Mark Durno supports the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s mission to help agri-tech businesses commercialise innovation and achieve real-world impact across the food and farming sector.
With more than 17 years of leadership experience as an investor, entrepreneur and Non-Executive Director, Mark has built a career enabling agtech companies, farmers and industry partners develop resilient, commercially successful food systems. Growing up on a mixed farm in Aberdeenshire gives him a practical understanding of agriculture, enabling him to bridge the gap between on-farm needs and strategic business growth.
As Managing Partner at Rockstart, Mark established dedicated AgriFood investment funds and chaired the Investment Committee, supporting more 75+ agri-food start-ups from pre-seed to Series B. His experience spans controlled environment agriculture, livestock, arable, aquaculture and multiple venture-backed agri-tech businesses.
A qualified Scottish solicitor with an Executive MBA from Rotterdam School of Management, Mark brings deep expertise in investment, commercialisation and scaling innovation. His experience and industry network help the UK Agri-Tech Centre connect promising technologies with investment, commercial opportunities and industry partners, enabling businesses to prove their technologies, build commercial success and scale adoption.