The next version of your company requires the next version of you.

Most CEOs at the Series A-C stage are moving faster than they’ve ever moved. They’re also leading at the edge of their experience. The stakes are higher. The board is watching. The team is growing. The clarity is thinning.

That’s where I come in.

I’m not your coach. I’m not a consultant. I’m your strategic thought and performance partner - someone who helps you think more clearly, lead more deliberately, and grow faster than your company is scaling.

Because what got you here won’t get you to what’s next.

Scope, by Design

You already have a team. You may have advisors. But who helps you grow?

What I do

I work with a select group of venture-backed CEOs and boards who are building fast, navigating complexity, and seeking something deeper than advice — a true partner in their evolution.

I help you:

• Sharpen your strategic thinking

• Navigate board dynamics and power politics

• Develop your leadership team

• Prepare for fundraises, exits, or tough calls

• Reclaim clarity when the noise is deafening

• Stay grounded, sharp, and deliberate, especially when things get chaotic

This is not therapy. It’s not ops. It’s not a playbook.

It’s a mirror, a challenge, and a high-leverage investment in the one variable that drives everything: you. I can also take on independent board roles if it makes sense.

What I don't do

I’m not:

• A fractional CxO

• A pitch deck fixer

• A GTM strategist

• A capital-raising agent

• A coach who asks you how you “feel about that”

You’re not hiring me to do the work for you. You’re hiring me to help you do the right work. Better, faster, with more clarity and less friction.

Who I Work With

I work exclusively with venture-backed CEOs and Boards at the Series A to Series C stage.

In-person + Virtual

Some breakthroughs don’t happen on Zoom.

Every engagement includes in-person time, because some of the clearest thinking happens face-to-face.

Whether it's joining you at a leadership offsite, prepping for a board reset, or walking a trail while we untangle a knot, I show up when it matters.

Travel is included. No surprise fees. No reimbursement forms. Just focus.

If you're building something serious, and want to become the kind of leader who can carry it forward, we should talk.

My Clients are often...

• Stepping into real scale for the first time

• Upgrading their leadership team, or themselves

• Wrestling with capital, strategy, board pressure, or identity

• Facing decisions they can’t talk to their team, or their investors, about

• Craving space to think, with someone who understands the terrain

Engagement Structure

Retainer

For CEOs who want sustained partnership as they evolve alongside their company.

Most clients invest between $8,500–$14,000 per month for ongoing access, in-person strategy, and priority support. Every engagement is custom-designed to fit your stage and challenges.

Includes:

• Two 60–90 min deep-dive sessions per month

• Unlimited light-touch access (text, email, voice notes)

• One in-person session per quarter

• Priority support for key moments (fundraising, exits, team transitions)

Best for founders seeking consistent clarity and a trusted partner across the arc of growth.

Strategic Sprint

For CEOs facing one clear inflection point who want sharper thinking - fast.

Sprint engagements are tailored to the situation and typically range from $15,000–$30,000 for an intensive 6–8 week program to unlock clarity on a major decision. You’ll leave with a sharpened narrative, a prioritized decision map, or a key people move validated, and confidence in how to act.

Includes:

• Four intensive sessions, with at least one on-site

• Pre- and post-session reflection tools

• Targeted outcome: navigate a major decision, prepare for a fundraise, reorganize leadership, reset strategy, etc. (customized to your situation)

Best for turning a complex problem into a confident plan of action.

A focused, one-time session to unlock clarity on a high-stakes challenge. Fast, strategic, confidential.

One-time deep dives start at $1,600. This is a premium, high-leverage session with structured follow-up. Ideal as a VC-sponsored benefit or a first step in working together.

Includes:

• Pre-session intake (brief written prompt to frame the issue)

• Structured post-session summary: risks, blind spots, and next steps

• Light touch follow-ups to check progress or clarify

Best for founders seeking one-time leverage.

