Company Info for soterinsure.com | IcebreakerMembers
-- CSO / CISO / CTO with 30+ years of U.S. government, financial services, cryptocurrency, blockchain, DeFi, and critical infrastructure cyber security expertise.
-- Current focus on AI development and adoption projects at the enterprise level across all areas of FinTech.
-- Veteran IT, cloud, and cyber operations leader who has built innovative cyber security capabilities within high-threat classified and unclassified public and private sector organizations.
-- Experienced information technology strategist with demonstrated capability to build leading edge technologies and programs, effect change and improvement, and to create agile cyber security and information risk management programs.
-- Key C-level leader in the successful development and financial exit of four pure-play cyber security start-up companies.
-- Builder of converged security programs blending cyber and physical security, executive protection and specialized programs including aviation and corporate security.
-- 15+ years of international experience, exceptional communications skills, and significant interaction and daily contact with researchers, industry executives, regulators, government officials, and media. 
Michael Branco has 25 years of technology experience, transforming startups from concept to thriving businesses. He founded several companies from scratch, including entities in IT services, IT security, e-commerce, commercial property, Insurtech, and Web3 & AI advisory. Notably, two of these entities grew to $10M+ in revenue while Michael was CEO.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Michael played key roles in acquiring and rebranding a marketing company, advising SaaS and HealthTech startups, and serving as an advisor for a Cleantech Fund. Michael has been involved in over 14 startups, showcasing his extensive experience and expertise in entrepreneurship.
As Managing Partner of Celeste Ventures, Michael oversees a diverse portfolio, providing strategic advisory services and leveraging his expertise in startups, technology, operations, and finance. Celeste Ventures invests in both Bermuda-based and international companies, reflecting Michael’s broad investment acumen. Michael has the ability to create innovative technology solutions, build people-centric organizations, and solve problems; fueled by 5am coffees and hands-on technology skills.
Michael holds a Computer Science degree from Western University and pursued graduate studies in Artificial Intelligence and Distributed Databases at Stanford University. He earned his MBA from the Richard Ivey Business School and is a doctoral student at Rutgers Business School, working towards completing his DBA in 2026 with applied research in AI & Finance. Additionally, he completed Board of Directors training at Stanford Law School. Michael is a professional speaker on practical IT and AI. He is a Justice of the Peace and Past Chair of YPO Bermuda, earning best Chapter nomination twice during his two-year tenure.
Currently, Michael is a Board Member for Coinbase International, Soter Insurance and Iribisio Fund, which are BMA regulated entities. He also advises Laser Light Communications, a global multi-domain optical network provider, focusing on operations and markets management. Michael also serves as Chair of Bermuda Forward a non-political think tank for Bermuda.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He loves golf, travel, hosting events, and as a former professional DJ, has a passion for music. For fun, Michael has produced concerts for artists like Shaggy and Maxi Priest. 
