Michael Schutzler is an entrepreneur, engineer, science buff, and first generation immigrant. He is the CEO of the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) serving more than 1200 member companies.
Before joining WTIA, Michael led the merger of Livemocha – a community of 17 million language learners – with the popular education software company Rosetta Stone. He also co-founded Freeshop which had its IPO during the internet bubble, built Classmates.com into the first profitable social media application, led online marketing at Monster.com, and built the online gaming division at RealNetworks into a global leader.
As a successful Internet entrepreneur, investor, and executive coach, Michael has personally invested in more than thirty startups, served as coach and advisor to more than 100 executives, and has raised over $100M in private and public financing.
He serves on several boards including PBS affiliate KCTS9/Crosscut, serves as a Dharma Teacher in the Kwan Um School of Zen, and is an endurance athlete.