MA

Mike Abbott

Partner at Ascolta Ventures

Atherton, California

Overview 

Mike Abbott is an accomplished Silicon Valley executive with a Ph.D. from the University of Washington and a background in software engineering. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Software at General Motors, he has also held roles at Stanford University, advised companies like Innovaccer, and founded Ascolta Ventures, LLC. Notable highlights include his involvement in various successful startups and his advisory/investment roles in companies like Aspen and InMobi.

Work Experience 

  • Co-Founder

    2024 - Current

    non-profit organization focusing on supporting academic labs applying AI for Science - > www.openathena.ai

  • Adjunct Lecturer - Department of Computer Science

    2023

    teaching undergrad and graduate courses on cloud computing (CS349d) and AI (CS153) covering topics from confidential computing to AI safety to the challenges of scaling AI compute infrastructures. Listen, learn, and have fun! Winter 2025 - evolving CS153 to Infrastructure at Scale (join our discord server!) Responsible for developing original coursework, project work, reading lists, managing teaching assistants, lectures, and grading while maintaining a rigorous and inviting intellectual environment.

  • Board Member

    2024

    Helping to fight against horrible crimes to children

  • Board Member

    2025

  • Board Member

    2024

  • Board Member

    2024

  • Senior Advisor to the CEO

    2024

    Focused on Software Defined Vehicle Efforts, AI Strategy and Cruise

  • Executive Vice President, Software and Services

    2023 - 2024

    Organized and led GM's first dedicated software organization of 19k+ employees. Team included the CIO, all software in/outside of car, Key AI initiatives, OnStar business, served as an observer on the Cruise board and an officer of the company. Unfortunately, had to leave role due to health reasons.

General Motors is an automotive company that designs, produces, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts.

Raised $6,508,505,310.00 from US Department of Energy, US Department of Energy, Fannie Mae, NYSERDA and NYSERDA.

  • Engineering Advisory Board

    2023

    Collaborate with the Dean of the College of Engineering to develop 5-year plan and respond to critical needs of students. Help wherever and however I can.

  • Board Member

    2013

  • Adjunct Lecturer

    2013 - 2013

    Co-taught Art and Adventure of the Startup

  • Advisor - AI Committee

    2024

Innovaccer provides a data activation platform that aggregates, analyzes, and leverages healthcare data to deliver actionable insights.

Raised $379,100,000.00 from B Capital, Tiger Global Management, Whale Rock Capital Management, Avidity Partners, Mubadala Capital Ventures, Steadview Capital, Dragoneer Investment Group, M12 - Microsoft's Venture Fund, OMERS Growth Equity and Schonfeld Strategic Advisors.

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