Michael Madison

Secretary-General and Founding Partner

2009 - Current

Pangea Force (previously named World Technology and Science Commercialization Force or World TASCForce) unites nations through venture capital and innovation. Genius doesn't decay with every mile beyond Silicon Valley; we believe entrepreneurs everywhere are smart but may not always be in a nurturing environment. That's the opportunity. Our global network fully fires in concert for each investment. Presently, we cover 23 countries but are always looking for smart people, corporations, family offices and other partners willing to collaborate on a global level and achieve superior returns. World TASCForce, our previous incarnation, co-launched the Cross Pacific Innovation Network (CPIN) with Japan's Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI) and Kauffman Fellows Program (KFP).

Managing Director and Chairman

2009

Cocoon Ventures is now a single family investment office. Previously, launched cross-border venture firm in collaboration with Mitsubishi (Tokyo). Architected and proved several novel venture models forming basis of KFP Venture Journal publication; lead to co-launching CPIN platform in partnership with the KFP, US Embassy & Japan’s Ministry of Economy. Managed portfolio including: Eyebrake and Scigineer (awarded Red Herring Global 100 & Asia 50, CNET Technology Award). Venture and technology advisor to Japan's Ministry of Economy and AIST national lab, turning lab-work into strong ventures.

Advisory Board Member for College of Engineering and IT

2009

Managing Director and General Partner

2012 - 2014

Sozo Ventures is partnered with the Kauffman Fellows Program and TrueBridge Capital and invests capital into hot companies needing help with global expansion; especially entering the Japanese market. In addition to investing, we directly help with the expansion strategy and cross-border business development, connecting startups to top tier brands in Japan that can either become customers or strategic partners to make entry into the market successful. Investments include: Twitter, Palantir, Square, OPower, MongoDB and others.

Board member

2010 - 2014

Board member

2009 - 2011

Silicon Valley Association of Startup Entrepreneurs is an entrepreneurial education resource in the Silicon Valley.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Mentor

2007 - 2009

Mentor and lecturer for EWMBA295A Entrepreneurship class at Haas. I provide hands-on mentorship to several student teams through the business plan process from idea to full plan and VC pitch. As a final exam, students pitch to a panel of real investors and some students have gone on to have their ventures funded by top tier firms.

VC Professional / Kauffman Fellow

2007 - 2008

VC Professional / Kauffman Fellow

2007 - 2008

Managed deal flow process for about ~6,000 plans a year for The Angels’ Forum (angel group of 25 angels) and Halo Fund (venture fund). Worked with portfolio companies to help solve tough problems: from changing corporate strategy to leveraging my network to win customers and partnerships. As a part of the Kauffman Fellows Program, received curriculum and one-on-one mentorship from VC veterans like Phil Schlein (partner at USVP), Phil Wickham and others. Formed partnerships with other venture firms.

Analytics & QA Tools Lead

2002 - 2007