![](https://www.insightpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Michael-Spiro_1330-646x960-1.jpg)
Michael Spiro
Senior AssociateMichael Spiro
Senior AssociateGrowing up, I had no idea what software was. I vividly remember hearing the phrase “SaaS” at a summer internship interview during my freshman year of college. I somehow landed the role at an early-stage SaaS startup even though I was clueless. That experience acted as a crash course in all things SaaS and startups, spurring my excitement in the industry.
I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of having an impact on the world that is much larger than myself, and I see technology and investing as the way to do this. Launching several startups myself, I know first-hand the struggles founders face. While in school at Washington University’s Olin Business School, I founded the university’s now-leading enterprise club. I also started a Substack publication and podcast (The Takeoff), where I interviewed over 50 leading founders and investors about their experiences and learnings for the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.
At Insight, I get to back the ambitious founders and builders who are improving the world. My experience building and investing at other funds like Addition, JMI, and Equal Ventures, has shaped how I think about opportunities, teams, business models, PMF, and moats.
My intellectual curiosity means I get excited by pretty much anything with a strong vision and killer product and team. I like founders with a strong clarity of thought and a deep passion for what they’re building.