An operator who has also raised the money.
I'm an operator who's also raised the money and a capital raiser who's also built the company. Most people in this world have done one or the other. I've done both and it's given me a rare view of what actually works on each side of the table.
I've watched firsthand what it takes to launch a business: the guts, the stress and the sleepless nights of putting your heart and your capital on the line. My family are immigrant entrepreneurs who came to Canada from Europe with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no English. That's where my work ethic comes from, and it's still how I show up today: I outwork the room and I stand behind what's right.
Began my career as a private equity and hedge fund analyst at the hedge fund advisory desk at EFG Bank, during one of the most fascinating stretches in the hedge fund world. Monaco was a stop for anyone seeking capital, especially in the early days of alternatives, and I got to work alongside founders, funders, families and managers from around the world.
Became a partner at Nomos Capital, running EMEA hedge fund capital raising, sourcing funds and raising capital from some of the world's most prestigious institutional investors and families across the region, including sourcing emerging hedge funds to bring into the $1 billion AUM club. That work became the seed for Kyro Capital, run between London and Toronto, helping emerging fund managers grow their capital base.
Joined Long Game Savings as its 3rd employee, a venture-backed fintech acquired by Truist Bank and the first prize-linked savings app in the United States. Every $20 saved gave the saver a shot at a $1 million weekly sweepstakes, helping low income savers build a savings habit instead of spending on the lottery. My first real look at double-impact business building. Owned operations and go-to-market.
Founded Thrive Savings, backed by Techstars and Western Union, a savings and e-commerce platform that helped US university students save for consumer goods and buy through the platform with generous cash back. Grew to 150,000 subscribers before the business shut down during the pandemic. Owned capital raising, growth and go-to-market.
Hands-on engagements with startups, funds and film projects: capital raising, launch strategy and go-to-market for founders building things I genuinely find interesting, including work in AI, using what I know and who I know to help move the needle on culture in finance. Work Onside Co. is where that work lives now.