Co-Founder, Zebit
Michael Thiemann founded or co-founded nearly a dozen technology companies focused around data science. Most recently he co-founded Zebit, where he served as chief executive officer and executive chairman until 2018. Zebit is a retail online marketplace that offers no-interest financing to cash-strapped consumers. Zebit is one of the fastest-growing tech startups in San Diego with projected revenues of over $100 million in 2019.
Prior to Zebit, Thiemann served as CEO of Global Analytics (now Gain Credit), Investment Science, HNC Financial Solutions and Aptex. At these companies, he was responsible for a string of innovative products, including
At Zebit, Thiemann combined technologies for credit review, fraud prevention, and internet transaction analysis to create a unique product offering for consumers who have limited access to product financing. Teams managed by Thiemann have received five San Diego Connect Most Innovative Product Awards and seven finalist nominations.
Thiemann received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar and Century Club member. He also holds an AB in studio art and MS/BS degrees in electrical engineering with distinction from Stanford University, where he received the Senior Achievement Award (the top engineering undergraduate honor). Thiemann has served on more than two dozen commercial and non-profit boards. He has been featured in Wine Spectator for a top US wine cellar, in Bloomberg Markets for artificial intelligence software, and has made numerous media appearances including on PBS television and National Public Radio. Since 2000, Thiemann has coached the San Diego State Waterski Team to nearly a dozen regional and national championships. He received a Smithsonian Medal for achievements in education software and co-founded the San Diego Summer Jazz Workshop.