Harrison Metal was founded by Michael Dearing in 2008 when he raised its first venture capital fund to invest in software-driven startups. Over the years, Harrison Metal attracted a small number of institutional limited partners including university endowments, charitable trusts, and pensions. Today, Michael manages the company's existing portfolio of private technology company investments.

From time to time, Harrison Metal also offers classes in business administration for up-and-coming capitalists. The class content comes from Michael's past work as a general manager (1990 - 2006), an investor (2006 - 2022), and as Consulting Associate Professor at Stanford University (2006 - 2014). Prior to Harrison Metal and Stanford, Michael spent six-and-a-half years at eBay, working his way up from category manager of furniture and appliances to Senior Vice President & General Merchandise Manager for eBay.com. Before eBay, Michael worked at Industrial Shoe Warehouse, The Walt Disney Company in corporate Strategic Planning, Filene’s Basement managing operations in the Downtown Boston flagship store, and Bain & Company.  Michael earned an AB in Economics with a focus in economic history from Brown University, and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School.