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
In recent years, corporate venture capital (CVC), one of the world’s leading companies, has become active.
California, in particular, is the most active CVC investor.
The amount of investment and the number of investments are almost half of the entire US.
CVC: “Toyota AI Ventures” (TAIV)
Less than 3 years since its establishment, already invested in 27 companies,
Investees are all increasing traction (showing signs of growth),
Realize next round of funding,
One of them succeeded in exiting and gained from the sale.
About TAIV:
TAIV is “free” from both parent company and Toyota
TAIV is a wholly owned subsidiary established by TRI in 2017
What is TRI:
Established in January 2016
Research and development of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving, and robotics
TRI CEO Appoints Dr. Gil Pratt (formerly Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ‘DARPA’: renowned in the autonomous driving industry)
Of the 14 management team, Mr. Kida is the only Japanese.
TAIV: Investment decision
TAIV decides to invest in $ 200 million fund as GP (General Partner)
Investment approval: No consent is required from the head office
Five teams: Tech Due Diligence, Coordination with Toyota,
High independence: investment decision in 3 months
CVC: Find promising startups and invest efficiently
CVC: The World of Investment Funds
TAIV / TRI: The employees are multinational and very American companies.
Multinational employee network: Obtain information on hot overseas companies.
CVC and AI-related investment funds: The industry is narrow, and peers can get close and accurate information.
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