J. Michael Cline, one of the co-founders of Fandango and a well-known figure in the startup world, tragically passed away after falling from a Manhattan hotel. The incident took place at the Kimberly Hotel in midtown Manhattan, where Cline fell from the 20th story of the building.
Emergency services responded to the scene but unfortunately, Cline was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. The New York Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his fall. Cline, a 64-year-old resident of Palm Beach, Florida, had a successful career in the tech industry.
Cline, along with his chief operating officer Art Levitt, founded Fandango in 1999. The online ticketing company quickly became a game-changer in the industry, allowing Americans to purchase movie tickets from the comfort of their own homes. Fandango’s success was solidified after a fierce competition with MovieTickets.com during the early 2000s, establishing itself as a leader in the online movie ticketing space.
Despite leaving Fandango in 2011, Cline continued his entrepreneurial journey by founding Accretive, a venture capital firm that invested in various startups. He also served as the executive chairman at Juxtapose, a venture firm specializing in technology businesses. Cline was particularly passionate about investing in healthcare companies, as evidenced by Juxtapose’s portfolio companies such as Tend, Nectar, and Great Jones.
Cline’s contributions to the tech industry were significant, and his impact on the startup ecosystem will be remembered. The news of his passing has shocked many, and the tech community mourns the loss of a visionary entrepreneur. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
