Michael Lavin is an accomplished entrepreneur-investor specializing in the Food & Agriculture industry. He is the Founder & Managing Partner at Germin8 Ventures, a purpose-driven venture capital firm focused on backing exceptional founders who are solving the most demanding problems in the global food system with breakthrough technology solutions and impact. He holds a Master of Science degree in Finance and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Michael's expertise lies in the areas of strategic capabilities, investment operations, M&A strategies, finance, risk management, and restructuring & turnaround advisory services.

Michael is passionate about investing in companies that are transforming the food system with innovative models and deep tech. He provides various mentorship services for startups and acts as a member on their respective accelerator/incubator boards, including the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator, The Good Food Accelerator, Family Farmed, The Hatchery, 1871, and TERRA Food & Ag Accelerator at RocketSpace. Michael works closely with his portfolio companies to ensure they succeed and remain nimble, persevering with their partners and hustling to 'make it happen.' His mission-critical endeavors are driving a healthier and more food-secure population, regenerating the earth system, and unlocking pathways to prosperous supply chains.