Michael Chaffin

Michael Chaffin is a strategically focused, visionary, and results-driven business executive with more than 35 years of experience in a variety of industries including technology, music, apparel, beverage, cannabis, and finance. His strengths include leading organizations through rapid growth-related issues, loss of key executives, or turnaround situations.

Since 2003, Michael has served as Business Manager for the multi-platinum, three-time GRAMMY winning hip-hop artist, Nelly. He oversaw the initial launch of Nelly’s Apple Bottoms apparel line in 2003, the sale in 2010, and the reacquisition in 2023. In early 2015, Michael co-led the launch of the Three Commas apparel line, in partnership with Mark Cuban and added Nelly as a partner for the relaunch in 2024. Michael also built Nelly’s investing arm Derrty Ventures in 2017 and serves as Co-Founder and Managing Partner for the group which invests in and owns numerous business ventures and works with start-ups in various categories.

Michaels early experience includes founder of Six Degrees Online, a social networking company, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development for Akili, a technology consulting firm, and Consultant to Sports Promotion Network.

Michael was awarded an MBA from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in 1998. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 1988.

Michael currently resides in Dallas, Texas and is active in the start-up communities both in St. Louis and Dallas as a Judge and Mentor for Stadia Ventures, a global Sports innovation hub for entrepreneurs, industry partners, and investors. He serves as Chairman of the Board for Tackle Tomorrow a non-profit organization which focuses on improving early childhood literacy rates in Dallas. Michael formerly served on the Governing Board of Make-A-Wish Missouri for six years.