From Rock Bands to Business Ventures: Mark Selcow on Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Uncharted Podcast

In this episode, we chat with Mark Selcow, partner at Costanoa Ventures. Mark co-founded BabyCenter, a pioneering online parenting site sold to Johnson & Johnson, and Merced Systems, a performance management software company sold to Nice Systems.

Mark shares his upbringing in Hartford, Connecticut, where his background in sports and music shaped his path. Initially pursuing medicine, his career shifted to business inspired by a biotech job and his time in a band.

He discusses the founding of BabyCenter, highlighting their research-driven approach and insights that set them apart from competitors like Disney. Mark also talks about closing major deals over Zoom and the key traits of successful founders and CEOs, such as market insight, leadership, and good judgment.

Reflecting on his journey, Mark advises his younger self to worry less and find a balance between hard work and relaxation to build confidence and groove in business and life.

Tune in for a conversation packed with entrepreneurial insights and personal stories.

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