marcus laun

Marcus Laun
CEO at Growth Circle, Inc.

Summary
With over 15 years in finance, Marcus Laun has experience working in public and private equities as well as venture capital. He is known in the finance community as a straight shooter, trustworthy and a visionary leader. Previous work includes serving as Vice President at both Chardan Capital Markets and Brean Murray & Co, Inc. He was also Managing Director at Knight Capital Markets (the largest equity Market Maker in North America), and CEO of Hype in their North American headquarters. In addition, Marcus has advised and consulted for many public and private companies. With this knowledge gained, he created Growth Circle as a solution to what he saw as a disconnect between investors and the face-to-face meetings necessary to really get a feel for a company and it’s trajectory. Marcus Laun earned a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.

Experience
CEO at Growth Circle, Inc
June 2013 – Present (2 years 4 months)
With over 15 years in finance he is the brains behind the operation with the rolodex to back it up. He is known in the finance community as a straight shooter, trustworthy and a visionary leader. He created Growth Circle as a solution to what he saw as a disconnect between investors and the face-to-face meetings necessary to really get a feel for a company and it’s trajectory. Having raised millions of dollars for various companies he understood the value seeing a CEO speak brings to an investor. The need for a better way for traders, brokers and other financial-based individuals to understand company profiles more quickly is why Marcus created Growth Circle.

Vice President at Chardan Capital Markets
July 2011 – February 2012 (8 months)
Advised Chardan clients on numerous transactions across multiple markets, raising both debt and equity.

Consultant at Manhattan Valley
December 2008 – June 2011 (2 years 7 months)
Advised numerous growth companies – on Business Development – Capital Raising, and Strategy. Specializing in Technology and Energy.

Managing Director – Private Placements at Knight Equity Markets
August 2004 – November 2008 (4 years 4 months)
Mr. Laun held various positions at Knight Capital Group including as a Managing Director providing Public and Private Growth Companies with Capital and Advisory Services. As of January 1, 2011, Knight Capital Markets LLC was acquired by Knight Capital Americas, L.P. Knight Capital Markets LLC is a broker-dealer of securities. Knight Capital Markets LLC operates as a market maker in the NASDAQ inter market, the over-the-counter market for New York Stock Exchange- and American Stock Exchange-listed securities.

CEO at HYPE North America Inc.
June 2000 – March 2004 (3 years 10 months)
From 2000-2004, Mr. Laun was founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hype (USA) Inc.division which controlled the exclusive rights to HYPE Energy Drink in North America. Hype Energy is an international energy drinks brand with offices in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Hype Energy was around well before you had your first iPhone. The brand was launched in 1993 by Hard Rock Cafe founder Barry Cox and is recognised today for its stylish party image. The current CEO, former Formula One racing driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Mr. Bertrand Gachot, has been involved with the brand since 1997. The Hype Energy range includes 6 energy drinks Hype Energy UP, MFP, MFP Zero Max, Enlite and Shot.
Hype Energy drinks are currently available in over 40 countries and manufactured in the Netherlands, Austria, USA, Jordan, Poland and Canada. All Hype Energy drinks are free from preservatives and artificial colourings, and combine a mix of natural juices, vitamins and caffeine.

Vice President at Brean Murray & Co. Inc
1999 – 2000 (1 year)
Brean Capital is an independent investment bank and asset management firm. We focus on delivering high quality investment ideas and investment banking services to institutional investors and corporate clients. Our services include equity research, corporate finance and advisory investment banking, equity institutional sales and trading, and asset management. Our fixed income business provides sales, trading, and banking services on a wide range of mortgage and asset-backed, US Treasury and government agency securities, structured products and corporate bonds.

Skills & Expertise
Capital Formation
Renewable Energy
Trading
Mergers & Acquisitions
Equities
Investor Relations
Venture Capital
Private Equity
Investments
Hedge Funds
Alternative Investments
Valuation
Investment Banking
Private Placements
Page3
Emerging Markets
Commodity
Capital Markets
Education
Columbia Business School
MBA, Finance, 1995 – 1996
Cornell University
BS, Hotel Management, 1986 – 1990
Interests
renewable energy
Languages
English (Native or bilingual proficiency)
German (Limited working proficiency)