Michael Houck

Michael Houck is an entrepreneur and investor currently serving as the Managing Partner at Launch House Ventures and the founder of Rye Valley. Previously, he spent over five years working in product management and data science roles at major technology companies, including Uber and Airbnb. He co-founded Launch House, initially a co-living network for founders that expanded into a venture fund after securing a $15 million Series A round led by a16z. Under his leadership, the organization generated over $3 million in revenue, attracted a 2,000-person waitlist, and secured early backing from angel investor Balaji Srinivasan. Through Launch House Ventures, Houck has executed more than 50 early-stage investments across the technology sector. His current focus centers on operating Rye Valley to develop media ventures and supporting early-stage startup founders through community-driven capital allocation.