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Did Mark Skapinker co-found The Upside Foundation?
Yes. The Upside Foundation's website, checked September 24, 2026, says it was co-founded by Robert Antoniades, Mark Skapinker and consultant Janie Goldstein, who wanted a way for their portfolio companies to give back. A CVCA Central profile published June 25, 2026 says he helped create the foundation in 2013.
What did he build before Upside?
The CVCA Central profile published June 25, 2026 says he co-founded Delrina in 1988, whose WinFax software let computers send and receive faxes, and sold it to Symantec for US$415 million in 1995. He then founded Balisoft in 1997, which was acquired by KANA in 1999, and co-founded Brightspark Ventures.
What is his role at Brightspark today?
Brightspark's website, checked September 24, 2026, still describes him as a managing partner. The CVCA Central profile published June 25, 2026 says he has gradually stepped back from operational responsibilities to mentor Brightspark's younger partners, with Sophie Forest remaining co-managing partner.
Has his work been recognized?
CVCA Central announced on June 25, 2026 that he had won the 2026 Barry Gekiere Lifetime Legacy Award from the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, citing his work as an entrepreneur, investor, mentor and co-founder of Upside.