Mike Slade began his career at Microsoft in 1983 and spent seven years there in a variety of product marketing roles. Products he introduced to the market include Excel (1985), Works (1987), and Microsoft Office (1989). He served as director of corporate marketing in Microsoft's systems software division before leaving in late 1990. Slade spent 1991-92 as the VP-Marketing for NeXT Computer, Inc., reporting to Steve Jobs.
 
In 1993 Slade was hired as CEO of Starwave, Paul Allen's trailblazing venture into the Internet and multimedia. While building Starwave, Slade launched ESPN.com, NBA.com, NFL.com, NASCAR.com, ABCNews.com and the Go.com network.  Mike Slade retired as Chairman and CEO of Starwave Corporation upon the completion of its sale to the Walt Disney Corp. in late 1998.
 
From 1998 until 2004 Slade served as strategic advisor for Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs, where he sat on the executive team reporting to Jobs.
 
Slade has also worked as a strategic consultant for ESPN, NBA.com, NFL.com, Starbucks, Real Networks, Disney, and various Paul Allen companies.  He is currently working on consulting assignments with Intentional Software (Seattle) and Apigee (APIC) in San Jose, CA. 

Slade co-founded the venture capital firm Second Avenue Partners in 2000. He currently sits on the boards of the following companies: Fantasy Moguls; RealSelf; JeNu, Inc., Flowplay, HealthSlate, and TheWrap.com. In 2000 he became a co-owner and board member of the Professional Bowlers Association and is actively involved in that company today.  He sits on the board of RealNetworks (RNWK) and Rhapsody, Inc, which is partially owned by Real.  He formerly served on the boards of three public companies; Metricom, Inc (1994-96); the CKS Group (1996-98), and Aquantive (2001-07).
 
Slade earned a B.A. in Economics from Colorado College in 1979, and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 1983. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Colorado College, and serves on the board three other nonprofits: Experience Music Project, Pandrillus and Seattle Theatre Group.
 
Mike Slade is an avid tennis player, runner and cyclist.  He has two daughters in college.  He and his wife, Megan, live in Seattle with their two young sons.