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Mark Suster

Professional Summary



Professional Overview


Mark Suster is a seasoned venture capitalist and General Partner at Upfront Ventures, one of the largest and longest-standing venture capital firms in Los Angeles. With a keen focus on early-stage technology companies, he leverages his extensive industry experience and entrepreneurial background to identify and invest in promising startups across a variety of sectors.

Experience Summary



Current Role


As General Partner at Upfront Ventures, Mark is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and managing a diverse portfolio of investments. He plays a pivotal role in guiding early-stage founders, providing strategic counsel, and leveraging his expansive network to help accelerate the growth of Upfront's portfolio companies. Under his leadership, Upfront has consistently maintained its position as a prominent player in the Los Angeles venture capital ecosystem.

Career Progression


Prior to joining Upfront Ventures, Mark held various leadership roles, including Vice President at Salesforce.com and Founder and CEO of two successful technology startups, Koral and BuildOnline. His entrepreneurial experience, coupled with his time in senior strategy consulting at Accenture, has equipped him with a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by startup founders.

Academic Background


Mark holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Areas of Expertise


  • Early-stage venture capital investing

  • Technology industry trends and market dynamics

  • Startup growth strategy and operations

  • Mergers and acquisitions

  • Corporate strategy and business development


Professional Impact


Throughout his career, Mark has made significant contributions to the technology and venture capital landscape. He is a prolific blogger and thought leader, sharing his insights on industry trends, entrepreneurship, and venture investing through his widely-followed blog, "Both Sides of the Table." Additionally, Mark serves on the boards of numerous prominent technology companies, leveraging his expertise to drive strategic decision-making and foster innovation.

Conclusion


With his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and industry influencer, Mark Suster is widely recognized as a leading voice in the Los Angeles startup ecosystem. As a General Partner at Upfront Ventures, he continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting the growth of innovative technology companies, cementing his reputation as a valued partner and trusted advisor to founders and fellow investors alike.