Mark Ein

Mark Ein
Born	(1964-12-31) December 31, 1964 Chevy Chase, Maryland, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School), Harvard Business School
Occupation(s)	Venture capitalist, sports executive
Known for	Ownership of Washington City Paper; limited partner in Washington Commanders; founder of Washington Kastles and Washington Justice; chairman and CEO of DC Open

Mark David Ein (born December 31, 1964) is a prominent American venture capitalist and sports business figure. He holds ownership of the Washington City Paper and acts as a limited partner in the Washington Commanders franchise of the National Football League (NFL). Ein completed his undergraduate studies in economics at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1987 and later obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1992.

A passionate tennis player, Ein established the World TeamTennis (WTT) franchise Washington Kastles in 2008 and has been leading the DC Open tennis event as chairman since 2019. Additionally, he chairs the President's Export Council and is affiliated with organizations such as the Federal City Council, World Economic Forum, and Gridiron Club.

Early life

Born on December 31, 1964, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Ein earned his economics degree from the Wharton School in 1987. He furthered his education by receiving an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1992. During his academic tenure, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Career

Before launching Venturehouse Group in 1999, Ein gained experience working at The Carlyle Group, Brentwood Associates, and Goldman Sachs. His lifelong enthusiasm for tennis led him to create the Washington Kastles, a team competing in World TeamTennis (WTT), in 2008. He also serves on the board of directors for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Demonstrating competitive skill, Ein achieved an ATP doubles ranking of 1098 at age 46 after participating in several ATP events. In 2017, he acquired the Washington City Paper, and two years later assumed leadership as chairman and CEO of the DC Open tennis tournament. He holds executive roles as chairman of Kastle Systems, a security firm, and CEO of Capitol Investment Corp. In 2018, Ein expanded into esports by founding the Washington Justice team within the Overwatch League. That same year, he was honored with induction into the Washington Business Hall of Fame.

In 2023, President Joe Biden appointed him as chairperson of the President's Export Council, a principal advisory body on national trade under the International Trade Administration. His memberships include involvement with the Federal City Council, participation in the World Economic Forum, and affiliation with the Gridiron Club. Also in 2023, Ein partnered with longtime friend Josh Harris to purchase the NFL's Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion. Their relationship dates back to elementary school, continuing through their studies at Wharton and Harvard Business School and professional collaborations on Wall Street.

Key assets owned

Entity	Description
Washington Kastles	Franchise competing in World TeamTennis
Washington City Paper	Alternative weekly newspaper
Washington Justice	Overwatch League esports team; league ceased operations in 2023
DC Open	Professional tennis tournament; serves as chairman and CEO
Washington Commanders	NFL franchise; limited partnership stake

Personal life

Ein is of Jewish heritage; his mother survived the Holocaust. He took on the role of executive producer for the documentary film Kicking It released in 2008. In 2001, following her passing, he purchased Katharine Graham’s residence located in Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood for $8 million. Although he never occupied this property, he placed it on the market in 2024.

In September 2013, Ein married Sally Stiebel. Their wedding celebration featured a live rendition of Y.M.C.A. by the Village People and was attended by over 350 guests including prominent individuals such as Mark Warner, Ted Leonsis, entrepreneur Raul Fernandez, civil rights leader Vernon Jordan, political advisor Valerie Jarrett, media executive Debra Lee, economist Gene Sperling, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, publisher David Bradley, former D.C. mayor Adrian Fenty, among others. The couple honeymooned at Italy’s Lake Como and currently reside in Georgetown.

In recognition of his achievements with the Washington Kastles, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty awarded Ein the key to the city in 2009. The USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Hall of Fame inducted him in 2012, followed by receiving the "Outstanding Public Service in Professional Sports" accolade from the Jefferson Awards Foundation in 2013.