I'd argue there's a difference between a funny mascot or punny name (that have been used in professional environments) and a mascot that looks like a child and is designed to look "cute" or "silly" to a fandom mostly comprising of eccentric (in a bad way) grown men. I don't think I've ever seen a developer on the internet who publicly enjoys anime who didn't act neurotically or childishly, although that's just anecdotal.

> The world is full of serious businesses that use "cute" icons or employ anime-styled elements

I can't think of any outside of Japan.