Our Culture

What you believe and what you value as an organization matters. Discover the DNA of our firm.

Our People

Get to know our teams and the stories of select staff members who share why they choose to work at Sands Capital.

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Recognized as Greenwich Quality Leader

Sands Capital is one of just four investment managers recognized this year for the service it delivers to institutional clients.

Careers

At Sands Capital, we strive to hire exceptional talent who will live our values and support our efforts to deliver on our mission.
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From Beta to Alpha

U.S. markets have recovered following 2022’s historic selloff, leading some to question what comes next. In this environment, we believe certain active approaches are better positioned to benefit than others.

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Connecting Brands with Digital Content Creators

Bryan Gold and #paid are enabling companies and creators to form mutually beneficial partnerships

Fostering Long-term Thinking

Executive Managing Director and Sr. Portfolio Manager Brian Christiansen discusses the importance of candor and collaboration in a culture that promotes long-term thinking.

Transparent Work Cultures and Inclusive Opportunities

Recruit Holdings is transforming the world of work through wage transparency and providing life-changing opportunities for immigrants and refugees.

Philosophy & Approach

Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that, over time, stock prices will reflect the earnings power and growth of the underlying businesses.

Stewardship

Our second annual stewardship report reflects our commitment to provide clients and other key stakeholders with transparency into our initiatives, actions, and the progress we made in 2022.

Public Equity

Our newest strategy takes an unconstrained approach to seeking the best growth businesses outside of the U.S.

Venture & Growth Equity

Our life sciences strategy looks to invest in promising life sciences companies that we believe are at the heart of a technological and scientific revolution in healthcare.

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Michael Graninger

Managing Partner

Joined Sands Capital

2018

Work Experience

Sands Capital (2018 - 2022)
Arlington, VA | Partner

In-Q-Tel (2014 - 2018)
Arlington, VA | Partner

Mobile System 7 (2013 - 2014)
Arlington, VA | President, Co-Founder

In-Q-Tel (2003 - 2013)
Arlington, VA | Partner

The Hunter Capital Group (2001 - 2003)
Columbia, MD | Managing Director

Friedman, Billings, and Ramsey (1997 - 2001)
Arlington, VA | Senior Vice President

Education

San Diego State University
MBA

Salisbury State University
BS | Business Administration

Michael joined Sands Capital Ventures in 2018 as a Partner. He has more than 20 years of experience investing in, managing, financing, and developing innovative enterprise technologies. Prior to joining Sands Capital Ventures, Michael was a Partner at In-Q-Tel, a strategic investor in early-stage businesses in the artificial intelligence, computer vision, data analytics, cybersecurity, novel materials, and other spaces of potential high impact on national security. He also was the founder and President of Mobile System 7, a cybersecurity company. Previously, Michael served as Managing Director at The Hunter Capital Group, a specialized investment bank, and Senior Vice President at Friedman, Billings, and Ramsey where he focused on IPOs, M&A advisory, and private placements. Michael received a bachelor degree in Business Administration from Salisbury State University and a MBA from San Diego State University.

Events
Frank Sands, Michael Graninger, Scott Frederick on Washingtonian Tech Titans List
The publication named the three among the 225 most innovative and important people in D.C.’s tech scene.
Investment Strategy
As Physical and Virtual Worlds Converge, Digital Markets Emerge
Forward-thinking investors may find investment opportunities in the expanding realm of digital life.

Let’s Talk