Mark Bunting's 35-year career began upon completion of his degree in Advertising from The University of Texas - Austin in the spring of 1985. He immediately entered publishing with The Wall Street Journal in Houston and San Francisco (with a stop in Los Angeles before returning to Houston). In 1990, Mr. Bunting founded The Computer House Company, which pioneered direct selling of personal computers to the home market. In 1993, he created SkyTV, the largest producer of computer and technology-related television and video programming. A serial entrepreneur, Mark founded a collection of companies from out-of-home media to digital design and development firms. Mr. Bunting also hosted various television programs as on-air talent, gaining recognition as a leading spokesperson for the high-tech industry including a stint as spokesperson for Microsoft and Hewlett Packard. He is a Cable Ace Award nominee and recipient of various industry awards. He appeared as host in a variety of television programs for The Discovery Channel, CNBC, The Learning Channel, Fox, and hosted "Bunting's Window” on a collection of in-flight video networks for 18 years. SkyTV later merged with Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen's Vulcan Venture, forming what would later be known as ZDTV/Tech TV (now G4) - the cable channel for all things "technology". SkyTV's In-Flight Television business was a leading marketing/advertising and communications resource to over 400 technology companies. He is a published author (Virtual Power – Simon and Schuster), speaker, host, and consultant to the technology and advertising industries (including C–level assignments at McAfee (CMO) and Apollo Education / University of Phoenix (Chief Strategy Officer) and Rackspace (CMO). He has taught "Technology Marketing and Advertising” since the fall of 2010 where he explores the latest in technology advertising, AI, creative, campaigns and more – including a healthy rotation of visiting Silicon Valley advertising and marketing dignitaries as guest speakers. After a stint in venture capital as a partner at S3VC he began mentoring start-ups at The Capital Factory and now also teaches 2 courses on Entrepreneurship at Moody College.
Professional Interests
Mark's professional experience, consulting and academic interest are highly focused on AI, the technology industry more broadly, marketing and advertising within the technology vertical, entrepreneurship and EdTech.
Personal Background
Mark's career carried him (and his wife Kelly) to Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York before returning to their mutual hometown– Dallas (now in Highland Park) in 1994. They are proud parents of three spectacular 20-somethings (and one fabulous daughter in law) and enjoy Austin as their second home.
Hobbies Include
Cars that go Fast
Gym Rat
Travel
Political debate (yes, I know)
Boating on Lake Austin after class