Michael has been investing risk capital in small and medium enterprise businesses since the early 90’s, most recently as a Partner with Avrio Capital, a Calgary based fund focused on Agriculture and Food.
Prior to joining Avrio in 2012, Michael spent eight years in senior investment positions at two Calgary based family offices, most notably, as Managing Director – Investments with Werklund Capital Corp. and as Executive Vice President – Investments with Cavendish Investing Ltd.
Michael also has extensive institutional experience in Mezzanine / Sub-debt financing stemming from his seven years with Bank of Montreal Capital Corporation, where he was recruited at its genesis in 1996 and where as Managing Director, he launched its Western Canadian office in 1997. Michael was also a Vice President & Director – Toronto Dominion Bank Capital where he was involved with the launch of their subordinated debt initiative.
Michael has extensive board experience with both private and public companies, as well as with the Venture Capital Association of Alberta. He remains a Director of Durum Properties Ltd., Chairman of the Finance Committee of St. Michael Catholic Community and Treasurer of the Valley Ridge Community Association.
Michael has a Master of Finance degree from Loyola University, Maryland and an undergraduate degree from Western University.