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Adam Michela is the Co-founder, CEO, and Managing Partner of Combine, a design-focused venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. Before launching the firm in 2016, he served as a Product Design Director at Airbnb, developing the company's Design Language System. His earlier career includes roles as a Product Designer at Facebook, where he co-created the FIG Design System, and as a Product Designer at Dropbox. Through Combine, Michela raised a $12 million initial fund and a $50 million second fund to back early-stage startups, including Notion and Discord. He previously served on the board of directors for Forerunner from 2019 to 2022 and Tia from 2017 to 2020. Michela currently focuses on leveraging his product scaling expertise to lead pre-seed through Series A investments across the education technology, consumer, and enterprise software sectors.
Adam Michela serves as a key Investor at Combine, an organization dedicated to identifying and fostering the next generation of groundbreaking companies. In his role, Adam is instrumental in the entire investment lifecycle, from initial deal sourcing and rigorous due diligence to providing ongoing strategic support to portfolio companies. His expertise lies in recognizing nascent potential and guiding founders through critical growth phases.
At Combine, Adam Michela's investment focus is broad yet discerning, typically gravitating towards sectors poised for significant disruption and innovation. While specific areas can evolve with market trends, he often explores opportunities in enterprise software, B2B SaaS, consumer technology, and emerging deep tech. He is particularly interested in companies that demonstrate strong product-market fit, scalable business models, and visionary leadership. Adam believes in a hands-on approach, working closely with entrepreneurs to refine their strategies, build robust teams, and navigate competitive landscapes.
Adam's career background is rooted in a deep understanding of technology and market dynamics, cultivated through years of experience in the investment ecosystem. Prior to his tenure at Combine, he honed his analytical skills and strategic acumen, contributing to various successful ventures and investment initiatives. This diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive perspective on what it takes for a startup to not only survive but thrive and achieve substantial growth. His commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial talent is a hallmark of his professional philosophy.
As an integral part of Combine's investment team, Adam Michela has been involved in building a robust and diverse portfolio. While specific investment details are often proprietary, his contributions have been vital in identifying companies that align with Combine's mission to drive progress and create lasting value. He is known for his thorough evaluation process and his ability to forge strong, collaborative relationships with founders, acting as a trusted advisor beyond just capital provision. Adam's dedication ensures that Combine's investments are not just financial transactions but true partnerships aimed at long-term success and impactful innovation.
Adam Michela is an investor at Combine, known for his strategic approach to identifying and supporting innovative companies across various sectors.
Adam Michela primarily invests in companies within sectors poised for disruption, including enterprise software, B2B SaaS, consumer technology, and deep tech, focusing on scalable business models and strong leadership.
Adam Michela works as an Investor at Combine, an organization dedicated to fostering groundbreaking companies and driving innovation.