Education Sponsors
Michael Terlaak
CEO/Executive Director & Founder
With nearly twenty years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, Michael Terlaak has been instrumental in the growing of businesses through collaboration of partners and synergies. Building on his background and reviving an earlier endeavor of forming a catalyst for accelerating the nanotechnology sector, Mr. Terlaak has created the nation's first Nanotechnology Research Foundation.
Back in 2000, Michael's vision was initially inspired by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and contemplated the idea of creating a similar organization, but to specifically focus on expediting nanotechnology advancements and commercialization. Understanding the vast potential, Michael observed, researched and analyzed why the technology was slow to evolve and bring applications to market. Lack of general understanding, initial funding in the technology, fragmentation and no real vision for sustainability were plaguing the industry. Many of these issues continue to exist today, but in comparison, there has been progression with capital investment, research and international awareness to the point of inevitable global competition in nanotechnologies.
Early in 2008, while coordinating the "Man & Woman of the Year" campaign for the San Diego chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Michael rekindled his vision as he revisited some of the basic potential applications of nanotechnologies concerning advanced cancer detection and safer alternatives to chemotherapies.
In July 2008, with that background and foresight of the nanotechnology industry, Michael has created the Nanotechnology Research Foundation. As the Executive Director, Michael’s vision has always been to build an organization that will focus on collaboration between research / commercialization with the private and public sectors as well as reduce the fragmentation of development so that there are more efficiencies leading to breakthrough discoveries that will result in tangible benefits and products on a global basis.
Michael was formally the founder and Managing Director of Diversified Capital Partners, a private investment firm in Southern California focusing on taking mid-sized companies ($50-$500 million in revenues) to the next level of growth. Diversified Capital Partners acted as an intermediary to invest private funds in privately held companies by offering growth capital for expansion, acquisitions, and/or shareholder liquidity for owner, partner, and management-type buyouts. The company focused on the technology, information and manufacturing sectors. Michael not only financially identified potential mergers for organizations, but also was also instrumental in creating effective collaborative teams.
Mr. Terlaak possesses a strong background in finance, management, marketing, and technology. He has worked closely with some of the largest organizations in the financial industry, resulting in broad-range knowledge of many facets of operations, including business development, organic growth strategies, market development, creating efficiencies, developing and reinforcing synergies between divisions while also focusing on maximizing potential opportunities.
Michael was also the founder and President of Miami-based First Federal Home Loans. FFHL was a full-service mortgage company specializing in residential and commercial loans in over 30 of the most populous states. Responsibilities included overseeing all facets of operations, management, growth strategies, marketing, developing new markets, legal concerns, advertising, and customer relations. The Company orchestrated various loans with investors and institutions to obtain optimal financing for its clients.
Michael has long believed to giving back to the community and advancing humanitarian efforts. He is a Member of Rotary International (Del Mar) and has supported/volunteered with a variety of charities and causes including; The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ("Team In Training", "Light The Night" and "Man & Woman of the Year" campaigns), Helen Woodward Animal Center, American Red Cross, San Diego Blood Bank, American Cancer Soiciety, Father Joe's Villages, Del Mar Chamber of Commerce, San Dieguito River Park (Coast to Crest Trail), and assorted US Forest Service projects.
