Baiada is managing partner at BaseCamp Ventures an early stage venture fund; president of Basecamp Business; and a partner of Grapevine Development a smart-growth NJ based real estate development firm. Operating and investing in successful product and service-based companies has given him a broad and seasoned perspective of business.

From the start-up of Bluestone in 1989, through its IPO in 1999, and the eventual sale to Hewlett Packard in 2001 for over $350M, Mel has demonstrated an ability to recognize business opportunities, attract capital and talented employees, and profitability exit an information technology company investment.

He was recognized as Greater Philadelphia Venture Group's  “Year 2000 Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, the New Jersey Technology Council as a “High Tech Hero Award” (2001) and an Ernst & Young, Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

Mel serves on the boards of Drexel University, New Jersey Technology Council, Bayada Home Health Care and several boards of Basecamp Ventures portfolio companies. Former Boards that Mel has served on have included Moorestown Friends School, Innovation Philadelphia and South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University.