Biography of Greg Warnock
Co-Founder, Managing Director at Mercato Partners Greg Warnock is an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with over 40 years of experience building, scaling, and guiding companies across a variety of industries. He is the co-founder and managing director of a growth capital firm that supports expansion-stage businesses in reaching their next level of growth. Through a structured approach based on operator experience, strategic governance, and strong networks, he works closely with company leaders to refine market strategies, develop leadership, and unlock new growth opportunities. The firm’s investments cover technology, healthcare, consumer services, and other high-growth sectors, reporting over $5 billion in exits as of 2020. Greg is also the co-founder of a platform focused on buyouts and growth in the food and beverage space. This initiative supports emerging restaurant brands with operational knowledge, focused investment, and access to a vast operator network. Under his leadership, it has contributed to the expansion of some of the country's fastest-growing restaurant businesses. The team helps improve performance, scale operations, optimize site selection, and preserve company culture during periods of rapid growth. The platform has become a key accelerator for early-stage food concepts growing across the U.S. Earlier in his career in investing, he co-founded an early-stage venture capital firm focused on high-potential opportunities in information technology and life sciences. As managing director, he played a central role in establishing the firm as a leading early-stage investor in its region. The team backed startups with transformative potential and guided founders navigating the early stages of building scalable operations. The firm later merged with another to form a continued presence in early-stage investment.
Greg's experience also includes leadership in public markets. He served as chairman and CEO of a publicly traded SPAC that went public in 2023. During his time leading the company, it completed a merger with a SaaS group headquartered in Brazil. The deal expanded his global investment presence and highlighted his ability to lead complex, cross-border transactions in the public space.
Founding Businesses and M&A Experience Before focusing on venture and growth capital, he spent years founding and managing companies across technology, consumer products, biotechnology, and marketing. Frequently acting as a technical founder, he developed products, built teams, and helped companies move from concept to early traction. Greg has also taken a principal role in more than 20 mergers and acquisitions. These experiences gave him deep knowledge in analyzing markets, managing complex deals, and leading businesses through critical growth and exit phases.
Entrepreneurship Education and Mentorship In 2008, he launched an entrepreneurship education program designed to prepare emerging business founders with essential skills, tools, and mentorship. Through this initiative, he has mentored a wide range of entrepreneurs, showing a long-standing dedication to supporting the next generation of business leaders.
Philanthropy and Community Leadership Greg co-founded and served as chairman of a foundation committed to supporting philanthropic efforts within the state. His involvement has focused on connecting donors to causes that drive lasting impact, particularly in education, entrepreneurship, and community development. Education He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Utah. He also earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Venture Finance from the same institution’s business school. This academic work supported his real-world experience, deepening his understanding of entrepreneurial finance, leadership, and strategy.
Awards and Recognition Throughout his career, Greg has received recognition for his leadership and support of entrepreneurship. His honors include being named Mentor of the Year by a business publication, receiving an entrepreneurship award from a global firm, and being listed among the most impactful directors in the state.
Personal Interests Away from work, he is passionate about motorsports and outdoor activities. He enjoys collecting and restoring muscle cars and participates in racing as both a hobby and a competition. He is also a licensed pilot and engages in boating, motorcycling, and paragliding. His interests reflect a drive for precision and challenge that mirrors his work in business. Greg Warnock continues to apply his expertise to help businesses grow, support entrepreneurs, and contribute to the broader business and philanthropic communities.
A set of visual captures of Greg Warnock
More images from Greg Warnock's Gallery: https://www.behance.net/gallery/241849043/A-collection-of-photographs-featuring-Greg-War nock https://www.cake.me/portfolios/a-series-of-images-showcasing-greg-warnock