Michael Elias
Investment Leader
Marshall Scholar, Class of 1981 (University of Cambridge)
“My time as a Marshall Scholar gave me an appreciation for the rigor of the science that was being conducted in the UK. I also developed strong personal relationships and an appreciation for the history and culture of the UK that made me want to live in Britain.”
-Michael Elias
Trans-Atlantic Investor
Michael Elias has been at the forefront of the development of European technology private equity, as it grew from a fledgling niche in the 1980s into the multi-billion-dollar market it is today. Michael has led investments in a range of categories, including enterprise/SaaS software, semiconductors, and online advertising. His investments have included online advertising network Adviva Media (acquired by Specific Media), tunable laser provider Altitun (acquired by ADC Telecommunications), semiconductor IP vendor Chipidea (acquired by MIPS), video advertising specialist GoViral (acquired by AOL Inc.), derivatives pricing specialist Monis (acquired by Sungard Data Systems), online performance marketing services provider Next Performance (acquired by Rakuten), WiFi chip developer No Wires Needed (acquired by Intersil), mobile connectivity provider Paragon Software (acquired by Openwave), WiMAX chip business Sequans (NYSE:SQNS), and managed security services provider Ubizen (acquired by Cybertrust). In addition, he oversaw Kennet’s investment in cloud-based environmental, health and safety software vendor Rivo Software (acquired by Sphera) and wireless audio chip business STS (acquired by SMSC).
Michael founded Kennet in 1997. Earlier, he was responsible for establishing the international operations of investment firm Thompson Clive & Partners in Silicon Valley and in Paris.
Born in the United States, Michael has lived in several European countries and speaks fluent French.