Our Approach
Turning Complexity into Clarity
We specialize in turning complexity into clarity and stalled potential into sustainable growth. Our on-site, collaborative approach allows us to be action-orientated and highly-responsive to your needs. Whether you're navigating a challenging product launch, untangling cultural gridlock, or scaling operations for profitability, we bring the experience and energy to move your business “from lab to fab.”
from lab to fab.
Specialities
Turning breakthrough ideas
into market-ready products in industries like life sciences, semiconductors, defense, space, optical, communications, and clean energy
Expert in designing and producing advanced optical components, including filters, mirrors, beamsplitters, and electro-optical systems
Skilled in building and testing photonic devices, solar cells, lasers, integrated circuits, and other high-performance technologies
About Mike Cumbo
With over two decades of leadership in optics, photonics, and life science instrumentation, Mike brings a rare blend of technical depth, entrepreneurial vision, and operational excellence. His career spans executive roles in Fortune 500 companies, high-growth startups, and public-private partnerships, consistently driving innovation and strategic transformation across the photonics ecosystem.
Mike was the founder and non-executive chairman of Sandia Electro-Optics Corporation, an employee-owned incubator focused on developing next-generation measurement instruments for life sciences and environmental sensing. Under his leadership, SE-OC pioneered a hybrid startup model that integrated strategic acquisitions with disruptive technologies.
He has also served as President and CEO of Omega Optical Holdings, a private equity-backed optics platform, where he led the integration of multiple high-performance optics companies and positioned the group as a benchmark for precision and flexibility in the industry.
His previous roles include CEO of AIM Photonics, where he advanced U.S. leadership in integrated photonics manufacturing; Vice President of Optics at ZYGO Corporation; and President & CEO of Eta Diagnostics, a UNM spinout acquired by BennuBio for its breakthrough flow cytometry technology.
Earlier in his career, Mike held senior leadership positions at MLD Technologies, IDEX Optics & Photonics, Semrock, NanoGram Solar, Raydiance, BinOptics, Coherent, and JDS Uniphase, where he served as VP of R&D and CTO. He began his career as an engineer at Eastman Kodak and Bausch & Lomb.
How We Work
Strategy Meets Execution
We don’t just advise - we build. With over 25 years of executive leadership across startups, private equity platforms, and global corporations, we know how to align vision with action. Our work spans full P&L ownership in businesses ranging from $10M to $300M, and teams from 10 to 1,500 employees.
Customer-Centric Innovation
We drive new product introductions (NPI) with a sharp focus on customer value. Our interdisciplinary problem-solving style ensures that technology development is always grounded in market needs and operational feasibility.
An Open-Book Partnership
Transparency is our default. We communicate openly, coach teams with empathy, and build trust through results. Whether advising on M&A strategy or leading operational turnarounds, we bring a clear-eyed perspective and a collaborative spirit.
Management Tools and Inspiration
- Gated design reviews throughout the product life cycle
- Gemba walks
- 5S methodology
- Factory Overall Efficiency (FOE) framework
- 80/20 principle
- Hoshin planning matrix