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
Ryan is a seasoned professional in the fields of venture capital, corporate development, and investment banking, with extensive experience working with various high-profile companies in the healthcare and finance industries.
As a Senior Associate at Yamaha Motor Ventures, Ryan is responsible for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities in emerging technology startups, with a particular focus on the digital healthcare and wellness sector.
Prior to YMV, Ryan served as the Senior Manager of Corporate Development at Carbon Health, a leading digital health platform, where he led the company's M&A strategy and executed acquisitions and partnerships.
Before joining Carbon Health, Ryan worked as an investment banker for Cain Brothers and Prairie Capital Advisors, where he advised clients on various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financings, and strategic partnerships. Ryan also held investment analyst positions for CB3 Financial Group and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
Education:
Miami University (Ohio), BS in Business
DePaul University, MS in Finance
CFA Charterholder
COMPANIES
Verge Agriculture
Strella Biotechnology
GET TO KNOW
RYAN
“Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers
Why work at Yamaha/Yamaha Motor Ventures? What are you most excited about working in Yamaha Motor Ventures?
I get most excited about the opportunity to make an impact, both at Yamaha and with portfolio companies I invest in.
Yamaha Motor Corp. has been at the forefront of innovation expanding within and beyond the motor industry since being founded in 1955. Establishing Yamaha Motor Ventures is only the most recent example of Yamaha pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. By working with startups and portfolio companies, I will be able to provide insight into new technologies and developing industries where Yamaha should invest and innovate next.
On the other side, I’m able to leverage Yamaha’s infrastructure to support, grow, and develop partnerships with our portfolio companies. Yamaha has a vast array of world class resources and employees we can rely upon to support startups – functions from data science and engineering to marketing and HR.
What do you look for the most in early-stage startups?
I look for self-aware teams that understand their strengths, weaknesses, and quickly learn from mistakes.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I spend as much time as I can in the kitchen trying to perfect recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth. When I’m not in the kitchen, I try to be as active as possible to counteract eating too many sweets.
What’s your next adventure with Yamaha? Which Yamaha products would you love to try next and where?
I developed my love for two wheels driving motor scooters around San Francisco. My next adventure will be on an XMAX or trying out an XSR700 if I’m feeling bold.