Twitter: I don’t have Twitter! I know, I know.
LinkedIn: Ken Toyoda
What do you do currently?
I help lead IFC’s VC investments in Latin America. IFC is the private investment arm of the World Bank, investing directly in early-to-growth stage companies as well as selectively in top VC funds.
How and when did you get involved with the Mexican entrepreneurial ecosystem?
I have been following the Mexican VC ecosystem for some time, but I moved to Mexico City in October 2017 to cover Latin America from here.
How would you describe the ecosystem in Mexico?
Young, but very promising and growing sustainably.
What do you expect in the next 12 months?
Many Seed and early Series A deals have been funded over the last 18-24 months, so I’m waiting for the corresponding wave of late Series A and B deals to come around – and I think it will in the next 12 months.
What are the main challenges?
Relative to other ecosystems, my observation is that a huge percentage of deals at the Series A and B are club deals often without a clear lead – it would be great to see more funds that are able and willing to step up and do that.
What change or result would bring the greatest benefits for the ecosystem?
Entrepreneurs gaining confidence – and thereby the funds increasing their capacity to take more risk – that there will be growth capital available in the ecosystem to fund them going forward.
Describe your typical day
First few hours calls, breakfast at Ojo de Agua, some time to catch up on emails, 3-5 meetings or calls with startups/funds, some actual work, drinks/dinner, Netflix.
Who is your favorite entrepreneur?
A tie between Matias Recchia (IguanaFix) and Erin Soletski (my fiancée).
A recent book do you recommend?
A Little Life
A movie?
Black Panther.
Smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop?
Smartphone and laptop.
iOS or Android?
Unwillingly iOS.
Favorite App?
Spotify, HQ Trivia.
Favorite social network?
Facebook, but I try to stay away.
Ideal vacation?
50% adventure, 50% relaxing.
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
Continue to assimilate in the VC ecosystem here and do a few exciting deals!
One word that describes you?
Curious.
