University of Michigan Alumni Lead High-Tech World

Rick Bolander earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan (U-M) before moving on to Harvard Business School and subsequently establishing his own companies. As the founder of the real estate investment company Blue Sky Ventures in Chicago and a co-founder of Gabriel Venture Partners in California’s Silicon Valley, Bolander has developed a wide depth and breadth of knowledge of venture capital funding and investment strategies. He shares his expertise in funding and leading high-technology and information-based companies through his participation in Michigan eLab, a technology-focused venture capital fund-raising and advisory project that aims to assist U-M graduates.

In addition, U-M alumnus Larry Page, the CEO and co-founder of Google, has created disruptive innovations in the business world. He graduated from U-M with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, building on his lifelong passion for computers. During his time as an undergraduate, he constructed an inkjet printer out of plastic Lego bricks. In his 2009 commencement address at U-M, Page advised new alumni to follow their dreams and curiosity, even in uncertain economic times.

Dick Costolo, the CEO of Twitter, also encouraged new graduates of U-M to practice boldness and follow their individual paths in his 2013 commencement speech. Costolo earned his bachelor’s degree from the institution before going into improvisational comedy. He subsequently served in executive positions with numerous technology companies.

Another U-M graduate, Tony Fadell, also made his mark in the world of high-tech. A former executive in the iPod division of Apple, Fadell created several iterations of the iPod and iPhone. Currently, he serves as the founder and CEO of Nest Labs, Inc., which produced the Nest Learning Thermostat and a smarter smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.