Michael Christopher Venturino is a financial professional, private equity founder, and committed family man based in New York. With over 20 years of experience in mortgage lending, brokerage, and private equity, he has dedicated his career to connecting individual investors with private market opportunities. As the founder of HLV Ventures, he brings practical insight and a disciplined, long-term approach to investment strategy. His professional values are centered on clarity, trust, and performance.
Early Life
Michael was born on May 31, 1986, in Long Island, New York, to Linda and Felix. During high school, he joined the football team and the wrestling squad, both of which helped him develop mental toughness, focus, and discipline. He also played hockey, gaining valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance at an early age. These experiences shaped his approach to personal and professional challenges later in life.
Breaking into Finance
At age 17, he began his professional journey in the mortgage industry. This first step into finance provided a foundational understanding of lending practices, financial systems, and the importance of building strong client relationships. By the time he turned 18, he had moved into his apartment, marking the beginning of a life of independence in the community where he was raised.
Michael’s early exposure to the mortgage industry provided him with a firsthand view of how financial decisions affect families and individuals. This experience sparked a desire to help others navigate financial choices and led him to pursue broader opportunities in the financial services field.
Career Growth
With a growing interest in expanding his capabilities, he passed the Series 7 exam, earning the license required to operate as a securities broker. This enabled him to support clients through more complex investment transactions and offer broader financial guidance.
Over the years, he was recognized as a top producer at two New York-based broker-dealer firms. His reliability, attention to detail, and dedication to client success allowed him to build strong relationships. His consistent performance and ethical approach helped establish a reputation for trust and professionalism in the industry.
Founding HLV Ventures
In November 2022, he founded HLV Ventures, a private equity firm headquartered in Hauppauge, New York. The firm was launched to provide individual investors with access to investment opportunities in the private market, particularly in the pre-initial public offering (IPO) space. He identified a gap between investors seeking high-value private deals and private companies in need of capital.
HLV Ventures provides a transparent platform that connects accredited investors with carefully reviewed private companies. The firm specializes in pre-IPO and secondary market investments, helping clients explore opportunities that were once limited to institutional investors. Each offering is reviewed with attention to balancing growth potential and risk.
HLV Ventures Investment Process and Client Approach
A clear and structured process is central to the client experience at HLV Ventures. He and his team work closely with investors to ensure they understand each step and feel confident in their choices. Education and transparency guide every interaction.
The process begins by verifying that clients meet the SEC’s definition of an accredited investor. Once a self-verification form is submitted, the firm reviews the client’s credentials and connects them with an investment professional. During this conversation, the client’s financial goals are discussed, the platform is explained, and available investment opportunities are introduced.
This approach ensures that clients meet regulatory requirements while receiving personalized service and thoughtful support throughout the investment process.
Professional Philosophy and Client Relationships
His professional philosophy is grounded in honesty, integrity, and long-term thinking. He believes that lasting client relationships are built through education, communication, and respect. Rather than focusing on short-term gains, he encourages clients to thoroughly understand their investment options and align their decisions with personal goals.
Clients appreciate his ability to listen carefully and provide clear, measured advice. He invests the time to understand each investor’s needs, creating a personalized experience that supports lasting trust and mutual success.
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Michael values giving back to the community and contributes regularly to charitable organizations. Each year, he donates to St. Matthew’s Church and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. His support reflects a broader commitment to helping others and fostering positive impact.
Beyond financial contributions, he promotes the importance of kindness, responsibility, and community involvement. His belief in service extends to encouraging others to participate in causes that reflect shared values.
Professional Achievements and Industry Recognition
Michael’s previous roles at Aegis Capital and Spartan Capital Securities allowed him to develop leadership skills while maintaining a high standard of client service. At both firms, he earned top producer status, managing portfolios and offering clients consistent, reliable financial guidance. These experiences equipped him with the knowledge and confidence to launch HLV Ventures and continue building on his professional foundation.
Personal Life and Values
Michael married his longtime partner in 2014, and together they have two sons, currently aged four and seven. He places great value on family and balances professional responsibilities with time spent at home. Whether helping with daily routines or sharing activities, family remains a central part of his life.
Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through golf, gardening, gym workouts, and pickleball. His early involvement in sports—football, wrestling, and hockey—continues to influence his mindset, encouraging consistency, focus, and personal discipline.
Michael Venturino continues to lead HLV Ventures, focusing on transparency, education, and fostering meaningful relationships with investors. His commitment to ethical practices and long-term value guides every decision, reflecting the principles that have shaped his career and personal life.