Emil Michael

Emil Michael is a highly-regarded business executive who has successfully built and scaled multiple technology companies, and now contributes his strategic expertise as a key figure in government and as an investor and advisor. After guiding Tellme Networks through the dot-com bust of 2000 and building it into a profitable business, Emil Michael solidified his reputation as a formidable leader in technology. As part of the founding team at the speech recognition technology pioneer, he played a crucial role until its $800 million acquisition by Microsoft in 2007. Prior to this, Michael began his professional career as an Associate in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs, having earned his B.A.

He also initiated UberMilitary, a program dedicated to supporting military veterans and their families. Currently, Michael leverages his extensive experience by investing his own capital in various technology companies, serving on multiple tech company boards, and mentoring young CEOs. Looking ahead, Michael was nominated as Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering in December 2024, a role he is set to be confirmed for in May 2025. Following this, he is slated to assume the position of Acting Director of the Defense Innovation Unit in August 2025, further contributing his expertise to national defense strategies.