Strategy · Technology · Growth
Helping deep tech companies grow with purpose
Sendero Advisory partners with leaders to define strategy, build technology, and scale organizations at the intersection of government and commercial markets.
What we do
Capabilities
Clients include early-stage technology startups, venture-backed dual-use companies, large and publicly-traded corporations, universities, and national laboratories.
Growth strategy
Aligning corporate vision with a clear market position to define compelling, actionable plans for the federal and commercial sectors.
Organizational design
Structuring teams and processes that translate strategy into results, from board-level redesign to talent and culture programs.
Technology transition
Connecting technical innovation with mission needs, qualification requirements, and commercialization pathways to accelerate real-world impact.
Startup mentoring
Guiding startups and academic innovators through commercialization, non-dilutive funding opportunities, and pathways from research to sustainable businesses.
Knoxville
Advising early-stage advanced energy & manufacturing companies
Through appointments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, Michael works hands-on with technical founders translating innovative science and technology into venture-backable companies.
Innovation Crossroads
Mentor, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Spark Innovation Center
EIR, UT Knoxville
About
Michael Paley, Ph.D.
Principal Consultant & Founder · Partner, OneDefense
Michael Paley, Ph.D., an experienced business executive and research scientist with a particular focus on the interaction between humans and technology, is the Founder of Sendero Advisory, a Partner at One Defense, holds several advisory board positions, and serves as an EIR at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Innovation Crossroads and the University of Tennessee’s Spark Accelerator and Incubator. Michael leverages his extensive background to advise and grow emerging technology companies, including growth and innovation strategy, corporate operations, go-to-market planning, business development, and capital raising. An Industrial and Organizational Psychologist by training, Michael’s research has focused on user experience, decision support, organizational design, data analytics and visualization. Previously, Michael served as President of IST Research where he supported the DARPA MEMEX program focused on technology transition from those efforts and was the Chief Executive Officer of Aptima, Inc, a human-centered engineering company. Earlier in his career he was a Staff Member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory supporting the USAF AWACS Program Office. He received his Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rochester.
Sendero Advisory
Principal Consultant & Founder
OneDefense
Principal Consultant & Founder
Let's talk
Consulting engagements, advisory roles, and startup mentoring inquiries welcome.