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Tech
Updated August 20, 2025
Michael Girdley
Michael Girdley is a software entrepreneur and investor who co-founded Code2 and is a general partner at Alamo Angels. His significance lies in fostering the San Antonio tech startup ecosystem through mentorship and funding.
Notable Facts
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Software Development Company Founder
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Venture Capital Investment Experience
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Real Estate Development Ventures
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Codeup Programming School Creator
Career Highlights
Background
Michael Girdley is a technology entrepreneur and investor with a background in computer science. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Trinity University. His early career was rooted in software engineering, where he developed a foundational understanding of systems architecture and software development, working on enterprise-level applications before transitioning into entrepreneurial ventures.
Major contributions
Girdley is recognized for co-founding and leading several technology companies. He was a co-founder of Rackspace's Cloud division, which played a significant role in the early commercialization of cloud computing infrastructure. He later co-founded and served as CEO of Webmail.us, an email hosting service that was acquired by Rackspace. He is also a co-founder of Codeup, a vocational school focused on training software developers, and a co-founder of Geekdom, a collaborative coworking community for technologists and startups. His work extends to venture capital through his firm, Girdley Ventures, which invests in early-stage technology companies.
Impact on their field
Girdley's work has impacted the technology sector through the advancement of cloud services and the fostering of tech talent and entrepreneurship. His involvement with Rackspace Cloud contributed to making cloud infrastructure more accessible to businesses. The founding of Codeup addressed a gap in tech education by providing accelerated, career-focused training, thereby increasing the pool of skilled software developers. Geekdom has served as a catalyst for the startup ecosystem in San Antonio, creating a physical hub for collaboration and innovation that has supported the launch and growth of numerous technology ventures.
Current work/relevance
Michael Girdley remains active as an investor and entrepreneur. He continues to manage investments in early-stage technology companies through Girdley Ventures. He is also involved with ongoing operations and strategic guidance for Geekdom and maintains a role in the technology and startup community as a mentor and advisor. His current focus includes supporting the next generation of founders and exploring new technological innovations, particularly within the software and SaaS sectors.
Michael Girdley is a technology entrepreneur and investor with a background in computer science. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Trinity University. His early career was rooted in software engineering, where he developed a foundational understanding of systems architecture and software development, working on enterprise-level applications before transitioning into entrepreneurial ventures.
Major contributions
Girdley is recognized for co-founding and leading several technology companies. He was a co-founder of Rackspace's Cloud division, which played a significant role in the early commercialization of cloud computing infrastructure. He later co-founded and served as CEO of Webmail.us, an email hosting service that was acquired by Rackspace. He is also a co-founder of Codeup, a vocational school focused on training software developers, and a co-founder of Geekdom, a collaborative coworking community for technologists and startups. His work extends to venture capital through his firm, Girdley Ventures, which invests in early-stage technology companies.
Impact on their field
Girdley's work has impacted the technology sector through the advancement of cloud services and the fostering of tech talent and entrepreneurship. His involvement with Rackspace Cloud contributed to making cloud infrastructure more accessible to businesses. The founding of Codeup addressed a gap in tech education by providing accelerated, career-focused training, thereby increasing the pool of skilled software developers. Geekdom has served as a catalyst for the startup ecosystem in San Antonio, creating a physical hub for collaboration and innovation that has supported the launch and growth of numerous technology ventures.
Current work/relevance
Michael Girdley remains active as an investor and entrepreneur. He continues to manage investments in early-stage technology companies through Girdley Ventures. He is also involved with ongoing operations and strategic guidance for Geekdom and maintains a role in the technology and startup community as a mentor and advisor. His current focus includes supporting the next generation of founders and exploring new technological innovations, particularly within the software and SaaS sectors.
Personal Story
Who is Michael Girdley?
Michael Girdley is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author based in San Antonio, Texas. He started his career in the early days of the internet boom, co-founding a web development company while still in college. This early success set him on a path of building and investing in technology companies, establishing him as a prominent figure in the South Texas startup scene. Beyond his business ventures, he is deeply involved in his local community, actively working to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Why He Matters
Girdley’s significance stems from his multifaceted impact as a builder, a funder, and a teacher. He has a proven track record of not only launching successful companies but also of providing the capital and guidance to help others do the same. His work has helped put San Antonio on the map as a credible hub for technology and innovation, creating economic opportunities and inspiring a culture of entrepreneurship in the region. He matters because he turns ideas into reality and empowers others to do the same.
Key Achievements
Co-founded and led Rackspace’s Cloud Startup Program, supporting early-stage companies.
Founded and manages multiple venture funds, including Geekdom Fund, which invests in promising tech startups.
Successfully founded, scaled, and sold several software companies.
Serves as a mentor and advisor to countless entrepreneurs, sharing his expertise freely.
What He's Known For
Michael Girdley is best known for his work with Geekdom, a collaborative coworking community in San Antonio. He is a co-owner and the driving force behind this entrepreneurial hub, which provides a physical space, resources, and a supportive network for startups and freelancers. He is also widely recognized for his insightful and practical book, "How to Be a Founder," which distills his decades of experience into an accessible guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. His popular podcast and blog further extend his reach, offering valuable advice on business and investing to a broad audience.
Popular Work
Geekdom: A flagship coworking space and startup community.
"How to Be a Founder": His bestselling book on entrepreneurship.
The Michael Girdley Podcast: Where he discusses business, investing, and technology.
His blog at girdley.com, featuring candid essays on his experiences.
Michael Girdley is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author based in San Antonio, Texas. He started his career in the early days of the internet boom, co-founding a web development company while still in college. This early success set him on a path of building and investing in technology companies, establishing him as a prominent figure in the South Texas startup scene. Beyond his business ventures, he is deeply involved in his local community, actively working to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Why He Matters
Girdley’s significance stems from his multifaceted impact as a builder, a funder, and a teacher. He has a proven track record of not only launching successful companies but also of providing the capital and guidance to help others do the same. His work has helped put San Antonio on the map as a credible hub for technology and innovation, creating economic opportunities and inspiring a culture of entrepreneurship in the region. He matters because he turns ideas into reality and empowers others to do the same.
Key Achievements
What He's Known For
Michael Girdley is best known for his work with Geekdom, a collaborative coworking community in San Antonio. He is a co-owner and the driving force behind this entrepreneurial hub, which provides a physical space, resources, and a supportive network for startups and freelancers. He is also widely recognized for his insightful and practical book, "How to Be a Founder," which distills his decades of experience into an accessible guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. His popular podcast and blog further extend his reach, offering valuable advice on business and investing to a broad audience.
Popular Work