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Michael and Derek, lifelong best friends and former high school football teammates, have now joined forces in their entrepreneurial journey. Their shared bond and experience on the football field have forged a deep sense of trust and teamwork, qualities they bring to their search fund, Changebridge Growth Partners. Having witnessed each other's determination, resilience, and leadership on the gridiron, Michael and Derek understand the power of collaboration and complementary skills. Their combined strengths, with Michael's extensive business development and strategic partnership experience and Derek's finance background and start-up entrepreneurship expertise, create a formidable team.
United by a common goal, Michael and Derek have set their sights on acquiring one exceptional business. Their shared history and strong personal connection enable them to communicate effectively, make sound decisions, and navigate challenges with unwavering support for one another. With their search fund, Changebridge Growth Partners, Michael and Derek are leveraging their unique blend of skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and friendship to identify a great business opportunity. Their shared vision and unwavering commitment set the stage for a promising future as they embark on this exciting venture together.
Michael Shackil
Michael Shackil is a seasoned entrepreneur and business development specialist. With a background in venture-backed startups and global trade associations, he has successfully forged strategic partnerships and driven multimillion-dollar growth. His accomplishments include expanding a tech startup's portfolio, leading a successful go-to-market strategy at a major tech firm, and implementing a growth plan for a renowned innovation consulting firm. With an MBA & MAM from two top-ranked business schools and a passion for search funds, Michael founded Changebridge Growth Partners. Known for his leadership, sales acumen, and thought leadership, he offers a wealth of expertise to entrepreneurs seeking transformative acquisitions.
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Michael has lead sales and business development teams at both the start-up and Fortune 500 levels, with achievements including closing deals totaling millions of dollars in new business, defining strategy for a publicly traded tech firm, and leading cross-functional teams. Prior to launching Changebridge Growth Partners, Michael is a graduate of Yale School of Management Master of Advanced Management program, received his MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and attended West Virginia University where he majored in Sports Management.
Derek Margiotta
Derek Margiotta is a financial professional with a strong background in investment analysis and start-up entrepreneurship. Before founding Changebridge Growth Partners, he was part of the Equity Research team at the global investment bank, Jefferies LLC, covering Consumer Staples. Prior to Jefferies, he founded the vaporizer start-up, Space Vapor Technologies, where he led efforts in strategy, sales, finance, and operations. He began his career as an Fixed Income Analyst at Bank Leumi USA (dba Valley Bank) where he managed a fixed income portfolio totaling $6 billion in assets under management across both institutional and private wealth clientele.
Derek earned a Master of Science in Finance from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and a B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from Marist College.