Michael Skok

Michael started his first software business as a teenager, spent 21 years as an entrepreneur and then the past 18 years as a venture investor. During this time, he has founded, worked with and invested in startups, and created thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of value. Along the way, he also mentored and taught for 4 years at Harvard University, and created the Startup Secrets series.

As an entrepreneur and an investor, Michael has focused 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 on or is active on many private and public boards such as Acquia, Demandware (now a Salesforce company), Mautic (acquired by Acquia in 2019), Salsify and Zaius. He has also participated in leadership roles in many industry groups such as the Software Publishers Association where he was Chairman for many years in Europe.

In 2015, Michael co-founded Underscore VC first and foremost to empower entrepreneurs to realize their vision in building impactful businesses. He has a passion for helping the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed by not only investing but bringing the resources, talent and commitment of an aligned community around them to assure their success.