Michael Powers will talk story with the Maui TechOhana at Cohana on Feb. 6.

KIHEI – Technology entrepreneur and investor Michael Powers will be the guest speaker at the next Maui TechOhana meeting presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB).

The meeting, to be held at Cohana at the Maui Research and Technology Center (MRTC) on Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., offers an opportunity for Maui entrepreneurs with an interest in technology to network and to learn from invited speakers.

Powers was the second product manager at YouTube, where he created the concept of YouTube Channels. He was the founder or early team member of six Internet startups, including two acquired by Google.

He is currently living on Maui and continuing to act as an angel investor and advisor to companies such at TaskRabbit (gig marketplace), Turo (car sharing), TurningArt (art print rental), Insight Engines (machine learning) and Origin (blockchain open marketplaces).

In addition to startups, Powers has held senior positions with Apple, Xerox and Google. Most recently, he was the SVP General Manager of GameSpot and four other gaming properties at CBS Interactive.

“I hope that attendees will gain a better understanding of what steps they can take to start and grow their business online from Maui – how to develop ideas online, attract investment, and how take advantage of new platform technologies such as Cloud services, blockchains and mobile development innovations,” said Powers.

“They should take away an understanding of remote job opportunities in the ‘gig’ economy and ways for tech contractors here on Maui to seek additional work emanating from tech hubs such as the Bay Area.”

“Michael Powers was a judge at our November Startup Weekend Maui, and we are grateful to have his knowledge and experience made available to Maui entrepreneurs in this forum,” said Gerry Smith, MEDB director of business development. “The local tech community will benefit greatly from learning about his successes and failures while having the opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals.”

Hosting the event at the Cohana co-working space will give people who aren’t familiar with co-working a chance to see what these facilities are all about. HTDC’s Cohana provides premium amenities for freelancers and entrepreneurs of Maui.

Over 35 Maui small business owners and entrepreneurs attended the last Maui TechOhana meeting in June.

MEDB’s Maui TechOhana is supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. The meetings provide an informal networking opportunity open to anyone interested in Maui’s innovation and business industry. Admission is free; pupus and refreshments will be served. For more information, or to register, visit www.mauitechohana.com.