Michael J. Hsu, Former Comptroller of the Currency, Joins Core Innovation Capital as Venture Partner

Hsu brings two decades of institutional experience to Core Innovation Capital, furthering its mission to help founders thrive in highly regulated markets, turning complexity, compliance, and trust into competitive advantages.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Core Innovation Capital, a leading early-stage VC firm investing in platforms that power wealth and health, two of the most foundational and economically significant forces in American life, today announced that Michael J. Hsu has joined the firm as Venture Partner.

Hsu, who most recently served as Acting Comptroller of the Currency, brings more than 20 years of leadership across the OCC, Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury, and IMF. His background in financial stability, AI risk, and consumer protection adds institutional-grade perspective to Core VC, enabling the firm to better support founders building in fintech, benefits, embedded finance, and AI governance.

“After years focused on safeguarding the financial system, I’m thrilled to now help build the innovations shaping its future,” said Hsu. “As Acting Comptroller, I had a front-row seat to both the promise and the pitfalls of financial innovation. Now with Core VC, I have the opportunity to take that experience and work directly with entrepreneurs who are building platforms that expand access, lower costs, and create trust at scale. It’s a shift from supervising to building, through companies designed to empower everyday people.”

Since 2010, Core VC has backed breakout companies including Ripple, NerdWallet, PayJoy, Kikoff, Attain, and HealthSherpa. Driven by a dedication to deliver exceptional financial returns while simultaneously creating profound human value, Core aims to improve the lives of 200 million people by 2035 and generate $1 trillion in aggregate wealth creation and cost savings.

“At Core, we’ve proven that investing in companies serving the mass-market isn’t just good policy, it’s exceptional business,” said Arjan Schütte, Founder and Managing Partner at Core Innovation Capital. “Michael’s leadership at the highest levels of financial oversight gives our portfolio a rare advantage in regulated markets, and we’re excited to continue building businesses that create both systemic inclusion and durable financial returns.”

At Core VC, Hsu will partner with founders from day one to anticipate regulatory hurdles, engage constructively with policymakers, and design strategies that align innovation with safety, soundness, and fairness. His expertise in both financial stability and responsible AI offers portfolio companies a unique edge in markets where trust is as important as technology.

About Core VC
Core Innovation Capital is a leading venture capital firm investing in early stage technology businesses that power wealth and health for the mass market. With a thesis-driven approach to backing founders in highly regulated and operationally complex markets, the firm has demonstrated that businesses outperform when they create true value for their customers. The firm focuses on early-stage, high-growth companies that focus on the most fundamental platforms that shape American life, most notably in financial services, healthcare, housing, and work. Learn more at corevc.com.