Mark Elbadramany is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and social entrepreneur based in Miami, Florida. As a partner at Legacy Ventures, Mark plays a critical role in sourcing, evaluating, and managing investments across a wide range of industries. His leadership extends beyond business, as he serves on multiple boards, including Hardcore Parts, PRO-Techs, and Tin Roof Software. Mark’s recent appointment to the Florida International University Honors College Alumni Community Board (ACB) highlights his deep commitment to education and community service. With a career rooted in both business success and social impact, Mark’s passion lies in leveraging his expertise to empower underserved communities, mentor the next generation of leaders, and champion ethical practices in high-stakes environments.
What drives your passion for combining business success with social entrepreneurship?
The more I’ve grown in my career, the more I’ve realized that business success without purpose feels incomplete. Business, for me, is a tool to drive change—not just for shareholders but for society as a whole. My passion stems from the belief that entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I think they complement each other beautifully. A successful business generates the resources and opportunities needed to make a meaningful impact. On the flip side, engaging in entrepreneurship keeps me grounded and reminds me why I’m doing what I do in the first place. It’s about building something bigger than yourself, something that creates lasting value not just in profit margins but in people’s lives.
How has your Miami upbringing influenced your approach to leadership and social entrepreneurship?
Growing up in Miami has had a profound impact on who I am as a leader and social entrepreneur. Miami is a diverse city, a melting pot of cultures and ideas, which taught me early on the importance of inclusivity and understanding different perspectives. I was raised by immigrant parents, which instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and resilience. Seeing how my parents worked tirelessly to build a life here shaped my understanding of hard work, but it also taught me that success should be shared. Miami’s community-driven spirit inspired my desire to give back, and it’s where I first saw how business leaders could also be community leaders. It’s a place that taught me that true leadership is about service, and that’s a principle I carry with me in everything I do.
What does success look like for you now compared to the start of your career?
At the start of my career, like many young professionals, I equated success with climbing the corporate ladder and achieving financial milestones. I was laser-focused on proving myself and reaching certain benchmarks. But over time, my perspective has evolved. Now, success looks less like checking off boxes and more like leaving a legacy. I measure success by the positive impact I’m able to create—not just for the companies I invest in but for the people whose lives are touched by the work I do. It’s about leading with integrity, mentoring the next generation, and making sure my success contributes to something greater than myself. Ultimately, it’s about impact, both in business and in the communities I care about.
How do you stay grounded while navigating high-stakes industries and intense competition?
High-stakes environments come with their own pressures—there’s always a drive to perform, to outperform the competition, and to constantly innovate. For me, staying grounded comes down to remembering why I started. It’s easy to get caught up in the race for growth and profitability, but I remind myself that my values are non-negotiable. Ethics always come first. I also make it a point to surround myself with people who keep me accountable—whether that’s my team, my family, or my mentors. And, honestly, I take time to step away when I need to. It’s important to recharge, to reflect, and to remember that business is just one piece of the puzzle. Spending time with my family or engaging in my passions, like kitesurfing or community work, helps me maintain balance and keep perspective.
You’ve recently joined the Florida International University Honors College Alumni Community Board (ACB). How does this role align with your long-term goals?
Joining the FIU Honors College Alumni Community Board is personal for me. FIU is where I laid the foundation for my career, and giving back to the university that played such a critical role in shaping me feels like a natural progression. It’s an opportunity to engage with the next generation of leaders and offer them the mentorship and guidance that I was fortunate to receive. Education is a powerful tool for social mobility, and through this board, I’m able to contribute to creating opportunities for students to succeed, regardless of their background. It aligns perfectly with my long-term goal of creating a legacy that emphasizes not just financial success, but empowerment, mentorship, and giving back to the communities and institutions that have made my success possible.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
The most important lesson I’ve learned about leadership is that it’s about people, not just results. Early in my career, I was very focused on outcomes—hitting targets, driving profits, closing deals. And while those things matter, they’re not sustainable if you don’t lead with empathy and a sense of responsibility toward the people you work with. Leadership is about empowering others, helping them grow, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. When you invest in your team, when you treat people with respect and integrity, the results will follow. Leading with compassion doesn’t make you weak—it makes you strong because it builds trust, loyalty, and a shared commitment to the vision.
How do you balance risk and reward in your business decisions?
Balancing risk and reward is part of every entrepreneur’s playbook, but for me, it’s about calculated risk. I’m not someone who takes risks blindly. I believe in doing thorough research, understanding the potential downsides, and preparing for multiple outcomes before I make a decision. But at the same time, I’ve learned that taking no risks at all is often the greatest risk. You have to be willing to push boundaries and try new things, especially in industries that are constantly evolving. The key is to be smart about it—leverage your network, gather as much data as you can, and trust your instincts. I’ve found that the biggest rewards often come when you’re willing to step into the unknown, but only after you’ve done your homework.
What does the future hold for you, and how do you see your role evolving?
Looking ahead, I see my role evolving into one that focuses even more on legacy and impact. I’ve achieved a lot in terms of business success, but now I’m increasingly interested in how I can use my platform to foster greater change—whether that’s through social entrepreneurship, mentoring the next generation, or driving social initiatives through my investments. I want to continue supporting businesses that align with my values and working with leaders who are committed to making a positive difference. I’m also looking forward to deepening my involvement in education and community development, particularly through my work with FIU and other organizations. At this stage in my career, it’s not just about what I can achieve, but how I can help others achieve their goals too. That’s the kind of success that I’m aiming for.
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