If you're a CEO looking for a seasoned and accomplished independent board member to help drive your company's growth, Michael Scharf should be at the top of your list. With four decades of experience in corporate strategy, financial analysis, and mergers and acquisitions, Michael has led almost $5 billion in financial transactions.Michael's impressive track record speaks for itself. At twenty-five he was managing a $100 million retail banking operation, a few years later, he ran the consumer credit division of a large financial institution, growing it from $500 million to $1 billion in just two years. Moving to one of America’s largest credit bureaus, he created one of the first online consumer loan systems and located the eventual buyer of the Company.Michael led the founding of five companies, including two FinTech companies and a building products company, and then co-founded Uplink Capital, a boutique investment banking partnership that specialized in raising equity and growth capital and executing acquisition, divestiture, and merger transactions for its clients. In late 2018, he sold his interest to his partner, notching his sixth exit in 18 years.Michael's extensive experience and proven success in driving growth and maximizing shareholder value make him an ideal candidate for the role of independent board member. He is a recognized business leader and advisor with a unique skill set that allows him to work with companies on a direct basis and advise them on issues long before they reach critical levels. Don't miss the opportunity to have Michael Scharf on your team.

Over the last decade, Austin has exploded into the national consciousness as the next great innovation powerhouse. That has only accelerated as talent, capital, and companies are making the move. Homegrown companies across the spectrum are becoming unicorns and having significant exits. Austin’s flywheel is gaining momentum. To understand what the future holds for Austin’s innovation ecosystem and how to accelerate its growth, we will talk with local players, hear from outside perspectives, and dive into the latest academic research.

Uplink Capital provides investment banking services to emerging and middle market companies. The Company successfully raised ~$40M while specializing in raising capital and in executing strategic transactions with our clients.

MA Scharf Consulting is the go-to resource for emerging and mid-market companies looking for help with their strategy, structure, and operations. Example clients: - Nex Cubed - PacifiCare (now part of UnitedHeath) - UCI Institute for Innovation - National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Visa USA

- GoLiveSMS, a specialty Text Messaging Company focused on financial, healthcare and nonprofit sectors. As COO, Michael was responsible for day-to-day operations and all sales efforts. - Veriflash, Inc., a credit card security company based on two of Michael’s patents. As President, Michael navigated the company through development and early pilots with major credit card companies. - Zoomoozik, an online record label. As COO, Michael grew the company from concept to more than 7,000 artists.

Retail Bank Industry Team leader, developing new products and expanding existing ones

Division Manager with full P&L responsibility for $1B consumer credit division

Credit Officer, Branch Manager, VP Product Development

Credit Officer