Michael Jacobs
About Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs is CEO and CTO of Springroll AI, based in Los Angeles. Crunchbase lists him in that role since September 2024. Springroll AI describes itself as helping businesses become AI-first with tools to build and manage AI-driven projects and products.
Before Springroll he founded Tapin2, a stadium commerce platform for in-venue ordering, and served as its CEO from 2011 to 2016. He then founded Nextbite and Ordermark, and later Team Kitchens and Kitchen Data Systems. His LinkedIn profile says he was Nextbite's founder and COO from 2016 to 2020 and that his work included inventing the Ordermark order management system. Crunchbase credits him with two exits, from Tapin2 and Ordermark. His LinkedIn also lists an AI recruiting product called JOE, used by the US Department of Defense and other companies.
Jacobs is the founder and director of BASICS, the Berkeley Accelerator and Startup Incubator in Cognitive Science, and teaches in the program. Crunchbase lists a bachelor's degree in sociology from UC Berkeley and a master's in sociology from the University of Arizona. It also says he attended the FBI Academy, and his LinkedIn mentions a counterintelligence career.
Crunchbase shows one personal investment: a debt financing in Obypay. The date and amount are not public. It shows no lead investments and no investor exits. Jacobs has not publicly listed other angel investments, a fund, or a check size.
No AI startup investments by Jacobs are public. His AI activity is as an operator and educator. He runs Springroll AI, and he teaches and directs BASICS, which mentors AI and cognitive science founders. The Berkeley Haas alumni network listed him as host of an October 2024 pitch contest in Los Angeles run by BASICS and Springroll AI.
Jacobs has not published a stage, sector, geography or check size for angel investing. His background is in restaurant and venue commerce technology, AI products, and early-stage AI education. Treat those as areas of experience, not a stated thesis. Founders should ask him directly what he looks for.
- Obypay: Crunchbase records a debt financing by Jacobs. The year and amount are not public.
Investing activity
Michael Jacobs has made 1 investment according to Crunchbase across 1 portfolio company, and has founded 6 companies.
Deals
Frequently asked questions about Michael Jacobs
Is Michael Jacobs an active angel investor?
Crunchbase lists one investment, a debt financing in Obypay, and no lead investments. He has not publicly described an ongoing angel program.
What is Michael Jacobs's check size?
He has not published one, so none is listed here.
What companies has Michael Jacobs founded?
Crunchbase lists Tapin2, Nextbite, Ordermark, Team Kitchens, Kitchen Data Systems and Springroll AI. Crunchbase credits him with two exits, from Tapin2 and Ordermark.
What is Springroll AI?
Springroll AI helps businesses become AI-first with tools to build and manage AI-driven projects and products. Jacobs is its CEO and CTO.
What is BASICS at UC Berkeley?
BASICS stands for Berkeley Accelerator and Startup Incubator in Cognitive Science. Jacobs founded it, directs it and teaches in it.
Where is Michael Jacobs based?
Crunchbase lists Los Angeles, California, United States.
Is Michael Jacobs an angel investor?
Yes. Michael Jacobs invests personally as an angel and is CEO and CTO at Springroll AI. Crunchbase counts 1 investment.
How can founders reach Michael Jacobs?
Founders on Lounge can see Michael Jacobs's contact details in AI Investor Contacts (paid plans), check for a warm introduction through members who worked with them under Warm Paths, and add Michael Jacobs to their Investor Pipeline to track the conversation.