Behind the Brand with Mike Novogratz

Behind the Brand with Mike Novogratz

Behind the Brand with Mike Novogratz

A conversation with the investor, who is possibly the new most interesting man in the world

By Bryan Elliott @BRYANELLIOTT

I'm not sure what that "stay thirsty my friends" guy from the beer commercials is doing now, but I'd like to nominate Mike Novogratz as his successor. Mike is one of those guys with some really crazy stories, from his youth, to his time as a helicopter pilot in the army, to reaching billionaire status. We opened our chat talking about his love for vintage Planet of the Apes movies while he rocked comfortably in the most elaborate, unique, custom leather-embossed chair I've ever seen -- a gift from his wife on Mike's 40th birthday. Mike's brains and wits have kept him at the top of his game for more than three decades, even after the devastating financial crash of 2008. Novogratz isn't just tough, he's smart, he's savvy, he's in tune with himself and he's creative.

Novogratz grew up in Alexandria, Virginia in a large Catholic military family. He is the third of seven children and his family is full of high achievers. His sister Jacqueline Novogratz (married to TED Conference founder, Chris Anderson) is the CEO