Former Morgan Stanley IPO expert lands in the White House! Serves as Trump's "investment strategist," previously helped Musk acquire Twitter

Recently, the White House welcomed a prominent figure: Michael Grimes, former IPO mogul at Morgan Stanley, who led the listings of giants like Facebook, Uber, and Google, earning the title of "ticket king" in the tech industry.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on the 24th, he will serve as the head of Trump's "U.S. Investment Accelerator," responsible for providing "one-on-one" services to companies with a strong desire for large-scale investments, particularly those with investment amounts exceeding $1 billion. This office is a core component of Trump's "America First" strategy, aimed at promoting the return of manufacturing and reducing import dependence.

Importantly, Grimes' relationship with Trump is not merely that of a "recruitment strategist"; he also has a close relationship with Musk and assisted him in acquiring Twitter.

This move may signify the U.S. government's formal involvement in investment guidance and indicates that Trump's team is attempting to reshape the U.S. financial and industrial landscape by leveraging top-tier investment banking experience.

Michael Grimes

Silicon Valley's Most Popular Banker: From IPOs to "Investment Attraction"

The "U.S. Investment Accelerator" is the brainchild of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trump announced the establishment of this agency through an executive order last month. While the "U.S. Investment Accelerator" is not a direct investment agency, its goal is clear—to attract companies with "high-end services" like investment banks and to break through cumbersome approval processes.

The roadmap indicates that the agency is only open to companies that commit to investing over $1 billion in the U.S., focusing on large domestic projects exceeding $100 million.

As an IPO banker, Grimes' past work closely resembles the role he will take on in Washington: when companies go public, they must persuade public investors to buy shares in their business. Bankers help executives refine their sales pitches and introduce them to fund managers who can write the biggest checks.

In recent decades, Facebook, Uber, and Google have all been his clients. He has been a long-time star loyal to Morgan Stanley.

Bloomberg reported that Grimes began his career in the 1990s under Frank Quattrone. When Quattrone left the bank to join Deutsche Bank, Grimes chose to stay. Grimes earned the favor of CEOs by proving himself through the use of client technology.

Before Uber's IPO in 2018, Grimes worked part-time as an Uber driver and showcased detailed notes he recorded while driving in San Francisco during pitch meetings. Additionally, his background in computer engineering gives him unique insights into tech companies; during Google's IPO, he astonished Larry Page with his ability to integrate engineering skills into banking affairs "He doesn't speak like a banker. He's not smooth," said Eric Ries, founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange:

"He is charming in a clumsy way."

Relationship with Musk Becomes a Key Factor in Government Appointment

Reports indicate that Grimes was drawn into government this year, partly due to his relationship with Musk, who has become a member of Trump's inner circle.

Grimes' relationship with Musk dates back several years, when Grimes played a key role in Musk's decision to acquire Twitter in 2022.

Before joining the Trump administration, Grimes told some clients that he would work with the government's efficiency department. Since joining the Trump administration, Grimes has been helping the Department of Commerce cut costs and lay off employees, preparing for a larger role in the investment accelerator.

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