Michael Roberts

Michael Roberts is the Founder and CEO of BlockVest. Michael's passion for building this venture comes from the understanding that every problem is a business. Michael has witnessed firsthand the crime, poverty and the general sense of hopelessness that exists within impoverished communities in America's major cities. The native of Charlotte, NC moved to Chicago in 2012 to pursue his M.S. in Computer Science. While in Chicago, he noticed how severe the poverty and crime were, especially on the south and west sides of the city. This critical problem birthed the idea of BlockVest: an opportunity to create a pipeline for concerned individuals to invest in the economic revitalization and stabilization of impoverished "blocks" within major cities across the country. Michael has held numerous positions within major investment banks, touching all aspects of business from Application Development to Product Development and Management. He has decided to take a leave of absence from graduate school to pursue his passion full time and help to eradicate the persistent economic stagnation in communities across the country. He wants consumers to understand that they have the power to impact the development of these communities. Michael believes that if we don't step up now, then who will? And when? Michael holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.