A Legendary Entrepreneur Leaves a Lasting Impact
J. Michael Cline, co-founder of Fandango and multiple other startups throughout his illustrious career, has left an indelible mark on the digital landscape. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short after falling from a Manhattan hotel. In this article, we will delve into the remarkable achievements of J. Michael Cline and explore the impact he had on the online ticketing industry.
A Tragic Accident Rocks the Community
On Tuesday morning, the New York Police Department received 911 calls from the Kimberly Hotel, a 30-story hotel in midtown Manhattan. Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious and unresponsive male with injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated position. The individual was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, and an investigation remains ongoing.
Police later identified the deceased as James Michael Cline, a 64-year-old resident of Palm Beach, Florida. This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the startup community, with many paying tribute to Cline’s innovative spirit and dedication to his craft.
A Legacy Built on Innovation
J. Michael Cline co-founded Fandango in 1999 alongside his chief operating officer Art Levitt. At the time, the online ticketing industry was still in its infancy, but Cline saw an opportunity to revolutionize how Americans purchased movie tickets. With a decade-long battle with MovieTickets.com during the 2000s, Fandango emerged as the winner of the online movie ticketing space.
Cline’s pioneering spirit and vision paved the way for the $37 billion online ticketing industry. He removed the need for people to wait in long lines at box offices, transforming the way we experience movies. As one of the co-founders of Fandango, Cline was instrumental in shaping the company’s success.
A Decade-Long Battle for Dominance
Fandango’s rise to prominence was not without its challenges. During the 2000s, the company engaged in a decade-long battle with MovieTickets.com. Despite this, Cline remained committed to his vision and worked tirelessly to establish Fandango as the leading online ticketing platform.
A Digital Empire Built on Processing Fees
Cline’s innovative approach to generating revenue was a key factor in Fandango’s success. By selling movie tickets online and charging processing fees, he created a profitable business model that set the tone for the industry.
In addition to Fandango, Cline also founded Accretive, a venture capital firm established in 1999. Through his work at Accretive, Cline continued to invest in startups and build a digital empire.
A Diverse Portfolio of Ventures
Cline’s entrepreneurial endeavors extended far beyond Fandango and Accretive. He was involved in the founding of multiple startups throughout his career, including:
- R1 RCM
- Accumen
- Accolade
- Everspring
- Dresr
- Insureon
These ventures demonstrate Cline’s commitment to innovation and his willingness to take risks.
A Commitment to Healthcare
In 2018, Cline took on a new role as executive chairman at the venture firm Juxtapose. This company invests in technology businesses, with a particular focus on healthcare companies. During his time at Juxtapose, Cline enjoyed investing in startups that addressed pressing healthcare issues.
Some of Juxtapose’s notable portfolio companies include:
- Tend
- Nectar
- Great Jones
These investments highlight Cline’s dedication to improving the lives of others through innovative solutions.
A Legacy That Will Live On
J. Michael Cline’s passing is a tremendous loss for the startup community. His innovative spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and commitment to his craft have left an indelible mark on the digital landscape.
As we reflect on Cline’s achievements, we are reminded of the impact one person can have on the world. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators.
A Tribute to J. Michael Cline
J. Michael Cline may be gone, but his contributions to the online ticketing industry and beyond will never be forgotten. His innovative spirit, dedication to his craft, and commitment to improving the lives of others have left a lasting impact on our world.
In the words of Steve Jobs, "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." J. Michael Cline was one such individual, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Rest in peace, J. Michael Cline. Your impact on the digital landscape will never be forgotten.
