David Wetzel

Co-Founder & Product Visionary

9ine 2wo 5ive LLC

Present

• PRODUCT INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS – Developed JetsetIQ, a comprehensive platform that empowers consumers and enterprises to make more sustainable travel choices. Implemented an engaging gamification approach to encourage users to adopt sustainable travel practices. Results: Our platform has garnered 90k downloads in Germany and won pilot users in various other geographies around the world, demonstrating its global appeal and effectiveness. • TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS – Led the technical development of the platform, including architectural decisions and actual coding both on the device software and the cloud services backend, which led to a robust and user-friendly sustainable travel platform. Results: Successfully engineered and published the JetsetIQ app in Apple’s App Store, showcasing our technical prowess and formed several strategic partnerships to broaden our sustainability efforts.

Volunteer

Ashesi University Foundation · Seattle, WA

Volunteer | Business Planning & Operations (2004 – 2018) Engaged in strategic initiatives to support Ashesi University’s mission of cultivating ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa. Led efforts to establish a new endowment program, securing a $75M donation from Mastercard Foundation to sustain long-term growth. Developed the roadmap for Ashesi’s engineering program, shaping curriculum, faculty needs, and lab specifications—an effort that resulted in the successful launch of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering concentrations

Principal Product Manager

Microsoft · Redmond, WA

Windows & Surface PC: Principal – Portfolio Strategy & Competitive Analysis | Windows & Devices Group Defined market strategy for Surface PC, shifting positioning to compete directly with Apple. Led industry analysis to guide strategic decisions across PC, tablet, and phone markets. HoloLens AR Goggles: Principal & Group Manager – Product Management | HoloLens Team Led early product incubation for HoloLens, shaping vision, roadmap, and feature set, turning experimental AR tech into a viable commercial product. Xbox Gaming Console: Group Manager & Sr. Manager – Product Management | Xbox & Media Services Developed the Xbox App Store concept, driving non-gaming engagement. Spearheaded mobile companion apps, expanding Xbox functionality. Led VideoSurf acquisition ($100M) to improve content discovery.

Senior Manager – Corporate Strategy & Development | Cloud & Enterprise Division

Microsoft

Shaped cloud strategy for SQL Server, driving revenue growth from $2B to $4B and launching Azure SQL. Led acquisitions—including Dundas, Softartisans, and Geodessy ($10M–$30M each)—to strengthen product competitiveness.

Investment Banking Associate, M&a in the Telecom, Media & Technology Group

Bear Stearns Companies · New York, NY, USA

Investment Banking Associate | M&A – Telecom, Media & Technology (2000 – 2004) Managed deal execution for high-profile M&A transactions in the tech sector, coordinating across teams and guiding deals through internal approvals. Built strong client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor throughout the process. Leveraged financial modeling and strategic analysis to support deal structuring, valuation, and market positioning—developing pitchbooks and presentations that drove engagement and decision-making.

Consulting – Energy & Industrial Goods Practices

The Boston Consulting Group · Boston, MA