Mike Alves has always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. His passion for financial services began at age 14, when he read What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School and became fascinated by the stories of entrepreneurs turning vision into results. That early curiosity grew into a career dedicated to helping families and institutions achieve their goals.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration from UC Riverside in 2005, Mike began his career at Morgan Stanley and later joined Merrill Lynch, where he served as Wealth Management Advisor and Vice President. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, along with Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ and Chartered Life Underwriter® credentials, and earned a Master of Science in Advanced Financial Planning from Golden Gate University.

Mike is also the founder of Vida Private Wealth, where he built a reputation for thoughtful, disciplined wealth management focused on alignment and long-term growth. Inspired by the transformative potential of technology, he founded VIDA Vision Fund to back companies shaping the future of AI, robotics, and autonomous systems—investments that have the potential to redefine industries and create lasting impact. For Mike, the Fund is more than capital—it is a way to support innovation that matters while building generational legacies for investors and society.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys golf, travel, and wine, and is deeply involved in his children’s lives—coaching soccer, volunteering at school events, and fostering their curiosity and ambition.

Alina Stanfield, our Head of Investor Relations, brings a unique global perspective and a decade of operational expertise to VIDA Vision Fund. Hailing from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and educated in Moscow, Alina's journey has cultivated a sharp analytical mind and exceptional cross-cultural communication skills. Her extensive background in non-profit operations, managing diverse programs from Khabarovsk to Gibraltar, underscores her talent for fostering connections and driving impact.

At VIDA Vision Fund, Alina is the essential bridge between our groundbreaking vision and our valued investors. She ensures transparent, insightful, and proactive communication, empowering our partners to confidently engage with the future of AI, robotics, and autonomous technologies. Her dedication transforms every investor interaction into a seamless and enriching experience.

Beyond her professional role, Alina is a passionate global traveler, finding inspiration in new cultures and the intricate beauty of art, particularly Vincent van Gogh. She enjoys the creative challenge of Lego, the freedom of biking, and the companionship of her tuxedo cat, Mr. Whiskers.

Eric is a Los Angeles native with a sharp analytical mind and a passion for strategy. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and began his career in financial analysis, honing his skills in data interpretation, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

At VIDA Vision Fund, Eric brings his curiosity, analytical rigor, and dedication to excellence, helping the team make informed, disciplined decisions that support the Fund’s mission of backing transformative companies in AI, robotics, and autonomous technologies.

Outside of work, Eric is committed to community service and enjoys volunteering for local initiatives. He also loves traveling, reading, and exploring new culinary experiences, bringing the same curiosity and enthusiasm to both his personal life and professional endeavors.

Michael is a Junior Analyst at the fund, bringing a truly intuitive and new-generation vision to our understanding of future technologies. He possesses an innate fluency in the evolving landscapes of artificial intelligence and robotics, seeing trends and possibilities with a clarity that comes from a lifetime immersed in digital innovation.

At VIDA Vision Fund, Michael contributes a forward-looking perspective, enriching our collective ability to anticipate and embrace the next wave of technological transformation. His unique insights are invaluable in identifying groundbreaking companies and ideas that will shape tomorrow. This young, insightful mind adds a distinct advantage to the fund, helping to ensure our strategies are always aligned with the cutting edge of progress.

When he's not immersed in the world of tech and finance, Michael can often be found on the tennis court, competing in tournaments that keep his strategic mind sharp. He also loves exploring new places through travel and cherishing moments with his family, all of which contribute to his well-rounded perspective and innovative outlook.