Fandango Founder Falls To His Death From NYC Hotel Suite
Michael Cline, the founder of movie ticket company Fandango, died on July 16, 2024. He fell from a suite at The Kimberly Hotel at 145 East 50th in New York City.
The 64-year-old entrepreneur and father of six allegedly jumped from the 20th floor of the hotel. He landed in the courtyard, on the third floor. Cline left a note, most likely suicide note, before his death.
It has not been revealed what the note said. His death came as a surprise, he had recently undergone gallbladder surgery.
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J Michael Cline pursued his higher education at Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree.
After completing his education, Cline embarked on a career in investment banking, joining the prestigious firm Hambrecht & Quist. This experience exposed him to the world of finance and high-stakes investment.
n 2000, J. Michael Cline co-founded Fandango, a pioneering company that changed the way people purchase movie tickets. At a time when the internet was still in its early stage, Cline recognized the potential of online ticketing as a solution to the long-standing issue of inconvenient and time-consuming ticket purchase processes. Fandango provided a seamless platform for moviegoers to buy tickets in advance, choose their seats, and avoid waiting in line at theaters.
In 2007, Cline and other investors cashed out of Fandango. They sold a majority stake to NBC Universal.
Beyond Fandango, J. Michael Cline has been deeply involved in the venture capital and private equity space. He co-founded Accretive, LLC, a private equity firm that invests in early-stage and growth-stage companies. Through Accretive, Cline has played a major role in nurturing and scaling numerous startups, leveraging his expertise and network to drive their success.
Cline’s investment portfolio spans a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and media. His ability to identify promising ventures and provide strategic guidance has earned him a reputation as a savvy and influential investor.
In addition to his business ventures, J. Michael Cline is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable organizations. Cline’s supported initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and healthcare services for underserved communities.
Cline and his wife Pamela owned houses in the Hamptons and Palm Beach. He purchased his Palm Beach estate for $21 million in 2020.
Rest In Peace.