
Michael Tate
About
Strategic Leader in Startups, Finance & Business Transformation
I am a dynamic and internationally experienced professional with a proven track record in finance, investment management, and entrepreneurial ventures. Over the past 20 years, I have managed hedge funds in London, worked in investment banking in Zürich, and successfully led the turnaround of startups and underperforming businesses across sectors including fintech, real estate, FX, gastronomy, and raw materials. My expertise lies in identifying opportunities, solving complex business challenges, and building strong investor and stakeholder relationships. I have extensive board-level experience, overseeing governance, restructuring, fundraising, and large-scale operational change. With an MBA from the University of St. Gallen and a global professional network, I combine strategic insight with hands-on leadership to deliver sustainable growth. I am fluent in English and speak business-level German. Passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, I am always eager to engage with ventures that require a mix of financial acumen, creative problem solving, and operational excellence.
Social Media:
Skills
Adept problem-solver
Agile Project Management
Alternative Investments
Board Governance
British English
Business Concept Development
Business Economics
Business Innovation
Business Networking
Business Operations
Business Strategy
Business Transformation
C-Level Negotiations
Collaborative Project Management
Corporate Finance
Corporate Sustainability
Derivatives Trading
Early-stage Startups
Environmental Advocacy
FinTech
General Administration
German
Hedge Fund
Investment
Investor Liaison
Investor Relations Support
Leadership
P&L Management
Real Estate Development
Repos
Securities Lending
Social Accountability
Stakeholder Engagement
Working with Investors
Open for
fulltime
parttime
cofounder
freelancer
Work Experience
Hedge Fund Industry
2012-12 - 2017-12
Business Consulting & Development
Switzerland & USA
fulltime
-Collaborated with hedge funds and boutique investment houses across Switzerland and the USA, focusing on trading, collateral management, and securities lending. -Conducted in-depth business analysis to identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, and optimise revenue generation. -Implemented strategies to close unprofitable areas, resulting in improved overall financial performance. -Served as a board member, contributing to high-level decision-making and strategic direction. -Developed comprehensive business cases and strategic frameworks to support organisational growth. -Led and managed teams, evaluating staff performance and implementing necessary changes to enhance productivity and effectiveness. -Notable achievement: Shifted a fund’s strategy from operational service provision to legal fund structuring, aligning with market demands and increasing profitability. -Engaged with global partners to establish agreements and frameworks, ensuring compliance and fostering long-term collaboration. -Companies: Darwin Platform, Darwin Capital.
Leonteq
2009-12 - 2013-12
Equity, Collateral & Repo Trader - Investment Banking
Zürich
fulltime
-Executed sales and trading activities for securities lending, repurchase agreements (repos), and collateral products, driving revenue growth and market share. -Built and maintained strong client relationships through effective negotiation and customer retention strategies, ensuring sustained business success. -Generated and managed profit and loss (P&L) , consistently delivering positive financial outcomes. -Supervised and optimised middle office operations to ensure seamless support for trading activities. -Led project management initiatives, including the design and implementation of new operational systems to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Banking / Hedge Fund Industry
2007-12 - 2010-12
Business Consulting & Development
Switzerland & Netherlands
fulltime
-Collaborated with hedge funds in Switzerland and the Netherlands to analyse business operations, streamline processes, and identify opportunities for revenue growth. -Developed and presented comprehensive business cases to drive strategic changes and improve organisational performance. -Engaged as a consultant to manage teams, evaluate staff performance, and implement necessary changes to enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. -Played a pivotal role in closing unprofitable business segments, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability. -Companies: DL Investment Partners, Commerzbank Securities.
Credit Suisse
2005-12 - 2007-12
Investment Fund Manager - Investment Banking
Zürich
fulltime
-Managed internal fund allocation and cross-traded products, ensuring optimal performance. -Designed and implemented a new operational IT system to improve efficiency and reduce errors. -Managed and nurtured relationships with external funds and clients, enhancing client satisfaction and retention.
Bourne Capital
2001-12 - 2006-12
Hedge Fund Manager - Hedge Funds
London
cofounder
-Directed a long/short systematic hedge fund from A to Z, managing all aspects from idea generation and research to P&L generation and trading. -Oversaw operations, compliance, investor relations, and sales, ensuring smooth and effective fund management. -Developed the business by launching operational and umbrella products for external clients, expanding the firm’s service offerings.
Lehman Brothers
1997-12 - 2002-12
Middle Office Manager & Client Services - Investment Banking
London
fulltime
-Managed the operational aspects of securities lending, including treasury and settlements. -Promoted to securities lending trader, client services, and sales within Prime Brokerage. -Led the design and implementation of a new operations system, improving efficiency and process flow.
Bontrag AG,
2016-12 - 2025-08
Business Manager - Diverse Sectors
Zürich
cofounder
-Oversaw the full operations and turnaround of start-ups and under-performing businesses for Bontrag. -Managed all aspects of business operations from A to Z, including recruitment, location selection, and establishing effective operational structures. -Directed investor relations and led successful fundraising efforts, building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships to foster business growth. -Supervised and motivated teams ranging in size from 5 to 100 employees, ensuring high performance and alignment with strategic objectives -Served as a member of the board, providing strategic direction and governance oversight. -Negotiated contracts and agreements with business partners and suppliers to optimise operations and partnerships. -Oversaw budgetary control, profit and loss optimisation, and financial planning. -Led high-impact projects, including business restructuring and rebranding initiatives. -Sectors include FinTech, real estate, credit card processing for MMJ, foreign exchange (FX), gastronomy, and raw material trading. -Provided expert consultancy on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, facilitating onboarding to platforms like EcoVadis and Risk Methods. -Companies: Darwin Property, Penny Farthing, The Scotsman, Swiss Prime Immo, Swiss Tech Factory, Comcopious, Black Forest Property, The Wood Company, Ahead Innovations
Academic Experience
University of St. Gallen -
2019.07 - 2022.07
Master of Business Administration, MBA in MBA
University of York -
1995.07 - 1998.07
Bachelor of Science, BSc in Economics & Finance
University of Illinois -
1996.07 - 1997.07
Bachelor of Science, BSc in Economics & Finance