Michael Rhiness
Michael is a founder, strategist, and straight-shooter with over two decades in tech and entrepreneurship.
He’s launched companies, led turnarounds, survived market crashes, exited when it counted—and failed more than once.
Since 2000, Michael has worked across the entire arc of the innovation cycle, bringing strategic clarity, proven insights, frontline scars, and relentless optimism for the future to every organization he backs.
As the founder of TRGT, Michael works alongside teams to navigate the messy, unpredictable space between ambition and execution. He doesn’t speak in fads or hype, and is known for helping entrepreneurs cut through noise, stop chasing distorted realities, and build sustainable businesses.
One of his deepest commitments is to researchers and educators whose ideas deserve more than academic applause. Michael has a profound respect for their brilliance—their breakthroughs, discipline, and relentless pursuit of healthier communities.
But he’s also seen how many are trapped in an endless loop of inefficiencies and systems that speak of impact but prevent its reality. He helps thinkers become builders, translating their passions into products and research into relevance.
Today, Michael leads TRGT’s investment and advisory work, focusing on startups and technologies with something to prove—and the resolve to prove it.