Michel Cohen

Principal & Family Office Investor | Venture Capital · Private Equity · Real Estate | Financial Advisor | Entrepreneur |

San Diego, California, United States

About

I’ve spent over three decades building at the intersection of capital, entrepreneurship, and opportunity — across finance, real estate, food, and consumer goods. As Principal of Walket Capital, I oversee a diversified family office spanning venture capital, private equity, and real estate. My work is about more than returns — it’s about identifying the right people, the right ideas, and the right moment to act with conviction. As a Partner at Performance Wealth Investments, we own and operate a diversified commercial real estate portfolio — office buildings, industrial complexes, commercial property, and land — across the US. Current developments include La Terra Estates, an exclusive luxury estate community in Los Gatos, California, at the heart of Silicon Valley. As Financial Advisor at LM Advisors, I work with succeaful individuals and families to build and protect wealth across generations. Beyond capital markets, I co-founded Downtown Works — a coworking, incubator, and accelerator community in San Diego — because I believe in building ecosystems where entrepreneurs can thrive. I also co-founded Ladera Quality Meats, which has grown from a quality meats operation into a multinational, multi-protein trading company with offices in the US and Mexico. We’ve expanded into consumer packaged goods — including rolled tacos, crispbreads, and square puffs — bringing quality and innovation to the everyday table. I bring a global perspective shaped by my roots in Mexico City, my finance and marketing education at Universidad Iberoamericana, and executive investment training at The Wharton School. I build companies. I deploy capital. I connect people. If you’re working on something exceptional, let’s talk.

Experience

  • Principal at WALKET CAPITAL
    1992 - Present · 34 yrs 6 mos

    Principal — Walket Capital (1992 – Present) Leading a multi-decade family office with a diversified mandate across venture capital, private equity, and real estate. Responsible for deal sourcing, portfolio strategy, and capital allocation across the US and international markets.

  • Financial Advisor at LM Advisors, LLC
    Jan 2013 - Present · 13 yrs 6 mos

    Providing personalized financial planning and investment advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and families. Focused on long-term wealth preservation, portfolio construction, and multi-generational planning.

  • Partner at PWI - Performance Wealth Investments, LLC
    Nov 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 8 mos

    Own and actively manage a diversified commercial real estate portfolio spanning office buildings, industrial complexes, strip malls, commercial properties, and land across the US and Mexico. Oversee acquisitions, asset management, and ground-up development projects. Current flagship development: La Terra Estates, Los Gatos, CA — an exclusive community of only 8 luxury private estates in the heart of Silicon Valley, coming 2026. Positioned to be one of the most sought-after addresses in the greater Silicon Valley area, with expansive views and unmatched privacy within city limits. (laterraestates.com)

  • Founding Partner at Downtown Works Coworking
    Nov 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 8 mos

    Co-founded and operate Downtown Works, a premier coworking and entrepreneurial community headquartered in Downtown San Diego (550 W B Street), with 4 locations across San Diego County and global access through the LExC network. The flagship location features 35 private offices, dedicated desks, open coworking, a rooftop deck with bayfront views, conference and training rooms, a podcast studio, and a fully stocked kitchen with local craft beer on tap. Offerings range from flexible day passes to full enterprise solutions for hybrid and remote teams. Built a thriving ecosystem supporting startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and growing companies — with programming including incubator and accelerator services, weekly Lunch & Learns, and a vibrant member community. (downtownworks.com)

  • Principal at TARSUS MANAGEMENT INC
    Nov 2011 - Present · 14 yrs 8 mos

    Self-directed principal managing a portfolio of business interests and strategic investments across multiple sectors.