Satoshi “Phoenix” Haneda

Senior Associate

Phoenix has 10+ years at Honda, spanning power products R&D (including the robotic lawn mower Miimo) and corporate strategy, and later launched “Honda Xcelerator Japan” in 2018 to accelerate partnerships with Japanese tech startups. In 2020, he created “IGNITION,” a program designed to spin out startups from Honda. He supported spinouts from pre-incorporation through incorporation and subsequent fundraising rounds, supporting founders to build momentum. Notable spin-offs include Ashirase Inc., which develops a haptic walking navigation system for people with visual impairments, and Striemo Inc., which offers three-wheeled micro mobility enabled by balance-assist technology. Since 2023, Phoenix has been driving “Honda Xcelerator Ventures,” expanding the initiative to include venture investment activities led from Tokyo.