What’s in a name? Everything.
We are Wineskins. We know - it’s an unusual name. But for us, it’s what we do, how we do it, and why we exist.
In ancient times, wineskins were cured animal skins that were used to make and transport wine. Over time, these skins became brittle and inflexible. New wine poured into old wineskins would cause them to burst. New wine, required new wineskins.
It’s the same with finance. Solving today’s complex, systemic problems - from climate resilience to human wellbeing - demands new ways of thinking and new channels for funding to flow. Traditional finance is rigid, constrained by old models and instruments. The high-impact solutions of tomorrow cannot be contained by the structures of yesterday.
At Wineskins, we exist to create new wineskins: innovative financial mechanisms, vehicles, and instruments that enable funding to flow to high-impact projects and ventures tackling the world’s most wicked problems.
Our Approach
Partner-led
Partnership is the foundation of everything we do. We go beyond the transactional nature of traditional consulting, building long-term relationships based on trust and shared purpose.
Our approach is one of continuity, we stay close to our partners, walking alongside them through each stage of their problem-solving journey. This ensures solutions are not only designed well but also properly established and nurtured into lasting impact.
Giving the Best of Others
We believe in the power of community and collaboration. No single organisation has all the answers, so we draw on a wide network of peers, experts, and innovators to bring the most contextual and effective solutions to our partners.
At the same time, we contribute back into these communities, such as through our involvement in the Innovative Finance Initiative. This two-way exchange keeps our work both cutting-edge and deeply grounded.
AI Native, by Design
Wineskins was founded as an AI-native advisory firm, with generative technology integrated into our DNA from the start. We have developed a unique knowledge base on the “how-to” of impact finance and use AI as a creative partner to draw out our methods and inspire creative solutions.
This allows us to accelerate design processes, uncover new opportunities, and push the boundaries of innovation in finance. AI-native firms like ours are shaping the future of advisory – offering cost effective solutions at pace.
Michael Vice, Founder and Creative Director
Find Michael on LinkedIn
I’ve spent more than a decade helping changemakers reimagine the role of financial capital.
As an impact finance practitioner, I design and build innovative financial structures that unlock capital for transformative solutions – from climate resilience and biodiversity protection to food and water security, and enhancing livelihoods. My work as a strategist and designer spans over 40 instruments, funds, facilities, and financing mechanisms worldwide, some going on to mobilise +$1 billion across Global South.
I’m driven by genuine partnership. I collaborate closely with organisations, investors, and local communities to create financial pathways that help them realise the impact they want to see. Whether it’s structuring a blended finance fund, designing a technical assistance facility, or mapping out a sustainable financing strategy, my focus is always on co-creation - bringing together diverse perspectives and facilitating local ownership to create something practical and implementable.
I founded Wineskins to do finance differently – our world needs new solutions to respond to wicked problems. We are an advisory studio specialising in sustainable finance strategy, fund design and capital orchestration. My background as a Professional Engineer with a Masters in Sustainability, combined with further training in impact finance at Oxford Saïd Business School and the CFA Institute, gives me both the technical grounding and the creative edge to design outside the box. Above all, I want people to feel that when we work together, they gain not just a finance architect, but a trusted partner who is invested in their vision.