About Us
Our Mission
Though we face a global crisis with dramatic consequences for both the natural world and human health, we are optimistic that human ingenuity will pull us back from the edge of the abyss. Some of the world’s smartest minds are hard at work on solutions, and while this global push is already yielding tremendous progress, there remains more to be done.
The poet Robert Browning wrote that one’s “reach should exceed their grasp.” This imperative to achieve the seemingly impossible is epitomized by the work of these researchers and entrepreneurs. It takes immeasurable ingenuity, persistence, and hard work to develop an innovative product or process. However, invention and business model development/execution are two entirely distinct skill sets. Gaia Advisors excels at bridging that gap. We help companies working in the areas of sustainability and human health to navigate the process of turning ideas into businesses. Through our extensive network, we also match proven technologies with investors and end users to maximize their impact.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Michael founded Gaia Advisors in 2020 to address a critical need of early-stage deep tech startups for assistance navigating a path to commercialization. He advises a portfolio of companies in the areas of nanotechnology, sustainable chemicals, renewable energy and human health. He also serves as Co-founder & CEO of AquaPao, a water purification company based on technology developed in the Priestley Polymer Lab at Princeton University.
Previously, Michael worked for four years as a consultant, primarily for Innova Capital Partners, where he focused on the commercial launch of a smart motor for HVAC developed by Turntide Technologies. During that time, Turntide raised $500m in financing led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
Earlier in his career, he spent a decade as a Portfolio Manager for a family office and also worked for seven years as a Portfolio Manager/Partner at First New York Securities, an investment firm, where he co-managed one of the largest public equity portfolios at the company. Prior to that he worked in Equity Research at Morgan Stanley, covering the Internet and Software sector under lead analyst, Mary Meeker, and as an Investment Banker at Bankers Trust in the Real Estate group.
Michael graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a degree from the School of Public and International Affairs and a certificate in Latin American Studies. He lives in Princeton, NJ with his wife and two sons.
