Nicolas Michaelsen

No cap, here’s what’s up with Nicolas Michaelsen, this guy is the real deal in the startup and systemic change scene. He’s a YC W14 alum, so he’s been around the block, but what’s crazy is how he’s turned that experience into this mission to really shake up how we think about investing and transforming society.

So, Nicolas started out pretty deep, he co-founded AirHelp, which blew up to over 700 people. That’s not small fry. He’s been in the trenches building stuff that actually scales. But what really sets him apart is his obsession with systems. Like, not just building companies, but rethinking entire frameworks, how finance, culture, and tech can all come together to make a real impact. That’s why he’s all about systemic investment, bridging finance and culture, and pushing for a regenerative future.

He’s the founder of Materra Systemic Labs in London, think of it as his playground for backing projects that focus on systemic transformation and regeneration. He’s also on the board of TWIST, which is all about investing for systems change, and co-founded Basin Collective, a studio supporting infrastructure for a regenerative world. Dude’s not just talking, he’s actively pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

What’s also cool is his global vibe, based in Portugal now but working across Europe and the US, with ties to New York and London. He’s spoken at events like Venture Cup, sharing his ideas on how to rethink investing for wisdom infrastructure and societal change. That just shows how much he’s respected for his expertise in this space.

Honestly, Nicolas’s process screams one thing, he’s driven by a deep motivation to build systems that actually work for people and the planet, not just for profits. He’s a builder, a thinker, and a connector, jumping into new tech, cultural projects, and funding initiatives that push the needle. No bullshit, he’s here to create sustainable, systemic change, not just chase quick wins.

Long story short, Nicolas Michaelsen is the guy you look at when you wanna see what the future of investing and social impact really looks like. He’s not just playing the game, he’s rewriting the rules.