VC Corner Q&A: Mark Mullen
Mark Mullen is co-founder and Managing Director of Bonfire Ventures. Mark has been investing in private VC-backed businesses for more than 20 years. Previously Mark founded and served as Managing Partner of predecessor firms Double M Partners and Mull Capital. All of the funds focused on investing in internet, media and technology with primary emphasis on business to business software solutions. Mark serves on the boards of Fama, Trinity Mobile Networks, Shippabo, Involvesoft, Influence.co and Altice USA Inc (NYSE: ATUS).
Prior to Double M Partners, Mark served as COO of the City of Los Angeles (Office of Economic Policy) and Senior Advisor to the then-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, where he oversaw several of the City’s assets including the LA International Airport (LAX), LA Convention Center, the Planning and Building & Safety Departments, as well as the Office of Small Business Services. From 1993–2007, Mark ran the international M&A and private equity group for Daniels & Associates, a boutique investment bank focused on the cable and broadband industry. Mark was a senior partner of Daniels when it was acquired by RBC Capital Markets in 2007 where he stayed until 2010 as Managing Director.
— What is Bonfire Venture’s mission?
We lead the Seed rounds for the very best B2B founders in SoCal and partner with them to build the foundations they need to secure additional capital and transform the industries that they target.
— What’s one thing you are excited about right now?
Venture opportunities in Los Angeles/SoCal
— Who is one founder you think we should watch?
Patrick Maloney (Inspire Energy)
— What are the 3 top qualities of every great leader?
- A killer mentality
- An identifiable weakness/achilles heal
- A Focus on what the company stands for/culture
— What was your very first investment? What struck you about them?
Online Systems Services -An early website developer.
— What’s one question you ask yourself before investing in a company?
Do I care?
— What’s one thing every founder should ask themselves before walking into a meeting with a potential investor?
Do I know as much as possible about this investor?
— What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family.
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