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.
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.
COMPANIES
Momnt
Range Energy
GET TO KNOW
DAN
“In a world of scarce resources, globalization without new technology is unsustainable.” – Peter Thiel
Why work at Yamaha/Yamaha Motor Ventures? What are you most excited about working in Yamaha Motor Ventures?
Yamaha is the “Kando” creating company with a mission to offer new excitement and a more fulfilling life for people all over the world... and they live up to it.
Early on I learned that a colleague had flown to a remote part of the world to teach local fisherman how to use and maintain Yamaha outboard engines. Due to the language barriers, Yamaha put together visual manga handbooks so the engines could be self-serviced. This resulted in the fishermen being able to take their angling to the next level, catching fish far offshore, which was previously not possible.
Since joining the YMV team, I remain excited to help drive the acceleration of new technologies that could create value to all parts of the world.
What do you look for the most in early-stage startups?
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?
What do you love to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy anything outdoors including golfing, sailing, skiing, and kiteboarding.
What’s your next adventure with Yamaha? Which Yamaha products would you love to try next and where?
My family and I spend summers on our 2022 Yamaha 212XD sport boat. We enjoy the versatility of being able to foil surf, wakeboard, and slalom behind the boat.