J. Michael SchaferManaging Director

Michael Schafer is the Managing Director for NMCC. Michael is an experienced equity investor, fundraiser and manager with exceptional skills and energy. He previously served as General Partner and Principal with the venture capital firm of Tullis-Dickerson & Company (Greenwich, Connecticut). While at Tullis-Dickerson, Michael established and directed the firm’s New Mexico operations, including sourcing, negotiating and managing investments in New Mexico and California. His long-standing contacts in the New Mexico and southwestern US business communities augment his extensive private equity business relationships. Michael left Tullis-Dickerson in 2002 to become the Founder, President and Managing General Partner of Ventures UNC, the venture capital arm of the $1.4 billion asset management group of the University of North Carolina’s endowment. His previous experience includes directing business development activities at SunPharm and founding/managing The Woodlands Venture Partners.

As Managing Director of NMCC’s Fund I, Michael leads the Fund’s investment activities, directs portfolio company support, interfaces with the Fund’s limited partners, supervises the staff activities and directs the day-to-day operations of the Fund. He also assists in NMCC’s overall strategic growth.

Michael is on the New Mexico Venture Capital Association Board of Directors.  He received his BS at Davidson College and his MBA at University of Michigan.