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Michael O'Brien

Investor

Managing Partner at Síol Venture Capital

Washington, District of Columbia

Writes $150K – $500K checks · typically $250K

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About

Michael O'Brien is the Founder and Managing Partner of Síol Venture Capital, a pre-seed fund that invests in startups operating in heavily regulated markets prior to regulatory clarity. He brings more than 25 years of government relations experience, having advised companies on policy matters across Congress, federal agencies, and over 40 state legislatures. His investment approach focuses on identifying regulatory developments as market signals and underwriting regulatory risk in sectors where policy creates asymmetric opportunities.

Experience

  1. Síol Venture CapitalManaging Partnercurrent2024 — presentWashington DC-Baltimore Area
  2. MOB Advocacy Government RelationsManaging Principalcurrent2011 — presentWashington DC-Baltimore Area
  3. LegiNation, Inc.Executive Vice President2022 — 2025Washington, District of Columbia, United States
  4. Follow My VoteAdvisor2020 — 2025Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  5. Ally Power IncInvestor & Advisor2020 — 2022Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  6. FedTechEntrepreneur In Residence2019Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  7. RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)Director, State Relations2010 — 2011Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  8. US Agency for International DevelopmentCommunications Specialist2008 — 2010Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
  9. Molina HealthcareDirector, Grassroots & Political Action2007 — 2008Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  10. The Washington CenterDirector, State Relations2005 — 2007Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  11. NCCJPublic Policy Coordinator2002 — 2005Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  12. Georgetown University Law CenterAssistant Director, Law Alumni Relations1999 — 2002Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  13. Cool Beans Coffee-to-GoFounder & CEO (Owner-Operator)1998 — 1999Rochester, New York, United States

Skills & more

Venture Capital18Early Stage Investment2Portfolio ManagementDue DiligenceRegulatory StrategyGovernment Relations34Legislative AnalysisPublic Policy99Policy Analysis28Venture Fundraising1Policy Driven MarketsRegulatory Risk Analysis
  • SEED SPOT Active Alumnus 2023 — Canvas Credentials (Badgr)

From Michael's professional profile.

Investments

Investor

Popsy

Per curated public sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Michael O'Brien?
Michael O'Brien is the Founder and Managing Partner of Síol Venture Capital, a pre-seed fund that invests in startups operating in heavily regulated markets prior to regulatory clarity. He brings more than 25 years of government relations experience, having advised companies on policy matters across Congress, federal agencies, and over 40 state legislatures. His investment approach focuses on identifying regulatory developments as market signals and underwriting regulatory risk in sectors where policy creates asymmetric opportunities.
Where does Michael O'Brien work?
Michael O'Brien is Managing Partner at Síol Venture Capital.
What check size does Michael O'Brien write?
Michael O'Brien typically writes checks of $150K – $500K.
What companies has Michael O'Brien invested in?
Investments tracked here include Popsy.
Where did Michael O'Brien go to school?
Michael O'Brien studied at SUNY Brockport (BS, Political Science).

Same school

Shared employers