Introduction

Michael Jonathan Gale is an experienced cross-border entrepreneur and investment banker specializing in high-growth companies with global ambitions. With over 40 years of experience spanning Silicon Valley, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, Michael has built a unique skill set that bridges technology, venture capital, and international business development.

As Chief Executive Officer of The Entrepreneurs Group in Abu Dhabi and First Penny Investments in Australia, Michael focuses on helping high-potential companies achieve global success and connecting international capital with promising opportunities.

Early Life & Personal Background

Growing Up in Adelaide

Michael grew up in Adelaide, South Australia, in a household that valued travel, culture, and the desire to improve the world. His mother was a prominent professor of Social Anthropology, and her academic work took the family to both the United States and the United Kingdom, giving Michael profound insights into different cultures at a young age.

Family Influence

His father was a Methodist minister, which instilled in Michael a desire to help others and contribute positively to society. This combination of academic rigor, cultural awareness, and service-oriented values shaped the foundation of his worldview and business philosophy.

Becoming an Entrepreneur Young

Michael became a father at age 18, an experience that profoundly shaped his character and drive. He simultaneously became an entrepreneur, balancing family responsibilities with building businesses. This early immersion in both parenthood and entrepreneurship gave him practical wisdom that has guided his entire career.

“I grew up in a household that valued travel, culture and the desire to improve the world in which we live. My mother was a prominent professor of Social Anthropology, and her position took us to both the US and the UK which gave me profound insights into different cultures at a young age. My father was a Methodist minister which gave me the desire to help others. I became a father at 18 and became an entrepreneur. The experience shaped me into who I am today, an investor and entrepreneur at the core, grounded by my cultural upbringing.”

— Michael Gale

Career Journey Across the Globe

From Silicon Valley pioneer to global investment banker

1983 — Entering the PC Industry

Michael entered the personal computer industry at its inception, positioning himself at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Late 1980s — Silicon Valley Foundation

Michael spent most of his adult life in Silicon Valley, becoming deeply embedded in the technology and venture capital ecosystem during the formative years of the personal computer and internet revolutions.

Late 1980s-1990s — China Pioneer & Macromedia

Michael was an early entrant to China, setting up a joint venture for Macromedia shortly after the June 4th incident. This pioneering work led to him becoming one of the first non-Chinese to sit on the Board of a Xinhua News Agency company.

1996-2001 — Double Impact Inc.

Founded and led Double Impact, a technology consulting and business development firm focused on helping companies scale internationally.

2001-2014 — Gramercy Group – Venture Catalyst Pioneer

Founded and led Gramercy Group (GPE Holdings, Inc.), one of the first two Venture Catalysts in Silicon Valley. Operating across five global cities—San Francisco, New York, London, Dubai, and Melbourne—Michael worked with hundreds of high-growth companies on international expansion, partnerships, and capital raising.

Early 2010s — Switzerland & Middle East

Michael spent considerable time in Switzerland and the Middle East working in asset management, particularly specializing in Sharia-compliant investment strategies.

2016-2018 — Tharawat Group CEO

Led Tharawat Holding S.A. and Tharawat Asset Management A.G. as Chief Executive Officer, managing family office and asset management operations across Abu Dhabi, Luxembourg, and Zurich.

Late 2017-Present — Return to Australia

Moved back to Australia and established First Penny Investments, helping Australian tech and agricultural companies expand globally. Also serves as Group CEO of The Entrepreneurs Group in Abu Dhabi.

Global Experience & Networks

Corporate Globalization Success

Michael has been integral to the international expansion of leading technology companies including Macromedia (early China expansion), HAHT (international market development), F5 Networks (global partnerships), Akamai Technologies (cross-border growth), and Apple (international business development).

Philosophy & Leadership Approach