Mark Rohrwasser

CerraCap Impact Venture Capital (CIVC) has appointed former Silicon Valley Bank and Equifax Chief Information Officer Mark Rohrwasser to lead its CXO Council, expanding the firm’s effort to connect enterprise technology executives with venture-backed startups operating in high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, defense, and enterprise software.

The appointment underscores a growing trend among venture firms to formalize networks of senior operating executives who can help evaluate investments, guide portfolio companies, and provide direct access to enterprise buyers. As venture investors place greater emphasis on commercialization and customer adoption, executive advisory platforms are increasingly becoming a competitive differentiator alongside capital.

Rohrwasser brings more than three decades of experience leading technology organizations through large-scale modernization, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives. His career includes senior leadership positions at Silicon Valley Bank, Equifax, PayPal, Bank of America, and General Electric, where he oversaw enterprise technology operations, infrastructure modernization, and innovation programs across highly regulated industries.

At CIVC, Rohrwasser will lead the CXO Council, a network of enterprise technology leaders designed to support the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio growth initiatives. The council is expected to play a role in evaluating opportunities for the firm’s Fund III and Fund IV investment activities, offering insights into enterprise spending priorities, emerging technology adoption patterns, cybersecurity requirements, and broader market demand signals.

The structure reflects how venture capital is evolving as investors seek deeper operational expertise to navigate increasingly complex technology markets. In sectors such as AI and cybersecurity, technical innovation alone is often insufficient to drive growth; founders must also address procurement hurdles, regulatory requirements, enterprise integration challenges, and evolving customer expectations.

“Enterprise technology is entering one of the most accelerated innovation cycles in history,” Rohrwasser said. He described the council as a forum where operators, investors, and founders can collaborate to identify promising opportunities while helping portfolio companies navigate enterprise growth challenges.

Beyond investment diligence, the council will work with portfolio leadership teams on enterprise readiness, product strategy, commercialization planning, and technology roadmaps. Access to experienced enterprise executives can be particularly valuable for startups seeking to shorten sales cycles and establish credibility with large corporate customers.

Rohrwasser’s appointment also aligns with CIVC’s broader strategy of pairing investment capital with operating support. Through its Corporate Intelligence Platform and Sales & Scale model, the firm focuses on helping startups accelerate market adoption and enterprise customer acquisition, areas that have become increasingly important as venture-backed companies face pressure to demonstrate sustainable growth.

A multi-time ORBIE CIO of the Year nominee, Rohrwasser has been recognized by Forbes among its Top 50 Technology Leaders. His experience spans financial services, cybersecurity, and enterprise infrastructure—industries that continue to drive significant technology spending despite broader market uncertainty.

For CIVC, the addition of a veteran enterprise technology executive strengthens its ability to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and enterprise demand. As corporations accelerate investments in AI, security, automation, and digital transformation, venture firms with direct access to experienced buyers and operators may gain an advantage in identifying startups positioned for real-world adoption rather than purely technical innovation.