Michael Smerklo

Michael Smerklo is a prominent entrepreneur and investor, currently serving as the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Next Coast Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas. He co-founded the firm in October 2015 alongside Tom Ball, focusing on investing in innovative companies that are disrupting large markets.125

Professional Background

Smerklo has extensive experience in the technology sector, having spent nearly two decades as an operator, investor, and board member. Prior to his role at Next Coast Ventures, he was the CEO of ServiceSource International from 2003 to 2014, where he led the company from a small startup to a publicly traded entity with significant revenue growth. Under his leadership, ServiceSource became a market leader in recurring revenue management.23 He also held various positions in investment banking at firms like Morgan Stanley and Lehman Brothers early in his career.34

Education

Smerklo earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Miami University in Ohio. His education laid a strong foundation for his career in finance and entrepreneurship.24

Contributions and Publications

In addition to his investment work, Smerklo is an active author and blogger, sharing insights on entrepreneurship through his personal website. His book, Mr. Monkey and Me, released in November 2020, serves as a guide for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of building successful businesses.35

Board Memberships

Michael Smerklo holds board positions at several companies, including Everlywell, Submittable, and LeanDNA, reflecting his ongoing commitment to supporting emerging businesses.12

Through his work at Next Coast Ventures and beyond, Smerklo continues to influence the entrepreneurial landscape by providing resources and guidance to new ventures.