About Mark Smith

30 years of experience providing leadership in large, high growth and entrepreneurial organizations. Principal of Cobalt Group, a nationally recognized private consultancy that is retained by leaders from the private, public and nonprofit sectors to assist with decision-making related to investments in capital projects, research and development, market-based programs and growth and sustainability strategies. Since its founding in 1997, Cobalt Group has helped guide over $500 million in public-private partnership investments.

Since 2004 has served as a Venture Partner for JumpStart, Inc., a venture development organization whose mission is to accelerate the growth of early stage businesses in Northeast Ohio. Provide intensive hands-on assistance to JumpStart portfolio companies, working one-on-one with entrepreneurs to strengthen and execute their business plans, insuring that key milestones are met, advancing the companies through early stages of growth toward commercialization, and networking entrepreneurs with the venture capital community to secure follow-on funding needed to fuel additional growth and shareholder value. In this role has helped portfolio companies attract over $10 million in follow-on funding.

Prior to 2004, served on the executive management teams of start-up endeavors Drive Logic in Chicago, which provided Internet based supply chain management tools, and insurance software provider Claim IQ in San Francisco. During the 1980s and 1990s served in executive management roles for prominent Cleveland companies Progressive Insurance and medical products leader Invacare Corporation. Serves as Board member and Vice President of Marketing for the Cleveland International Film Festival, and has served on the technology advisory board for Red Cross Blood Services of Northern Ohio. Holds a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from Michigan State University.