Mike joined MB Venture Partners in September 2006 after a successful 15-year career at Memphis-based Medtronic Sofamor Danek (MSD), the global leader in today’s spine market. Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas Southwestern Graduate School. Mike spent his first nine years at Sofamor Danek building the product portfolio and developing / commercializing several key product lines, including the company’s flagship TSRH Spinal System implants used worldwide. In 1999, he assumed the position of Vice President of Technology Development where his responsibilities included technical and business due diligence on acquisitions, in-licensing activities, and strategic investments. During his tenure, he directly managed or served as an official Board Observer on several MSD portfolio companies. In addition, Mike was also responsible for directing a team of engineers tasked with driving new technology into the organization. Most notably, Mike is one of the inventors of MSD’s SEXTANT System. Mike was honored as the first Sofamor DAnek employee to be inducted into Medtronic’s Bakken Society; this is the highest level of recognition for a Medtronic engineer. He has over 70 issued US patents and more than 30 pending. Mike serves on the Board of Directors for Anulex Technologies, Cayenne Medical, Expanding Orthopedics and Zyga Technology.