Rock Stack’s prinicap, Michael Lakeman, brings deep governance experience to emerging climate and biotech sectors. He has led board, chair, and advisory roles for organizations including PyperVision, BiotechNZ, Aotearoa NZ Seaweed Association, and the Algae Foundation, with a strategic focus on risk management and portfolio review. His leadership includes guiding multi-million dollar angel investment and multi-billion dollar government portfolios, and delivering recommendations that balance risk, opportunity, and sector impact. As chair of key peer review committees, Michael has shaped resource allocation and portfolio resilience for national and international stakeholders.

He is recognized for sector advocacy, influencing and developing policy and supporting industry bodies, and has actively mentored emerging innovators throughout his career. Michael’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders is evident in his regular engagement with early-career scientists, entrepreneurs, and technical teams across the global deeptech and sustainability landscape.