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.
“In a world of scarce resources,
globalization without new technology
is unsustainable.”
– Peter Thiel
The most important thing I look for in an early-stage company? The team. Is there a deep understanding of the problem they are trying to solve? Do they have an undivided focus on how to solve the problem better than everyone else, at scale? Can they be nimble and/or pivot in this rapidly evolving world?
The hardest thing for early-stage startups? Facing the unknown, in my experience. Adversity is inevitable. The strength of the team is crucial to getting through difficult situations, and most importantly, coming out stronger.
My "superpower" is making introductions and aligning interests to help drive strategic value across our network.
Outside of work, I enjoy anything outdoors including golfing, sailing, skiing and kiteboarding.
BACKGROUND
Dan Barth is a Senior Associate at Yamaha Motor Ventures, where he is responsible for sourcing and leading investment activities.
Previously, he helped form the corporate venture unit of Delta Dental of California, where he led early and mid-stage investments and partnerships. Prior to that, Dan focused on late-stage venture financings at Robertson Stephens. He started out his career working at the investment bank Roth Capital Partners.
Dan graduated from DePauw University with a degree in Economics.