Experience & Directorships
Career timeline spanning Silicon Valley, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia
Career Overview
Michael brings 40+ years of cross-border entrepreneurial and investment banking experience. From pioneer work in China’s nascent tech sector to building one of Silicon Valley’s first venture catalyst firms, to establishing family office operations across three continents, Michael has consistently positioned himself at the intersection of innovation, capital, and global business development.
Current Positions (2025 – Present)
Group CEO — Al Liwan Group Limited
Abu Dhabi-based full-service investment bank operating in the merchant banking tradition, focused on connecting the Middle East with global capital and opportunities. Leads the Group’s strategic vision, growth, and stakeholder relationships across its integrated platform spanning advisory, asset management, and principal investments.
Oversees a multi-entity structure including Al Liwan Capital, Al Khazna Capital, and Al Liwan Family Services, delivering cross-border financial advisory, wealth management, and investment solutions to families, institutions, and sovereign investors.
Drives the Group’s mission to advance regional economic transformation through strategic partnerships, disciplined capital deployment, and long-term value creation. Emphasizes purpose-led investing, Sharia-conscious structures where relevant, and the development of scalable platforms bridging regional ambition with global markets.
Previous Executive Positions
2023 – 2025 — Group CEO, The Entrepreneurs Group Limited, CEO, First Penny Investments Pty Ltd
Abu Dhabi • Australia — Led advisory and investment platforms serving family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and high-growth companies across the GCC and Australia. Focused on cross-border capital, global asset planning, and strategic business expansion, with expertise in Sharia-compliant structures, family governance, and international market entry.
2016-2018 — CEO, Tharawat Holding S.A. & Tharawat Asset Management A.G.
Abu Dhabi • Luxembourg • Zurich — Led family office and asset management operations serving high-net-worth individuals across three jurisdictions. Specialized in Sharia-compliant investment strategies and cross-border wealth management.
2014-2016 — Business Development Manager, MB Depositors AG
Zug, Switzerland — Managed international client development and cross-border investment solutions for Swiss financial services firm.
2001-2014 — CEO, Gramercy Group (GPE Holdings, Inc.)
San Francisco • New York • London • Dubai • Melbourne — Founded and led one of the first two Venture Catalysts in Silicon Valley. Operated across five global cities working with hundreds of high-growth technology companies on international expansion, strategic partnerships, and capital raising.
1996-2001 — CEO, Double Impact, Inc.
San Francisco, CA USA — Founded and led technology consulting and business development firm focused on helping companies scale internationally.
Corporate Globalization Achievements
Integral to the successful international expansion of leading technology companies:
Macromedia
Early China market entry — set up joint venture shortly after June 4th incident, one of first Western software companies to operate in China.
F5 Networks
Global partnerships and cross-border expansion strategies contributing to F5’s emergence as a leading infrastructure company.
Akamai
Strategic guidance on international market penetration and partnership development for the CDN pioneer.
Also contributed to the globalization of HAHT (international market development) and Apple (international business development).
Startup Ecosystem Impact
Startups Advised
Continents
Years Experience
Global Cities
Industry Sector Experience
Technology (Software, Hardware, Internet) • Financial Services & Asset Management • Agriculture & Food Tech • Education & EdTech • Healthcare & Biotech • Real Estate • Aviation • Art & Collectibles • Automotive • FMCG • Renewable Energy & Cleantech • Blockchain & Digital Assets
Ready to Leverage This Experience?
Whether you need strategic advisory, capital connections, or market entry expertise, Michael’s 40+ years of global business experience can help accelerate your goals.