Mike Millard
Membership: Founding Member
Joined: March 2023
Company: Ecliptic Capital
Title: Operating Partner
Interests: Security, DeepTech, HeathTech, BioTech
Education: MBA - Western Illinois University, BS - Illinois State University
Social Media: LinkedIn
Professional Biography
Mike spent over 20 years of his career in newly formed Fortune 500 divisions and venture capital, creating value at scale with engagements at Dell, HP, AT&T Knowledge Ventures, Ascension, and Austin Ventures.
His corporate strategy involvement spans server and storage hardware, Linux software, and high-tech consulting services worldwide. He naturally combined market data, financial insights, and technical knowledge to commercialize strategic solutions for out-licensing, spin-outs, or investment.
During his years in the corporate arena, he culminated in becoming a Texas innovation ecosystem builder by connecting corporates, universities, government, and VCs to drive more investment into impactful startups in Texas at MassChallenge.
At MassChallenge, he led the first US expansion in Texas, accelerating nearly 300 early-stage startups from thousands of applications, drawing from 33 states and 51 countries worldwide.
Over his career, he has routinely collaborated with hundreds of intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs, and the innovation community to pilot and evaluate new technologies. Mike has performed extensive due diligence on potential portfolio investments or acquisitions, considering startups in various industries, including business services, social media, IoT, artificial intelligence, security, and mobile sectors.
Mike is a Certified Patent Valuation Analyst.
Features
TECHNICALLY: Simulation tech startup Epistemix just raised a $5M seed round
HOSPICE NEWS: Koda Health to Expand Nationwide by Year’s End
PORTLAND INNO: Oregon 3D health technology startup raises $6M
MASS CHALLENGE: What Is an Innovation Ecosystem and How Are They Essential for Startups?
MIKE MILLARD’S BLOG: The Next Chapter
Endorsements
"I am the Executive Director for North Texas Angel Network (NTAN). NTAN has been in North Texas with members based in Dallas and surrounding communities for 15 years. NTAN highly recommends The DEC Network as organization that supports the entrepreneurial community in North Texas. The DEC Network team are experts at organizing events that support startups and investors such as Dallas Startup Week and Women X (Women in Tech). The DEC Network also provides an incubator program, shared office space, and educational programs for founders of startups."
- Jeff Murphy, Executive Director for North Texas Angel Network
"As a tech founder that launched during the pandemic, Kendall Castillo through her role with The DEC Network was a godsend! Not only did she connect me personally to programming, mentors and resources, but she also valued my story and challenged and empowered me to give back to the startup community. Kendall plans and executes high energy events for The DEC Network in order for founders, especially women and people of color founders, to learn, connect and grow. Part of her role is the lead organizer for the biggest event in the North Texas Ecosystem, Dallas Startup Week (DSW). DSW includes 11 industry tracks, Disrupt Dallas, Corporate Startup Innovation Summit, Women of Innovation Summit and The Future of Venture Forum. Kendall deserves every opportunity she pursues, and is guaranteed to give even more than she receives!"
- Erica Molett, Founder and CEO of Kandake Tech, Beyond the Ball, and Expansion Solutions Consulting