We're Patent Nerds

Michael Lubitz

Michael is the founder and managing director of GTT Group, a global patent asset transaction and analysis firm. As an entrepreneur, Michael’s startups have been acquired by Softbank and Hewlett Packard. Words that Michael lives by: “No mud, no lotus. No lotus, no mud” (Thich Nhat Hahn).

Masa Murayama

Masa is the creative visionary behind Ideaship. An entrepreneur and quiet maverick, Masa created the business model and originated the Ideaship concept. His responsibilities include due diligence, investee company development and value creation. Prior to Ideaship, Masa was the Head of IP Strategy for the Audio, Video, and Communication (AVC) Technology and Products Division of Panasonic. Words that Masa lives by: “Courage without wisdom is mischief, and wisdom without courage is nonsense” (Erich Kästner).

Amanda Oborne

Amanda is Managing Director of Ideaship. She has supported hundreds of founders during her time as Executive Director of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) and is particularly adept at mapping a gameplan and structure where none exists. She has a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s from Washington University in St. Louis. Words that Amanda lives by: “The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.” ― Lao Tzu

Tony Tanaka

Tony provides operational guidance, investee company development, and due diligence support services.  Prior to Ideaship, Tony’s practice was focused on preparing and prosecuting patent application in the fields of electronics, telecommunications, software engineering in Panasonic.  He was granted a patent agent (Limited Recognition) from USPTO in 2010.   Words that Tony lives by: “Netsui-ha-jisyaku (Enthusiasm is the great attractor and it opens a way to success)” Konosuke Matsushita

Ainsley Lloyd

Tyler McKinley

Tyler is Managing Director of both GTT Group and Ideaship. Supporting the entrepreneur and innovator is central to Tyler’s mission having founded or co-founded five start-ups over his career. He took his most recent start-up from concept to acquisition in seven years. Tyler graduated from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and trained to find the signal in the noise. He holds 21 patents in the areas of precision timing and geolocation, mobile devices, steganography, smart meters, synchronized metrology in power systems, and video encoding. Words that Tyler lives by: “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” Publilius

Kari Lubitz

Kari is a managing director of GTT Group and brings her vast operational management experience to Ideaship in a marketing capacity. Kari graduated from Portland State University with a BS in Business Management, has worked for GTT Group for 14 years and prior to that Kari had her own small business management firm for more than a decade. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Maya Angelou

Byron Godsey

Byron serves as the Finance Director of Ideaship and oversees finance, accounting, and investee company monitoring. He is also responsible for due diligence, and providing early stage accounting and financing support for investee companies. Before joining GTT Group and becoming a team member of Ideaship, Byron was a Senior Management Analyst for BearingPoint. He holds a B.S. in International Business Management from Brigham Young University and a M.S. in Financial Analysis from Portland State University. Words that Byron lives by: “In the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind” (Louis Pasteur).

Yukiko Ryonai