Michael is a man that makes no small plans. Driven early on to carve his own path, he started his first software business at the age of 15, programming the world’s first programmable calculator, the HP 65. For the next 21 years, he built businesses that pushed himself and industries forward, from Enterprise Big Data & Analytics (AlphaBlox – acquired by IBM) to Security & Consumer products (Symantec UK – NASDAQ:SYMC). Then, he set his sights on the world of venture investment, joining North Bridge Venture Partners and driving it in new and exciting directions with the same zeal he brought to entrepreneurship. Through all this he founded, worked with, and invested in startups, created thousands of jobs and generated billions of dollars of value. In 2015, Michael co-founded Underscore VC to help founders create enduring companies through the power of community.
Never satisfied with the status quo, Michael has focused his efforts on breakthrough technologies and disruptive business models including Open Source, Cloud, IoT, and emerging domains such as Blockchain, Virtual/Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning. He has served or is active on private and public boards such as Acquia, Demandware (now a Salesforce company), Mautic (acquired by Acquia in 2019), Salsify, CloudZero, and TetraScience.
Michael’s “go big or go home” attitude extends to his personal life too. A self-proclaimed “amateur” photographer, he’s traveled the world and taken images that will inspire you to buy plane tickets on the spot. And when he’s not capturing the sunrise in a Patagonian valley, Michael is directing his passion to sports, giving his all to everything from tennis to kiteboarding to – when feeling extra adventurous – croquet.
Michael has a passion for helping the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed by not only backing them with capital but bringing the resources and commitment of an aligned community around them to propel their success. To help achieve this, he mentored and taught for over 10 years at Harvard University, and created the Startup Secrets series.