High profile Australian entrepreneur Michael Jacobsen is a businessman based in Europe.He holds a Bachelor of Business Degree from UTS in Sydney, a financial Diploma from the Australian Securities Institute and is a former Justice of the Peace in Australia.
He is a Professional Company Director, Consultant and Business Mentor.
Michael’s core businesses have historically been both entertainment and finance. He has co-founded and in some cases funded numerous businesses both small and large, across a variety of business sectors.
In Australia, the UK, the USA and Europe he has used his own business experience to mentor Start-Ups, Small Businesses and Growth Businesses and guided them forward, assisting them to elevate their market position globally.
This work has included taking numerous companies to market and guiding companies on how to become ’investable’ and then assisting them to gain finance, venture capital and private equity. Michael has been instrumental in companies gaining funding of over US$105m in the past 8 years. Michael co-Founded and was Founding Co-Producer globally of Dirty Dancing: the Classic story on Stage which held its World Premiere in Australia in 2004 and has since played in Holland, Canada, the USA, Germany and London’s West End.
Dirty Dancing is recognized in terms of its revenue, as one of the most successful theatrical shows ever produced and was built into a business valued at US$100m during the time of Michael’s involvement.
Michael co-Founded Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, and was an Executive Board Director of both the (property and building) development company and the Arena itself (now sold from Jacobsen ownership) for a number of years (www.vectorarena.co.nz).
Michael was also on the Board of the premier Theatre in Sydney, the Capitol Theatre, for 6 years (www.capitoltheatre.com.au) and was CEO of the Sydney Entertainment Centre for 4 years and a Board member for 6 (www.sydentcent.com.au).
He currently sits on the Board of the Australian Centre for Event Management (ACEM), a Division of the University of Technology Sydney (www.acem.uts.edu.au) and sat on the Board of the New South Wales Government’s Department of Education- Talent Development Project whilst resident in Australia (www.talentdevelopmentproject.org.au)
Michael has been involved in the promotion of concert tours of artists including Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Barbra Streisand . He has also Co-hosted his own radio programme in the USA and been a regular contributor to one of Australia’s leading talk-back radio programmes as well as global Entertainment Industry media.
Michael is passionate about education and lectures at Universities in Sydney and London in addition to his work as a Business Mentor.He undertakes Mentoring work for UK Trade and Investment(UKTI); has acted as a resident Entrepreneur for the Start Up Britain Organisation; and is a Mentor for the Doug Richard School for Creative Start Ups.
Testimonials for Michael Jacobsen
“Our company is celebrating its 38 year anniversary. We have booked every Past President of the U.S. Since President Ronald Reagan, and prominent presenters like Dr. Wayne Dyer and Michael Beckwith. Michael Jacobsen ranks among the most creative and exciting speakers I have ever witnessed.”
Bruce Merrins Celebrity Speakers and Entertainment – Las Vegas USA www.celebrityspeakersentertainment.com“As someone who sits on a Board with Michael Jacobsen, I believe he is a true entrepreneur and someone of great integrity.”
The Hon. RJL Hawke – Former Prime Minister of Australia -Sydney Australia, former Board member – Michael Jacobsen Group (Australia)
“I have worked with Michael Jacobsen for several years now and personally witnessed the outstanding results he has created for several major projects. He is a person for whom I have the highest regard.”
Scott Russell Hill – Author/Media Personality – Adelaide Australia www.scottrussellhill.com.au“Thankyou for the Guest lecture you gave the students. I know they found it extremely informative, enjoyable and useful.”
Claire Humphries – Senior Lecture Tourism – University of Westminster – London UK“I have known Michael Jacobsen for over 10 years and have always found him to be a rare breed of entrepreneur -successful and abundant in personal and professional integrity and honesty.”
Michael Gerondis — Fraud Risk Management Pty Ltd.“Michael Jacobsen has co-founded some of Australia’s most highly successful businesses and co-produced some of the most successful entertainment productions this country has ever created and exported. He’s trustworthy , loyal and good fun to work with. I have great respect for him.” Max Markson. Chairman of Markson Sparks Celebrity Management and Events
“Michael Jacobsen is an entrepreneur with passion, dedication and vision.” Greta Blackburn. Media personality/ Editor Ms Fitness Magazine, New York USA “I and my team worked with Michael Jacobsen on a major project and found him to be thoroughly professional and engaging, a real pleasure to work with. We look forward to combining with him on future projects!”
Max Clifford. Max Clifford associates London UK www.maxclifford.com“Michael Jacobsen is a real mensch. He towers above other men. He is a brilliant entrepreneur and mentor.”
Doug Richard -Founding Dragon, Dragon’s Den TV Show BBC – www.dougrichard.net Founder of School for Start Ups – www.schoolforstartups.co.uk“Michael Jacobsen was a great asset on the StartUp Britain Bus Tour. Travelling with us to locations across the UK, he was on hand to help aspiring entrepreneurs and growing businesses. He offered practical and experience-based advice, as well as entrepreneurial flair to the tour!”
Emma Jones. Co-Founder of StartUp Britain, London UK – www.startupbritain.org