George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota In the ever-evolving world of business, staying ahead isn't just about what a company does today, but how it prepares for tomorrow. This is where a venture capital arm comes into play. It is a specialized division within a larger company that focuses on investing in emerging startups and innovative projects.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota, and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota, share their experience on how to stand up a venture capital arm.  Things you will learn: • How did Woven by Toyota got started • Successfully start a venture capital arm • Leadership in managing people • Biggest Lessons Learned • Dealing with cultural difference This episode is brought to you by the M&A Science Spring Summit 2024 happening on April 10th at 10AM ET. It's your chance to join leading M&A experts as they share innovative and the latest trends from their own deals. Save your spot here. ****************** Episode Bookmarks *George Kellerman 00:00 Intro 06:15 From firefighter to M&A 09:49 How did Woven by Toyota got started 11:19 Project Kate 12:58 Pitching the shift in strategy 14:31 Woven Capital’s strategy 16:48 How to successfully start a venture capital arm 19:45 Leadership in managing people 22:03 Biggest lessons learned 26:00 A change in strategy 27:04 The Woven City Project 31:11 Dealing with cultural difference 35:40 Craziest thing in M&A *Alex Baum 39:34 Noticing cultural differences in Japan 42:11 Relocating to Tokyo 44:07 New York vs Japan culture 45:28 Work culture in Japan 48:32 Rubber stamp approval in Japan 49:51 Balancing American and Japanese culture 51:27 Maintaining alignment 52:09 Craziest thing in M&A