Greg Warnock
Co-Founder, Managing Director at Mercato Partners
Greg Warnock is an entrepreneur, investor, and mentor with over 40 years of experience building, scaling, and advising businesses across sectors. He is the co-founder and managing director of a growth capital firm that supports expansion-stage companies by accelerating performance and achieving meaningful scale. Through a structured approach that combines governance, operator-led strategy, and a network-based value creation model, he works closely with leadership teams to enhance market strategies, strengthen executive capacity, and access new growth opportunities. The firm’s portfolio includes companies in technology, healthcare, and consumer services, with reported exits exceeding $5 billion through 2020.
He is also the co-founder of a growth and buyout platform that focuses on the food and beverage industry. This platform supports emerging restaurant brands by providing operational expertise, disciplined investment, and direct access to a vast network of experienced operators. Under his leadership, the team has helped grow some of the fastest-scaling restaurant concepts in the country. Its focus includes improving financial performance, expanding operations across multiple locations, streamlining supply chains, optimizing site selection, and preserving culture throughout rapid growth. It has become a key accelerator for restaurant brands looking to expand profitably nationwide.
Earlier in his investment career, he co-founded a venture capital firm that specialized in early-stage companies within information technology and life sciences. As managing director, he played a central role in building the firm’s reputation as a leading early-stage investor in the region. The firm supported high-growth startups and guided founders through the complex journey of building scalable businesses. It later merged with another investment group, continuing the mission under a new structure while maintaining its early-stage focus.
His experience also extends to leadership in public markets. He served as the chairman and CEO of a publicly traded special-purpose acquisition company that went public in 2023. During his time in this role, the company completed a business combination with a SaaS group based in Brazil. This cross-border transaction expanded his global investment portfolio and demonstrated his ability to lead complex deals in the public domain.
Founding Businesses and M&A Experience
Before turning to venture and growth investing, he spent several years founding and operating companies across industries such as technology, consumer products, marketing, and biotechnology. Often acting as a technologist-founder, he led product development, built teams, and guided businesses from concept to market entry and early success.
Greg has also been a principal participant in more than 20 mergers and acquisitions. These experiences provided him with extensive insight into market analysis, transaction execution, and guiding companies through various stages of strategic transformation, growth, and exit planning.
Entrepreneurship Education and Mentorship
In 2008, he founded an entrepreneurship education initiative to support aspiring founders with the tools, skills, and guidance needed to build successful ventures. Through this effort, he has mentored many individuals and reinforced his long-standing commitment to advancing entrepreneurship.
Philanthropy and Community Leadership
Greg co-founded and previously served as chairman of a foundation that focuses on strengthening philanthropic initiatives across the state. His contributions have supported charitable efforts related to education, entrepreneurship, and community growth, helping connect donors with impactful programs and organizations.
Education
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Utah. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Venture Finance from the same university’s business school. This academic background has complemented his practical experience, strengthening his work in venture finance, leadership, and entrepreneurial development.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, he has received recognition for his mentorship and contributions to the business community. He has been honored as Mentor of the Year, received an entrepreneurship award from a global professional services organization, and was named among the state’s most respected business directors.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional work, he has a strong passion for motorsports and outdoor activities. He collects and restores muscle cars, participates in racing events, and is a licensed airplane pilot. His hobbies also include boating, motorcycling, and paragliding, reflecting his appreciation for precision, focus, and hands-on engagement.
Greg Warnock remains actively involved in guiding businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and contributing to impactful initiatives in both the business and community sectors.