BACKGROUND
Masa Shinomiya is a senior mechanical engineer at Yamaha Motor Ventures, where he is responsible for providing engineering support for portfolio companies.
Previously, he worked as a body design engineer for a scooter in Yamaha Motor.
Prior to that, he worked as a CAE engineer. He supported structural design, such as for commercial motorcycles, race bikes, surface mounter, and various research projects.
Masa graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology with a master of Mechanical system engineering.
In his leisure time he enjoys riding motorcycles and skiing.
CHANDRA MITCHELL
COO & GENERAL COUNSEL
I am most excited about innovation that's truly transformative; innovation that creates opportunities by providing novel tools and systems to not only the broader markets, but also to areas and individuals that are traditionally underserved.
I think that, even now, we've barely scratched the capability of AI. There remains so much of our personal and professional infrastructure that can be enhanced to provide better service through sophisticated AI and learning applications. I believe that we are still only at the threshold of a technological transformation that is going to absolutely revolutionize how we interact--and interface--with virtually everything around us.
As a result of many years spent executing M&A transactions with a large New York law firm, working in-house at a highly regulated defense contractor, and executing strategic transactions for transnational powerhouses like Toyota and Yamaha, I have been lucky to participate in a vast range of global financial transactions. My advocacy for this diverse and challenging client base has serves as the foundation, springboard and knowledge source for my work in venture capital--where there is stunning diversity and complexity in the various technologies and companies in which we invest and advise.
My “superpower” is my ability to provide commercial and practical legal advice, that enables start-ups to achieve their urgent business objectives in a way that is efficient, compliant and--most importantly--successful.
I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana but spent my formative years in Oakland, California. After a lengthy stint on the East Coast, it’s great to be back “home” in the East Bay.
BACKGROUND
As Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, Chandra is responsible for all legal and operational matters of the Company, including, investments in the Company's flagship $100 million venture capital fund, portfolio management, fund operations, and regulatory compliance. She also assists the fund's portfolio companies with legal, intellectual property, and regulatory matters. In addition, she oversees the company's administrative and human resources matters.
Chandra also serves as Corporate Secretary for the company’s Board of Directors.
Prior to joining Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley, Chandra was Managing Counsel at Toyota Motor North America, Vice President, Corporate Counsel at defense contractor, Leonardo DRS, and an associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where she advised companies and private equity firms on a broad range of domestic and international mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic investments.
Chandra received her J.D. from Columbia University and her bachelor’s degree in economics and political science (with honors) from Williams College.