Mike Markkula

Armas Clifford "Mike" Markkula Jr. (born 1942) is a legendary venture capitalist who provided early critical funding for Apple Computer.

Markkula made millions on stock options he acquired as a marketing manager for Intel and Fairchild Semiconductor, and retired at 38. He was lured out of retirement after visiting Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs in their garage. In 1977, Markkula brought his business expertise along with $250,000 to buy one-third of Apple Computer. He also brought in Apple Computer's first CEO, Michael Scott, then took the job himself from 1981 to 1983.