Michael Metzger

Michael Metzger is a managing partner at Drake Star, a global media and technology investment bank with a team of more than 100 professionals across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Known for his expertise in digital media and gaming, Metzger has advised on more than 25 major mergers and acquisitions and financing transactions, including deals such as the sale of Echtra Games to Zynga and Spiketrap to Reddit. Metzger oversees the firm’s gaming and digital media practice, providing strategic guidance to clients navigating growth and exit opportunities in the technology and entertainment sectors.

Metzger’s career spans over 25 years in investment banking and corporate development. Before joining Drake Star, he held senior roles at Houlihan Lokey’s TMT group, served as a principal at MESA Global, and co-founded Covert & Co., an investment bank focused on internet and digital media. He also has operational experience from management and engineering positions at AT&T, IBM, and Mindspeed. Metzger holds five patents in communications and has been recognized as M&A Banker of the Year – Boutique Investment Banking.

Metzger is a frequent speaker at industry conferences such as the LA Games Conference and the Milken Institute Global Conference, where he shares insights on digital transformation and dealmaking in technology. He serves as chairman and board director of the German American Business Association in Southern California, supporting industry leadership and cross-border collaboration. Metzger holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management and an MSEE from the University of Ulm, Germany, combining technical expertise with business strategy.