Mike Psarouthakis has been named director of the University of Michigan’s Tech Transfer Venture Center.
The Venture Center is responsible for helping to identify, develop and launch new startups based on U-M technologies, and works alongside licensing, legal and marketing specialists within U-M Tech Transfer.
Psarouthakis joined the Venture Center in 2014 as a senior venture specialist and was most recently the assistant director for physical science ventures. He replaces Jack Miner, who left in September to become managing director of Cleveland Clinic Ventures.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to lead the Venture Center team in support of the expanding entrepreneurial efforts at the University of Michigan,” Psarouthakis said. “I look forward to working with the entire Tech Transfer team, U-M’s incredible faculty and staff, our entrepreneurial partners inside and outside of the university to help U-M startups with their formation, funding and go-to-market efforts.”
Ken Nisbet, associate vice president for research-tech transfer, said that Psarouthakis was chosen for the role after a national search.
“We reached out to find the most qualified person for this important role within U-M Tech Transfer, and we found that Mike was just that,” Nisbet said. “It’s important to reach out broadly to attract the best talent to serve our faculty and the university, and it’s gratifying to be able to promote someone from our current team who fits that requirement.”
Psarouthakis previously worked in economic development and venture fund management. He was vice president of business acceleration at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. where he oversaw a portfolio of more than 150 early-stage technology company investments.
Psarouthakis also has significant entrepreneurial experience, having founded three internet-focused companies and directed several successful company exits when in the private sector.
He serves on the advisory board for eBay and is active in the Michigan startup community, working closely with Invest Michigan, Ann Arbor SPARK, Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, TechArb, DTE Energy Business Plan Competition and others.
