Mark Bonnar

Dr Mark Bonnar is the Investment Director at Southern Cross Venture Partners responsible for the Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund, a $200M investment fund established between the Australian Federal Government and Softbank China Venture Capital. Mark’s early career in applied research included the development of advanced materials for improved thermodynamic performance in utility power generation. Subsequently joining semiconductor equipment vendor Applied Materials Inc. based in Silicon Valley, Mark worked with the World’s largest device manufacturers including Philips, NEC & Intel. From there he held senior roles within several private equity backed ventures including as Chief Executive of Applied Thermal Control Ltd. Prior to joining Southern Cross Mark was Investment Director with Cleantech Ventures and Commercialisation Manager for CSIRO’s corporate transactions team. He has considered hundreds of investments in the clean energy and clean technology arena, guiding several companies through commercialization to successful exits for shareholders and management. Mark holds a BSc in applied physics and a PhD in materials science from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Mark was the recipient of the 2007 CSIRO Medal for business excellence. He currently serves on the advisory board for the Centre for Energy Technologies at the University of Adelaide.