Sign In

Michael Psarouthakis

Executive Director of Impact Investments & Strategic Alliances, University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships | Co-founder Accelerate Blue Fund & Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund - I row, therefore I am.

Michael Psarouthakis is a prominent figure in the innovation and investment landscape at the University of Michigan. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Impact Investments and Strategic Alliances at Innovation Partnerships, a role he has held since September 2023.13 In this position, he leads investment programs, including the Accelerate Blue Fund, and works to increase outside investments in U-M startups.3

Key aspects of Michael's career and responsibilities include:

  1. Leadership at Innovation Partnerships:

    • Oversees investment programs and strategic alliances3
    • Leads efforts to expand venture community engagement in Michigan3
    • Manages the Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N) and Michigan Technology Research Commercialization (MTRAC) programs3
  2. Accelerate Blue Fund:

    • Co-founder and former Managing Director (December 2019 - September 2023)1
    • The fund invests in U-M research-based startups, with $15M assets under management1
    • Aims to bridge the funding gap between initial launch and angel/VC funding for U-M startups4
  3. Previous Roles:

    • Director of Ventures at Innovation Partnerships (November 2016 - September 2023)1
    • Assistant Director, Venture Center at Innovation Partnerships (April 2015 - November 2016)1
    • Vice President of Business Acceleration at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation3
  4. Expertise:

    • Understands both governmental and commercial sectors1
    • Experienced in startup business formation, mentorship programs, and grant management1
    • Skilled in coordinating with various schools, campuses, and entrepreneurial programs1

Michael Psarouthakis is known for his efforts in leveraging university innovation to propel Michigan's startup ecosystem and his commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and commercial success.25

Highlights

Feb 26 · michiganvca.org
Innovation Partnerships - Michigan Venture Capital Association
Oct 18 · michiganvca.org
Accelerate Blue Fund (U-M) - Michigan Venture Capital Association
A Conversation on Leveraging University Innovation to Propel ...
Welcome to Innovation Partnerships - UM
Accelerate Blue Fund
Accelerate Blue Fund Approaches First Close Goal - UM

Related Questions

What are the main goals of the Accelerate Blue Fund?
How does Michael Psarouthakis engage with the venture community in Michigan?
What is the Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N) and how does it support research commercialization?
Can you provide examples of startups successfully supported by the Accelerate Blue Fund?
How does the Accelerate Blue Fund differ from other venture capital funds in Michigan?
Michael Psarouthakis
Michael Psarouthakis, photo 1
Michael Psarouthakis, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States