Fundraising Fox

Michael Lavin

InvestorFounder

Managing Partner at Germin8 Ventures · Founder at Matterworks

Chicago, Illinois

Writes $1M – $3M checks · typically $2M

FoundedMatterworks

About

Founder and leader of Germin8 Ventures, overseeing investing, operations and strategy while serving on multiple portfolio boards. Previously an investment banker and consultant at Mesirow Financial, and active in food security and philanthropic initiatives.

Founder at Matterworks

Intro paths

In turn, Michael can intro founders to Matterworks's investors below.

Co-founders at Matterworks

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Jack (J.M.) Geremia
J(
Jack (J.M.) Geremia, PhD
EC
Eric Carlson, PhD

Experience

  1. Germin8 VenturesManaging Partnercurrent2017 — presentGreater Chicago Area
  2. OSI GroupVice Chairmancurrent2024 — presentAurora, Illinois, United States
  3. National 4-H CouncilMember Board of Trustees, Investment and Internal Affairs Committeescurrent2024 — present
  4. TERRA Food & Ag AcceleratorMentor and Collaborator2017 — 2020San Francisco Bay Area
  5. TechstarsMentor2018 — 2020
  6. FamilyFarmedAssociate Board Member - Good Food Accelerator2018 — 2019Greater Chicago Area
  7. 1871Mentor2017 — 2019Greater Chicago Area
  8. Mesirow FinancialInvestment Banking Associate2012 — 2017
  9. Mesirow FinancialAssociate, Mesirow Financial Consulting2011 — 2012Chicago, Illinois
  10. Alvarez & MarsalRestructuring & Turnaround Advisory Intern2011Chicago
  11. OSI GroupCorporate Finance and Risk Management Intern2009
  12. OSI GroupAccounting/Operations Intern2008

Education

  1. Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignM.S., Finance
  2. Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignB.S., Finance

Skills & more

Strategy9Venture Capital18Investment Banking4Food & Agriculture4Entrepreneurship9Start-ups13Financial Modeling8Financial Analysis5Private Equity5Investing4Business Development3Corporate Finance2
+12 moreBoard LeadershipBoard GovernanceRestructuringManagement ConsultingDue DiligenceRisk ManagementManufacturingSupply Chain ManagementFood ManufacturingCapital RaisingManagementTeam Leadership
  • Series 79 and Series 63 CertifiedFINRA

From Michael's professional profile.

Colleagues at Germin8 Ventures

Frequently asked questions

Where does Michael Lavin work?
Michael Lavin is Managing Partner at Germin8 Ventures and Founder at Matterworks.
What check size does Michael Lavin write?
Michael Lavin typically writes checks of $1M – $3M.
What companies did Michael Lavin found?
Michael Lavin founded Matterworks.

Same school

Shared employers