Quick Consult

Engagements are selective and tailored.
Pricing reflects the intensity, access, and outcomes you want to create.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself as seriously as you invest in your company, let’s talk.

Why This Works

Because you don’t need another smart person telling you what to do.

You need someone who helps you see more clearly, more systemically, more strategically. Someone who’s been on the other side of the table, seen tens of thousands of startups, backed dozens, advised boards, raised capital, built teams, and made the hard calls.

I'm someone who sees your blind spots... and helps you lead through them.

"Incredibly interesting discussion, and you gave some valuable insight that I hadn't considered before."

Investment Manager of a European impact investment fund

"... actionable insights and perspective."

Managing Partner of an angel network syndicate

Testimonials

CEO of a seed-stage agtech startup

"Our team all learned a lot from you during the session - go to market, IP, how to think through partnerships"

CEO of a Series A stage bio-inputs startup

"We hit a significant inflection point in our fundraising and pitch after spending deep sessions with Mark"

"Of all the professionals I’ve met in this space, I can’t think of anyone better than Mark. He’s easily one of the most intelligent people at the table, with a rare balance of both IQ and EQ."

Mark is the voice of reason on a board. When he speaks, it’s clear that he is highly respected both internally and externally. He tackles difficult topics head-on and values direct, collaborative approaches.

"... straightforward and transparent, with no hidden agendas - a rare and refreshing quality in this industry."

President and CEO of a large publicly traded biotech company

CEO of a Series B biotech startup

Partner at European-based biotechnology venture capital fund

"... quickly assessed the landscape to determine how he can make the greatest impact. He thrives on information and rapidly establishes himself as a thought leader and key contributor

EVP at a publicly traded agrochemicals company

Frequently asked questions

Is this coaching?

Not exactly. Coaching is one tool, but this is broader: a strategic, high-trust partnership built to sharpen your thinking and leadership. I’m not here to follow a script. I’m here to help you make better decisions in moments that matter.

Will you work with other executives on my team?

My primary relationship is with you, the CEO, or select board members. If supporting others helps you grow, we can explore it, but this is not an organizational coaching program.

Do you take equity instead of cash?

Almost never. I prefer cash. In rare, high-conviction cases, where the equity is likely to far exceed the value of cash today, I may consider it. But it’s the exception, not the rule.

How many clients do you take?

Fewer than four at a time. I’m selective, and I commit deeply. If I say yes, it’s because I believe in you.

Will you connect me with your network?

I don’t sell access or monetize relationships. If a connection makes strategic sense and I have conviction, I’ll make it. But it’s never the core offering or guarantee.

Where can I learn more about you?

Scroll down, or see my LinkedIn, or contact me.

What challenges do CEOs usually bring to you?

Everything from co-founder tension to board resets to “I’m not sure I want to keep doing this." Most clients come to me at a moment of velocity, complexity, or quiet dread. They’re facing something they haven’t faced before and want space to think clearly before acting.

Is this confidential?

Completely. I don’t share who I work with unless you publicly acknowledge it. What we discuss stays between us, always.

What if I want to just test the waters?

That’s what the Deep Dive session is for: a one-time, high-leverage conversation. If it’s a fit, we can talk about more. If not, you still walk away sharper.

Are you doing this full time?

No. I'm currently seeking a full time senior leadership role in a mid to large corporate. I am taking on select engagements and speaking opportunities as the exception during my search.

About Mark

I’ve led venture capital arms for two global corporations, helped scale a third, allocated over $75m into world-changing startups, catalyzed $250m in follow-on capital, sat on boards across five continents, had 8 exits, and advised CEOs navigating scale, uncertainty, and transformation.

I’ve been a climate scientist, a founder, a corporate strategist, and a trusted advisor to companies raising from seed to Series D.

I’ve seen what breaks people and startups, and what makes them stronger.

Now, I am seeking a senior leadership mandate inside a forward-thinking organization, with select advisory and speaking roles as a complement, not a substitute.

See my LinkedIn for more detail.

Get in Touch