VC Associate

About the Role

Toyota Ventures, a venture capital firm launched in 2017 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, manages more than $800M in assets and backs early-stage companies across the globe in deep tech and climate-focused areas. The team’s purpose is to help surface what comes next for Toyota by supporting startups in bringing new technologies and business models to market at speed. The firm has already invested in 100+ businesses, including AM Batteries, Apex Space, Axiom Math, Bipi (acquired), Blackmore (acquired), Efficient Computer, e-Zinc, Intuition Robotics, Joby Aviation, Natura Resources, Pickle Robot, and Stoke Space.

The Frontier Fund team is hiring an Associate to help identify, evaluate, and support innovative companies working in fields such as AI, advanced materials, automation and robotics, and space technology. This position is intended for someone with solid deep-tech fluency, a relevant degree, and at least 4 years of related experience. Prior hands-on work in product management or development within one of the firm’s focus areas is considered an advantage. Strong writing and speaking ability, an eye for emerging industry patterns, and the ability to recognize the startups shaping those trends are essential.

The right candidate will be highly connected in the startup ecosystem, comfortable engaging with founders and investors in deep tech, and skilled in building cap tables, reviewing financial statements, and drafting investment memos. Toyota Ventures also values integrity, humility paired with confidence, diversity, and an unconventional, creative mindset. This opportunity is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in San Francisco and Los Altos, California, though remote work from other U.S. cities is possible.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships across the ecosystem by attending industry events, venture gatherings, and relevant organizations.
• Support sourcing efforts and help create a strong pipeline of promising target companies.
• Speak with founders and assess businesses to inform investment recommendations.
• Contribute to diligence work, competitor analysis, and detailed market or technology reviews.
• Write investment memos and share proposed opportunities with the Investment Committee.
• Assist with negotiation activities and closing processes for deals.
• Track sector movements and produce concise market research updates.
• Work with the platform team to help portfolio companies where needed.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of relevant professional experience; prior exposure to venture capital or an operating role in a technology company is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, engineering, or another relevant discipline.
• Strong ethics, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential information carefully.
• Entrepreneurial orientation and a well-developed professional network.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong capability in financial modeling and analysis.
• Advanced day-to-day use of Excel and Google Workspace tools.
• Comfort with uncertainty, risk, and ambiguous situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
• History of completing projects independently with limited direction.
• Genuine interest in emerging technologies and their commercial potential.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected base salary at the start of employment is between $120,000 and $155,000 per year for California-based roles. Final compensation may differ based on factors such as location, role-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Toyota Research Institute offers a benefits package that includes 401(k) eligibility, paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, as well as an annual cash bonus opportunity.

Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Hiring Process

Toyota Research Institute is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, medical condition, religion, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

In Massachusetts, it is illegal for employers to require or use a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

The hiring process may use artificial intelligence tools to help review applications, analyze resumes, or assess responses and possible inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials. These tools support the recruiting team but do not replace human judgment, and final decisions are made by people. Candidates who want more information about data processing may contact the company.

Privacy Notice

Applicants are referred to the Candidate Privacy Notice for information about the categories of personal data collected from people who inquire about or apply for employment with Toyota Research Institute, Inc. or its subsidiaries, including Toyota A.I. Ventures GP, L.P., and the purposes for which that data is used.