Our Team

Michelle Tokarz, Ph.D., Partner

Dr. Michelle Tokarz has 18 years’ experience as a tech entrepreneur. Currently, she is Vice President of Partnerships and Innovation with The Coretec Group focusing working with potential partners and customers in creating an aligned tech roadmap. Prior to this, Michelle worked with Scops Coatings, LLC, a Michigan State University spinout, BDT Light Source/ AGT, an energy-efficient lighting company which $7.0 million+ in sales, and cofounded MetaGlass Coatings. Over the years Michelle has continued to teach Customer Discovery programs for tech entrepreneurs and participates in NSF SBIR Review Boards.

Dr. Tokarz earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science and a dual master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Steve Tokarz, General and Managing Partner

Steve Tokarz is an experienced C-level entrepreneur, fundraiser and business developer and has been active in early-stage company and product development for the past 30 years. In his most recent corporate role, Steve served as Sr. VP of Product Development and Engineering working both domestically and internationally for Masco Corporation; a Fortune 200 company with revenues of $7+ billion. He then transitioned to the start-up world where he developed his own companies. He is founder of Cantilever Investors; a blend of the best of Venture Capital and Private Equity to invest in and provide support to early-stage companies.

Steve has a BSE in Eingeering Physics & Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and an MBA General Administration and Finance from Indiana University, Bloomington.

Michael Mortlock, General, and Managing Partner

Michael Mortlock is an experienced executive and entrepreneur with 30 years of executive experience in finance, technology, facilities management, hospitality, and customer service management. He has developed and implemented several new “businesses within the businesses” for large hospitality companies, as well as owning and operating a regional auto paint supplier. Michael is a co-founder and managing partner of Cantilever Business Partners, an entrepreneurial agency providing strategic and executive services to early-stage companies. He is also General Partner of the Cantilever Fund and leads all back office, finance, and accounting activities. Michael studied Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University and earned an MBA from The University of Phoenix.

Michael has an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a BA from MSU, with extensive work in mathematics, chemistry, and engineering.

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