Entrepreneur | Start Engine CEO | Former Activision Co-Founder | Championing Startup Success & Investment Opportunities
Meet Howard Marks from Beverly Hills, California, a visionary entrepreneur and trailblazer in the gaming and tech investment sectors. As the CEO and Co-founder of StartEngine, he has redefined equity crowdfunding, empowering countless startups to access new investment opportunities. Howard’s legacy includes co-founding gaming giants Activision and Acclaim Games, shaping the landscape of the video game industry.
Early Life and Education
Howard Marks’ journey into the world of technology and entrepreneurship began in Beverly Hills, California. Raised with a passion for innovation, Howard’s early interests centered on computers and emerging technologies. He pursued this passion academically, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering in 1987. This technical foundation set the stage for his pioneering work in the video game industry and beyond. During his time at the University of Michigan, Howard gained valuable skills that would later prove essential in his ventures into game development and technology-driven business models.
The Birth of a Gaming Pioneer: Activision
After graduating, Howard embarked on a career that would leave a lasting impact on the video game industry. In 1991, alongside a business partner, he co-founded the rebirth of Activision, a company that would go on to become a household name. Serving as Chairman of the Studios and Director, Howard played a pivotal role in overseeing the development of the company’s game portfolio, helping transform Activision into a leading player in the gaming world. During this period, Howard emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in game development, managing a large in-house team to deliver groundbreaking titles that appealed to a global audience.
“Creativity is at the heart of great games. Our goal was to push boundaries and create experiences that players couldn’t find anywhere else,”
Howard recalls of his time at Activision. This commitment to innovation helped the company flourish and cemented his reputation as a leader who understood the potential of the video game industry.
Founding Acclaim Games and Exploring Online Gaming
Howard’s next entrepreneurial endeavor took him deeper into the evolving gaming landscape. In 2005, he founded Acclaim Games, a brand he helped revive with a focus on the rapidly expanding online gaming market. As CEO, he led Acclaim Games through a critical phase of growth, positioning it as a frontrunner in delivering engaging online game experiences. Howard’s leadership at Acclaim was marked by his vision of leveraging the internet to create immersive gaming worlds that connected players across the globe.
Reflecting on this era, Howard noted:
“The internet transformed gaming, turning it into a truly global community. We wanted to be at the forefront of this shift, creating games that people everywhere could enjoy together.”
This perspective not only shaped Acclaim’s strategy but also highlighted Howard’s forward-thinking approach, anticipating the rise of online gaming well before it became the industry norm.
A Shift to Empowering Startups: The Birth of StartEngine
By 2011, Howard’s focus began to shift from creating game worlds to creating opportunities for startups. He founded StartEngine, an equity crowdfunding platform with a mission to democratize access to capital for entrepreneurs. Recognizing that traditional venture capital models often left many promising startups without funding, Howard sought to create a platform where everyday investors could support innovative businesses. Since then, StartEngine has grown into one of the premier crowdfunding platforms in the United States, supporting over 60 startups and raising millions in investment capital.
Howard’s vision for StartEngine was built on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to invest in private companies.
“Entrepreneurs deserve a chance to achieve their dreams, and investors deserve access to opportunities beyond the public markets,”
he has often said. This belief has driven StartEngine’s growth and made it a leader in the equity crowdfunding space. Howard’s efforts have enabled many entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality, providing a crucial alternative to traditional venture funding.
Building a Crowdfunding Empire
Under Howard’s leadership, StartEngine has expanded its reach, supporting startups across various industries, from technology to consumer products. The platform has become known for its commitment to transparency, investor education, and community-building. StartEngine has also been a pioneer in exploring new opportunities in the crowdfunding space, including ventures into blockchain and digital assets, positioning itself at the forefront of the fintech revolution.
“We are not just building a platform; we are building a movement that gives power back to the entrepreneurs and the investors who believe in them,”
Howard shared in a recent post. This commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and reshaping the startup ecosystem has been a driving force behind StartEngine’s success.
Howard’s leadership style is characterized by his openness to new ideas and his willingness to take calculated risks. He is known for fostering a culture of innovation at StartEngine, where the focus is on finding creative solutions to the challenges facing startups and investors. This approach has earned him a reputation as a visionary in the crowdfunding space, someone who is always looking ahead to the next opportunity.
Recognition and Impact
Throughout his career, Howard Marks has been recognized for his contributions to the technology and entrepreneurial ecosystems. In 2015, he was honored as a “Treasure of LA” by the Central City Association of Los Angeles, an accolade that celebrated his impact on making Los Angeles a vibrant hub for tech startups. This recognition highlighted Howard’s efforts to create a thriving entrepreneurial community in Southern California, through initiatives like StartEngine that have helped local businesses scale and succeed.
Beyond his professional achievements, Howard is dedicated to giving back to the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a mentor with the Youth Business Alliance, he has spent over a decade guiding high school juniors, helping them develop business acumen and inspiring them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. His commitment to mentorship is rooted in his belief that young people hold the key to the future of innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of StartEngine and Beyond
As CEO of StartEngine, Howard continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the crowdfunding world. He is particularly excited about the potential of blockchain technology to further revolutionize investment, having led StartEngine’s exploration into tokenized securities and alternative assets. This focus on emerging trends has kept StartEngine at the cutting edge of the industry, providing investors with access to new kinds of investment opportunities.
Howard remains optimistic about the future of both crowdfunding and space technology.
“Space is the final frontier,” he recently shared. “It’s a venture that could be worth trillions, and just like crowdfunding, it’s about giving people the chance to be a part of something big.”
This statement encapsulates Howard’s enduring passion for innovation and his belief in creating opportunities for people to participate in groundbreaking ventures.
Conclusion
Howard Marks’ career is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others. From shaping the video game industry with Activision and Acclaim Games to transforming the startup ecosystem with StartEngine, he has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. His journey, marked by a deep understanding of technology and a passion for entrepreneurship, continues to inspire those who strive to turn their ideas into reality. Today, as he leads Start Engine into the future, Howard Marks remains dedicated to building bridges between investors and entrepreneurs, helping to shape a more inclusive and dynamic economic landscape.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Howard Marks’ Journey
- “Creativity is at the heart of great games.”
Howard emphasizes the importance of innovation in shaping memorable player experiences. - “Entrepreneurs deserve a chance to achieve their dreams, and investors deserve access to opportunities beyond the public markets.”
This belief fuels his mission to democratize investment through StartEngine. - “The internet transformed gaming, turning it into a truly global community.”
His vision anticipated the power of online connectivity in gaming long before it became mainstream. - “We are not just building a platform; we are building a movement.”
Howard’s goal with StartEngine extends beyond business—it’s about reshaping the startup landscape. - “Space is the final frontier… it’s about giving people the chance to be a part of something big.”
Reflecting his forward-thinking mindset, Howard sees opportunities in new, uncharted ventures.
Editorial Note
Howard Marks’ visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the gaming and crowdfunding industries, transforming how startups access capital and how players engage with digital worlds. His commitment to innovation and empowerment continues to shape the future of technology and investment. As he leads StartEngine into new frontiers, Howard remains a driving force in creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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