Mark Platshon

Managing Partner

2022 - Current

Managing Member

2021

Mark is the Managing Member of the Tokamak Investors SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle). The SPV raised ~$40M in 2021 to invest in Commonwealth Fusion Systems $1.8B Series B. This spinout from MIT has made some important breakthroughs in superconducting magnets which should enable the development of the first net positive energy Fusion energy machine (using the Tokamak design). CFS expects to demonstrate the first working unit in 2025. The long goal is to develop safe, cost-effective commercial fusion energy power plants to replace 10,000 coal and other fossil-fueled utility power stations.

Founder and Managing Director

2000

Icebreaker Ventures is my little family office early stage venture fund: I focus on ACES (Autonomous/A.I.-connected-electric-shared) mobility, advanced materials, cleantech/energy, batteries, and edtech. Investments include: TESLA: (NAS:TSLA) Early investor (2009). Amprius: (NYSE:AMPX) Pioneering company in developing high energy density Li-ion batteries using nanostructured Silicon anodes. Applications include electric aviation and other specialty markets that need high energy, light weight and fast charge. ON24: (NYSE:ONTF) Enterprise-grade webinars and virtual events platform drives engagement. IPO in 2020. HELM.ai: ADAS and autonomous driving platform based on unstructured learning A.I. DeepVision: Edge A.I. computer chips and software tools Nauto: AI-powered fleet management system monitors and improves driver safety. BrightLite Structures Ltd: Lightweight structural composite manufacturing technology for aircraft components, buses, trucks and automotive applications. TAP Research: Mobile, online, quick-response market research and app monetization platform. Interlinkai.com: Prescription verification and management system for pharmacy chains, hospital pharmacies and nursing homes. BrightLite Structures Ltd: Lightweight structural composite manufacturing technology for aircraft components, buses, trucks and automotive applications. CodeHS: Leading online computer science courseware to enable high schools to teach AP Computer Science, C++, Java and other courses without having skilled computer science teachers on site. Populus.ai: Data platform for cities to manage the future of mobility, including curb space, parking, scooters and other micromobility. Stable.auto: EV Charging infrastructure planning and management.

Co-founder and Investor

2008

Amprius is developing high energy density advanced materials for Li-ion batteries. It is a spinout from cofounder Professor Yi Cui's lab at Stanford University. Backed by Kleiner Perkins, Trident Capital, VantagePoint Capital, IPV Ventures (China) and others. Amprius did a deSPAC with Kensington in September 2022 and is now AMPX on the NYSE.

Investor, Board Observer

2015

High throughput, metal 3D area-printing development. Licensed foundational technology from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Backed by True Ventures, GM Ventures, Denso, Siemens, Porsche, others.

Partner

2012 - 2020

Series of 5 early stage venture capital funds with over $200M AUM. Platshon Investments include: Eargo: (NAS EAR) Innovative, rechargeable, non-occlusive hearing aids. Bloomboard: Education technology. Pioneering creator of curriculum micro-certifications. Provides teacher assessment platform and professional development marketplace. Board member until 2018. Peloton Technology - developer of truck platooning system Estimote - ultra-wide-band location based services company

Executive Advisor, Venture Investments, Innovation Strategy

2019 - 2020

The deregulation of utilities in Japan, combined with Climate Change and demographic changes creates challenges and opportunities. Tokyo Gas (also an electric utility now) has started a new venture fund to help it develop new businesses and technologies, including renewable energy, digitalization, autonomous and electric mobility, etc.

Senior Investments Advisor, Corporate Venture Capital Fund

2011 - 2016

Senior Advisor to BMW in establishing corporate venture fund as part of the new BMW i-brand electrification initiative. BMW i-Ventures invests in early stage companies with innovative services, products and technologies for the transportation ecosystem. Venture offices in Munich, New York and Mountain View. Fund 1 investments include: ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT) - IPO 2020 Life 360 - (OTC: LIFX) Moovit - acquired by Mobileye/Intel Proterra - IPO scheduled via SPAC 2021 Embark - acquired by Apple RideCell - Ridesharing, Ridehailing, counterless car rental platform for fleet management Zendrive - driver safety software platform Nauto - Fleet management and driver monitoring platform Scoop - Carpool management platform.

Managing Director, Cleantech Group

2008 - 2010

Managing Director in Cleantech Group. Participated in investments including: Amprius - Silicon nano-wire anodes for high energy density Lithium-ion batteries. Liquid Robotics - autonomous ocean-going data collection platform/drone, acquired by Boeing GLO.se - advanced LEDs Tendril - Utility software for managing customer efficiency and energy use. 1366 - Developing and producing proprietary solar panels. Genomatica - manufacturer of sustainable chemicals from renewable feedstocks Tesla - pioneer EV manufacturer

Venture Partner

2007 - 2008

Cleantech/energy investments, including solar, wind, water purification, energy storage/batteries, lighting, energy efficiency, smart grid, V2G and carbon trading.