10 Facts About Michael Chasen

Michael Chasen is a co-founder and former CEO of Blackboard Inc.

Michael Chasen developed an interest in computers at age 10, and he began writing programs on his father's Radio Shack TRS Model III.

Michael Chasen later used his skills to offer local businesses computer consulting while still in school.

Michael Chasen attended American University and completed a degree in computer science in three years, graduating in 1993.

Michael Chasen met future Blackboard co-founder Matthew Pittinsky in the American University dorms when Pittinsky wanted to borrow Chasen's laser printer.

In 1996, Michael Chasen left law school after completing one year to join KPMG as a consultant in the Higher Education Group.

Michael Chasen became chief executive officer of Blackboard in 1999, as one of the youngest CEOs of a publicly traded company when he orchestrated Blackboard's initial public offering in 2004.

In 2013, Michael Chasen founded SocialRadar, a DC-based mobile startup focused on building a social location app for smartphones and Google Glass.

In June 2013, it was reported that Michael Chasen had secured $12.75 million in a first round of investments.

Michael Chasen was listed by Washington Techway Magazine as one of DC's "most-admired bosses" and was featured in Washington Business Forward's list of the Washington, DC area's "rising stars".