Michael Panesis

Investor

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Overview

Michael Panesis is an educator, entrepreneur, and executive currently serving as the Steven Dorfman Professor of Practice and Executive Director at California Lutheran University. He has a wide range of skills including program management, public speaking, and strategic planning, and has held leadership roles in various organizations such as Tech Coast Angels and the West Ventura County Business Alliance. Panesis has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by founding the Santa Barbara Angel Alliance and serving as President of the Central Coast Network at Tech Coast Angels. His role at California Lutheran University highlights his expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship, making him a key figure in fostering growth and development in the Southern California region.

Work Experience

Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers - GCEC

Board Member
2025 - Current

California Lutheran University

Steven Dorfman Professor of Practice
2021
Honored to be Cal Lutheran's first Professor of Practice, hopefully with more to come. Thanks so much to Steve Dorfman for his generous endowment!
Executive Director, Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
2014
We are creating a new kind of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Cal Lutheran. We are housed in a newly renovated facility 10 miles from the main CLU campus, containing modern classrooms and a full service co-work space, Hub101. Our goal is to create a vibrant start-up community hub that synergistically mixes entrepreneurship, education and research. We are proud to carry Steve Dorfman's name and together are building a legacy in the Conejo Valley and Ventura County.