Michael B. Schwab, founder and managing director of Big Sky Partners, has spent over two decades transforming ideas into reality through visionary investments.
With a keen eye for innovation and a belief in the power of people, Michael has built a career centered around backing bold, radical ideas that challenge the status quo. Since the inception of Big Sky in 1999, he’s led with a human-first approach, recognizing that the true heart of any venture lies in the people behind it. This philosophy has driven his success across a diverse portfolio of investments, from groundbreaking tech companies to revolutionary action sports ventures.
In a bold leap forward, Michael recently joined forces with Meriweather Companies to bring Coral Mountain to life—a visionary sports and wellness community nestled in the heart of California's Coachella Valley. This next-generation destination will provide residents with the opportunity to chase adventure, sports, and wellness dreams.
Michael plays a pivotal role in business development and fundraising for Meriwether’s projects, advancing their mission of creating innovative, lifestyle-driven real estate assets. Meriwether’s partnership with Michael in 2016 marked a turning point for the company, bringing Big Sky’s bold vision to complement Meriwether’s expertise in real estate development.
For Michael, Coral Mountain is more than just a project; it's a reflection of his personal belief in limitless possibilities, where innovation and ambition converge to create something truly transformative.
Beyond Coral Mountain, Michael is a key investor and advocate for sustainable, adventure-driven real estate that redefines hospitality and fosters environmentally-conscious communities.
Together, Michael and Meriwether have expanded internationally, including ventures in Indonesia like NIHI Rote and projects in the Marshall Islands. These properties showcase Meriwether’s ethos of "adventure capitalism," offering world-class activities such as surfing, fishing, and scuba diving, paired with luxury wellness programs. Michael has championed these projects, driving their success and enriching the cultural and experiential dimensions of Meriwether’s portfolio.
His impact reaches even further with his involvement in projects like the Natural Selection Tour and as a member of the board for TAE Technologies, where he’s helped support cutting-edge concepts into the mainstream.
Since 2002, Michael has supported TAE Technologies, a groundbreaking company advancing nuclear fusion as a clean, sustainable energy solution. His long-term commitment reflects his belief in TAE’s potential to revolutionize energy production and create a future powered by limitless, clean energy.
Whether it’s backing a revolutionary backcountry snowboarding league or playing a key role in advancing nuclear fusion research, Michael’s vision is always geared toward pushing boundaries beyond the limit. His investments are not purely financial but a true commitment to fueling progress and creating a future that merges sustainability, adventure, and human potential.
Michael is a seasoned investment professional with a diverse portfolio of leadership roles in both private equity and venture capital. As a Partner at Emergent Capital Partners, a global private equity firm, he focuses on identifying and capitalizing on opportunistic real estate opportunities in fast-growing markets. In addition to his work at Emergent, Michael serves as a Venture Partner with Greenhouse Capital Partners, where he leverages his expertise to invest in cutting-edge technologies that drive resource efficiency, climate resiliency, and sustainability across legacy industries, fostering transformative change in traditional sectors.
Michael Schwab’s career serves as a testament to the idea that the greatest innovations often come from Daring to Dream Bigger than anyone else thought possible. By embracing this leading-edge spirit, he’s not only revolutionizing industries but also inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to chase bold ideas, pursue passion projects, and reimagine the future.