MichaelCichowski

Principal

Office Location:
Lawrenceville, NJ
Email:
mike@edisonventures.com
Phone:
609-873-9217
“Pursue your passion and you'll never work a day in your life. My passion is helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.”

A strategic thinker with a passion for technology, Michael has held influential operating positions throughout his career with companies ranging from Merrill Lynch Investment Managers to strategy consulting firm Monitor Group to a consumer focused web startup.

Michael seeks entrepreneurs who want to change the global financial services industry. He leads investments in financial technology—an integral sector of the Edison framework. His pursuit, evaluation and execution are a powerful combination.

Michael Cichowski originates, evaluates and leads investments in financial technology. He focuses on innovative technology and business models in securities/capital markets, payments, banking and real estate.

Michael is an active member of many venture and financial technology networking organizations in the NY/NJ region. He currently serves on the steering committee for New York City Venture Connection (NYCVC) and NY Pay.

Prior Experience

Michael joined Edison in early 2007 as a member of the Business Development group. He has followed and sourced hundreds of opportunities for Edison including investments in Presidium Learning (acquired by Blackboard), RewardsNOW and PHX. Michael was also actively involved in the evaluation and due diligence for investments in TraderTools and Notable Solutions.

Michael previously held a variety of operating roles within technology, financial services and strategy consulting. He began his career at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers where he led numerous middle office product initiatives in data management and client reporting for institutional clients. He served as a Consultant at Monitor Group where he helped organizations address strategic challenges, such as M&A evaluation and supply/demand planning. Michael also led the creation of a new web-based product for Phanfare, a venture-backed photo and video sharing startup.

Other Investment Experience

Notable Solutions; PHX; Presidium Learning; RewardsNOW; TraderTools

Education

BS, Computer Science, Rutgers University

MS, Computer Science, Columbia University

I’m humbled everyday by smart, passionate entrepreneurs who are trying to change the world. One guiding philosophy that I’ve learned from the best entrepreneurs is to not fear failure. No one is immune from failure. Failure takes many forms and impacts us all at some point in our lives. It’s learning from that failure and not being afraid to try again that separates those who succeed from those who don’t. It’s the one success that is all worth the effort. This is a philosophy that I try to live my life by.