Mark has an MBA and MOT from Georgia Tech University where he also served as a Professor for 3 years in their Executive Management Program. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from West Point. He served as a Captain in the US Army, leading the first squadron of advanced technology Apache attack helicopters. Mark founded a B2B SaaS company that was part of a roll up for a $1B IPO. He has raised over $140m for companies in 14 Ventured Capital funded rounds averaging 400% return for investors. He currently serves as Executive Chairman for a leading VR Production Studio and SaaS where he helped them raise $17M in seed funding. He has designed curriculum for 4 Accelerator programs over the last 10 years and provided the keynotes for several of these each year across 11 cohorts of classes.
Mark focuses on creating and executing disruptive business models that leverage emerging technologies. He brings an unusual method to creating business opportunities through an intense focus on understanding the implications of emerging technology, identifying industries most likely to be affected, and identifying niche opportunities to gain market entry. As an Internet pioneer, he created the first Software-as-a-Service application (1996), the first use of Virtual Reality on the Internet, the first integrated cloud telephony platform, and other patented technologies in the Healthcare and Television Industry.
Since 2013, he focused on designing and building innovation programs and startup accelerators to help scale technology companies. He served as an advisor and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Wave for its first five years, leading the organization to become the #1 accelerator in Florida. He also designed and helped execute the accelerator program of the Tampa Innovation Center, mentoring companies and serving as the keynote speaker for seven cohorts. He was the architect of the US Department of Defense’s very successful SOFWerx Innovation Platform that links the national entrepreneurial ecosystem with the DOD to deliver solutions to warfighters. He continues to consult with Enterprises like Jabil, The ARK Innovation Center, and The Israel Consulate to help them develop and scale new technologies.
Mark's industry recognition includes two Inc. 500 awards, two Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards, two Emmy Awards, Business Journal Entrepreneur of the Year, an Ernst & Young International Entrepreneur Award, Comdex New Media Invision Award, and New York City Champions of Technology Award. Mark is a Young President's Organization member, the founder, and past Chairman of the Georgia Electronic Commerce Association and the Southeast Software Association. Mark graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Computer Engineering and a Master of Business Administration with an Artificial Intelligence Minor from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
