Mark Elbadramany is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist based in Miami, Florida. As a partner at Legacy Ventures, Mark is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, executing, and managing investments.
His focus is on supporting growth initiatives alongside fellow entrepreneurs and operators. He currently serves on the board of directors for Hardcore Parts and PRO-Techs and advises the boards of Tin Roof Software and American Flamecoat. Mark’s passion lies at the intersection of business and community service, where he dedicates his time to empowering underserved populations through various not-for-profit organizations.
Partner at Legacy Ventures
What motivates you to keep pushing forward in both business and philanthropy?
For me, the drive to keep pushing forward comes from a deep-seated belief that business and philanthropy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement each other. In business, I’m motivated by the challenge of creating something lasting—building companies, driving growth, and helping other entrepreneurs succeed. But there’s also a strong pull towards making a meaningful impact beyond just profits. The idea that I can leverage the skills and resources I’ve gained in business to help uplift others is incredibly motivating. Whether it’s through mentorship, direct investment in social causes, or community engagement, knowing that my work can contribute to positive change is what keeps me going.
How do you handle the inevitable setbacks that come with being an entrepreneur and investor?
Setbacks are a given in any entrepreneurial journey. I’ve learned that the key to handling them is resilience and perspective. It’s important to recognize that every setback is a learning opportunity. When things don’t go as planned, I take a step back, assess what went wrong, and figure out how to improve going forward. It’s also crucial to stay grounded and not let failures define you. Instead, they should refine you. Over time, I’ve developed a habit of viewing challenges as puzzles to be solved rather than roadblocks. This mindset not only helps me overcome obstacles but also fuels my growth as a leader.
What role does mentorship play in your life, and how do you approach it?
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my journey, both as a mentee and as a mentor. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have mentors who guided me through complex decisions and provided valuable insights that shaped my path. Now, I see it as my responsibility to pay that forward. My approach to mentorship is rooted in empathy and active listening. I believe that to be an effective mentor, you need to understand where your mentee is coming from—their challenges, aspirations, and even fears. From there, it’s about providing guidance that’s not just based on what worked for me, but what’s right for them in their unique context. I’m always open to learning from those I mentor as well; it’s a two-way street.
How do you maintain ethical leadership in industries where competition is fierce and stakes are high?
Ethical leadership is non-negotiable for me, regardless of the industry or the stakes. In highly competitive environments, the temptation to cut corners or compromise on values can be strong. But I believe that true success is sustainable only when it’s built on a foundation of integrity. I approach ethical leadership by setting clear values and expectations from the start—both for myself and for my teams. It’s about creating a culture where doing the right thing is ingrained in every decision. I also make it a point to be transparent and accountable, especially in tough situations. Leading by example is crucial; if your team sees that you’re committed to ethics even when it’s difficult, they’re more likely to follow suit.
What advice would you give to someone who is trying to balance a demanding career with a commitment to social impact?
Balancing a demanding career with a commitment to social impact can be challenging, but it’s entirely possible with the right mindset. My advice would be to integrate your values into your career rather than viewing them as separate entities. Find ways to align your professional goals with your desire to make a difference. For example, look for opportunities within your industry where you can advocate for change or support initiatives that align with your values. It’s also important to set boundaries and prioritize your time. Not every opportunity is the right one, and being selective allows you to focus your energy on the areas where you can make the most impact.
How do you stay innovative in your approach to both business and philanthropy?
Innovation in business and philanthropy requires a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new ideas. For me, staying innovative means constantly seeking out different perspectives and being open to change. I make it a point to stay informed about emerging trends, not just in my industry but also in areas like technology, social impact, and global economics. Collaboration is another key element; working with diverse teams and partners often sparks new ideas and solutions that I wouldn’t have come up with on my own. Finally, I believe in the power of experimentation—trying new approaches, learning from what works and what doesn’t, and continuously iterating to improve outcomes.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the tangible results of the efforts I’m involved in—whether it’s a business thriving, an entrepreneur reaching new heights, or a community program making a real difference in people’s lives. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that the work I do contributes to something greater than myself. It’s not just about the immediate successes, but about the long-term impact and the legacy I’m helping to build. Seeing others succeed and knowing that I played a part in that journey is incredibly gratifying.
How do you see the future of philanthropy and business evolving together?
I believe the future of philanthropy and business is one of increasing integration. We’re moving towards a model where social impact and business success are not seen as separate goals but as complementary. Companies are recognizing that being socially responsible is not only good for society but also good for business—it attracts customers, engages employees, and builds stronger brands. I see a future where more businesses adopt this mindset, creating a positive cycle where success in one area drives success in the other. As we continue to innovate and collaborate, I’m optimistic that we’ll see even more powerful synergies between business and philanthropy.
