Our Team

Our multi-disciplinary team has extensive experience managing, operating, funding and helping startups.

Mark Skapinker

Mark Skapinker is a veteran and a pioneer with more than 25 years experience in software and technology. Mark has a unique vision and understanding of how to zig and zag in an ever changing, and sometimes unforgiving, market place.

For entrepreneurs, Mark offers an insiders view to the scope and magnitude of what it takes to create and build a company from an idea through to a thriving company. The proof of Mark’s expertise is detailed in his track record: in 1988, Mark co-founded Delrina Corporation and successfully grew Delrina to annual revenues topping $150 million. Mark was President of Delrina from its initial incorporation, through its public stock offering and listings on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and NASDAQ — until Delrina was acquired by Symantec in 1995. In 1997, when the technology market place was yet to recognize the tremendous growth of the Internet, Mark founded Balisoft Technologies Inc. – a company focused on intelligent customer interaction software. Later, in the spring of 1999, Balisoft merged with Boston-based Servicesoft Technologies. Servicesoft became the first major vendor of comprehensive Internet customer service solutions. In September 2000, Servicesoft Technologies was acquired by Broadbase Software Inc. (NASDAQ:BBSW).

Mark is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Brightspark.

Tony Davis

Tony Davis has more than 20 years of software engineering and product design experience. From turning an idea into a product, through to launching products to the market, Tony offers entrepreneurs a tremendous opportunity to learn how to thrive and survive in new and developing markets.

Tony is well known for inventing and creating the WinFax PRO communication system, and initiating development of its associated product lines, services and versions as the VP of Communications Software Strategy at Delrina from 1990 through 1995. In 1996, he founded Lanacom, a Toronto-based Internet software development company, where he served as President and CEO until it was acquired by BackWeb Technologies Inc. in 1997. At BackWeb, Tony assumed the role and responsibility of Senior Vice President of Product Development. In 1998, Tony co-founded Delano Technology Corp. to bring to market the industry’s first e-mail application server — a comprehensive e-business solution for implementing flexible Internet applications to meet a company’s strategic needs.

Tony is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Brightspark

Sophie Forest

Sophie Forest brings over 10 years of experience in the high-tech venture capital industry. Prior to joining Brightspark, she held the position of Partner at CDP Capital – Technology Ventures since 1996. She played a key role in investments in companies such as Servicesoft (acquired by Kana, NASDAQ: KANA), Locus (bought by Infospace, NASDAQ: INSP) and numerous others.

Before joining CDP, she held the position of Director of Alliances and Acquisitions for Bell Canada, where she developed strategies and orchestrated operations for acquisitions in Eastern Canada. Prior to working at Bell, she was involved in the start-up and growth of GTI Capital, one of Quebec’s leading venture capital firms, as Director of Information Technology Investments. She also held the position of Analyst for special projects at the Société générale de financement du Québec, a prominent venture capital firm in Quebec. Sophie holds a Bachelor of Administration, with a major in Finance, from the Université de Sherbrooke.

Sophie is a Managing Partner of Brightspark and is based in Brightspark’s Montreal office.

Anthony Lipschitz

As Vice President of Sales and Business Development Anthony Lipschitz is responsible for leading the sales effort and overseeing the strategic direction for business partnerships. Anthony has been involved in technology consulting and sales for over a decade. His “listen first” approach allows him to assess the clients’ needs and quickly determine the best fit.

Prior to joining Brightspark 3.0 Anthony was the Executive Vice President and co-founder of AdvanceWare Solutions. He was instrumental in building the company and growing the revenue 100% year-over-year resulting in its sale to a private corporation.

Spanning his career he has worked with telephony products, website design, e-commerce solutions, marketing strategy, sales and business development. He has also worked in advertising and marketing conceiving and launching campaigns for products and services in such industries as satellite communications, biotech and manufacturing.

Anthony holds a Bachelor of Media Arts degree from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.

Mark Lahn

As Vice President of Finance and Operations, Mark Lahn is responsible for managing finances for our businesses and funds. This included financial reporting for our many stakeholders. Mark also ensure that the entire operation runs smoothly.

Prior to joining Brightspark 3.0 Mark was the Vice President Finance for Turtle Island Recycling Corp in Toronto; and worked in the entertainment industry at Galaxy Entertainment Inc, and Cineplex Odeon.

Mark holds an HBA from Wilfrid Laurier Univeristy and Chatered Accountant from the Canadian Institue of Chartered Accountants.