About
Technology Entrepreneur
Michael Robertson is an accomplished technology entrepreneur with a consistent track record of identifying promising trends — often in disruptive sectors — building pioneering companies, and leading them to profitability and acquisition.
Over his career he has raised more than $100 million in private capital and orchestrated transactions with a combined value of nearly a billion dollars. His technical and operational expertise has spanned industries as diverse as digital music, VOIP, and Linux.
Worried about rapidly rising college costs and student debt, Michael founded the non-profit REEF (Robertson Education Empowerment Foundation), distributing $2 million to students and conducting research on the value of college education.
He is a long-standing board member and financial supporter of the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club, and holds a bachelor's degree from UC San Diego in Cognitive Science.
Career Timeline
1997
Founded MP3.com
Championed MP3 to bring digital music to the mainstream — largest internet IPO of its time. Sold to world's largest music company. Acquired by Vivendi/Universal in 2001.
2001
Founded Lindows (Linspire)
Desktop Linux. Pioneered the visual app store concept with Click-N-Run. Acquired by Xandros Corporation in 2008.
2005
Founded Gizmo5
VOIP company enabling free or inexpensive calls over the internet. Acquired by Google. Acquired by Google in 2009.
2005
Founded MP3tunes
Vanguard in personal cloud music — store and access your collection from any device.
2010
Founded DAR.fm
Cloud DVR for radio — time-shift your favorite radio programming. Acquired by Metro Monitor in 2023.
2014
Founded OnRad.io
A Google-like search engine for radio — find any station, artist or song. Acquired by Metro Monitor in 2023.
2023
Founded MeetingTV
Warehousing the world's wisdom