It’s amazing to be at the nexus of brilliant people and ideas that will shape our future.

Michael DeCaro joined Lightspeed in 2009 to lead and define the technology strategy of the firm. With an extensive background in technology working for companies across many different verticals and sizes, from Fortune 100 firms to startups, as well as experience as a founder of his own advisory business, Michael landed in the financial sector and fell in love with Venture once exposed, never looking back.

Michael and the IT team are at their best when solving problems, finding ways to automate and streamline business flows across the firm at scale.

Over the last 12 years, Michael has served in senior technology roles at financial firms which include ICONIQ Capital, HRJ Capital, Fisher Investments, and Minor Ventures.

Michael is a first generation American and San Francisco native who came to the Bay Area to focus on his passion for technology, after studying Chemistry at Marion Military Institute and Biology at Auburn University in Alabama. 

The sixth child of Guatemalan immigrants, Michael grew up spending a few months each summer during elementary school in Guatemala, which gave him a greater appreciation for the American lifestyle–security, safety, abundance, but most of all opportunity. 

Along with spending time with his wife and two children and watching college football Michael spends his free time serving on the board of Support The Kid, an all-volunteer pediatric cancer nonprofit.