Dr. Rapundalo, has broad experience in the life sciences, with an extensive background in pharmaceutical research and development. Prior to joining MichBio in April 2006, he spent almost 20 years as a senior research scientist, project manager, and group leader with Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research and then Pfizer, Inc., primarily in... Read More

Jay is an associate director at AbbVie Ventures, which invests in novel, transformational therapeutics across oncology, immunology, and neuroscience at discovery and pre-clinical stages. Prior to AbbVie Ventures, Jay worked at ZS Associates where he advised clients across the healthcare industry on corporate and commercial strategies. He has also worked... Read More

Dr. Scott Merz, Ph.D. co-founded MC3 Inc. in 1991 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer and President. He has extensive experience in all aspects of the medtech industry over the 25 years including technology startup, research and development, regulatory, fundraising and partnering. He has negotiated several licensing and other... Read More

Scott joined the team in June 2017. In the current health care business and economic climate, successful organizations have to be cognizant of disruptive threats that place the core business at risk and act on both short-term and long-range investment opportunities to counteract these forces. In his position at SHV,... Read More

Michael Temple is a partner in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group of the Commercial Department of Pepper Hamilton LLP, resident in the Detroit office. Mr. Temple concentrates his practice in the formation and operations of Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) and other private funds, including with respect to SBIC... Read More

Dr. Ken Massey’s (Ph.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and B.S. Eastern Michigan University) combined 28 years of biomedical research and business experience in the academic, pharmaceutical and biotech arenas will benefit Wayne State University’s efforts to identify start-up opportunities and facilitate efforts ofWSU entrepreneurs to create companies that... Read More

Cheryl Turnbull is the Senior Director of Finance and Venture Capital within the Technology Commercialization Office at The Ohio State University. In this role, Ms. Turnbull is responsible for the creation and support of startup companies formed to commercialize technologies invented at Ohio State, with a current portfolio of 59... Read More

Russ Straate heads up the OTC Venture Center team, which is responsible for leading the formation and launch of new companies based on a broad range of technologies coming out of the research enterprise at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining University, Russ was vice president of business development... Read More

Mike leads the Tech Transfer Venture Center that works with U of M faculty, staff and students on new company formation based on intellectual property discovered and developed at the University of Michigan’s 19 schools. He has over 25 years of entrepreneurial, senior management and venture fund experience in both... Read More

A human spark plug and world-class connector, Scott can turn “something” into “something amazing” through grassroots collaboration and old school perseverance. Growing up with Meatballs, Bad News Bears, Stripes, Goonies, and Rudolph’s Isle of Misfit Toys as his formative narratives, he embraces outsider and underdog roles with zeal. He’s at... Read More