Mark von Sponeck

Over the past 20 years, I’ve built a career at the intersection of development, cross-cultural education, and entrepreneurship. I co-founded Global Nomads Group (GNG) in 1997, an award-winning NGO focused on peace-building and cross-cultural learning for youth, where I served as CEO for 11 years. During that time, I led global programs in conflict and post-conflict regions, developed curricula, produced documentary films, and facilitated virtual exchanges across continents.

My work has taken me across the globe—from launching a travel business in Mozambique in 2008 to building a specialized boutique travel company in Myanmar for an investment bank in 2015. My Mozambique eco-lodge consistently ranks among the top on TripAdvisor, reflecting my dedication to customer experience.

In recent years, I founded a popular neighborhood café focused on specialty single-origin coffee, now sold online. The café holds a 4.9-star Google review rating, a testament to our extreme focus on customer satisfaction and quality service.

I bring hands-on experience in NGO leadership, startup development, the travel and hospitality sector, and coffee retail—with a passion for creating ventures that connect people and cultures.