Jeffrey Sweeney
Chairman & CEO
Jeffrey Sweeney is a lifelong entrepreneur with extensive experience in leading firms with a forward-thinking approach. Currently Chairman and CEO of US Capital Global, a full-service private financial services group headquartered in San Francisco, Mr. Sweeney is a keen supporter of technological innovations that can help to improve and grow the finance sector.
Now in its twentieth year, US Capital Global has established itself as a FinTech investment bank through deploying a successful strategy that leverages technological innovation (FinTech) and regulatory developments (RegTech). The group is a leading provider of sophisticated financing solutions and investment opportunities for lower middle market businesses. Under Mr. Sweeney's leadership, the group consistently fulfills its commitment to doing well by doing good through facilitating profitable economic development that also has a positive social and environmental impact.
Prior to being a financier, Mr. Sweeney served as a principal and CEO of Machine Works Corporation, a lower middle market aerospace manufacturing company. His experience leading a business in the highly-regulated aerospace manufacturing industry has led to his appreciation of the need to work closely with regulators while adopting technological solutions to innovate in the sector. This successful approach has been brought over to US Capital Global, where leveraging innovation and regulatory developments has been a key driver in the firm’s growth as a FinTech investment bank.
As an experienced speaker and panel chair, Mr. Sweeney brings a dynamic yet structured approach to engaging the panel and the audience. He frequently presides over and participates in a variety of finance and FinTech events, and recent speaking engagements include:
• Commercial Finance Association (CFA)
• Turnaround Management Association (TMA)
• Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA)
• Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC
• Opal Group
• University of California, Santa Barbara Economics Club
• San Jose State College Economic Department
Mr. Sweeney has also authored numerous articles in leading industry journals, such as ABF Journal, ABL Advisor, The Secured Lender, and The Fintech Times. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is active in the Southern California and San Francisco chapters of ACG, TMA, CFA, and other financial organizations. He is an avid sailor, a certified yoga instructor, and a longstanding contributor to the San Francisco Food Bank and Food for Life Vrindavan, an educational nonprofit for girls based in Vrindavan, India.
Email: Jeffrey Sweeney
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1010
Download: Vcard
Charles V. Towle
COO and Managing Partner
Since joining US Capital Global in 2006, Charles V. Towle has significantly contributed to the firm’s growth into a leading private financial group for small and medium-sized businesses globally. As COO, Mr. Towle oversees 50+ banking professionals in addition to the firm’s established affiliates and institutional investors. During his tenure, Mr. Towle has overseen the origination and closing of over $6 billion in transactions. Mr. Towle is also the Division Head and licensed principal of US Capital Global Securities, LLC, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer affiliated with US Capital Global.
A structured funding and corporate finance specialist, Mr. Towle has over 10 years of business development, asset management, corporate finance, capital markets, and general business management experience. Prior to joining US Capital Global, Mr. Towle gained extensive entrepreneurial and investment experience, serving as a limited partner, financial officer, or board member of various investment and endowment funds and small and medium-sized businesses, both in the United States and abroad.
Mr. Towle has served as a board member for Turnaround Management Association (TMA). Currently, he sits on the National Board of the Commercial Finance Association (CFA), and remains a member of TMA and Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).
Mr. Towle chairs the finance committees of two educational trusts, and serves as a board member of Bhakti Projects, Inc., an international non-profit. He actively supports a number of local and international non-profits, including The Puente Project in California and Food for Life in India. In addition, he collaborates with Cranmore Foundation , a thought leader in organizational wisdom.
Mr. Towle received a B.S. in Business Administration (emphasis in Corporate Finance and International Business) and an M.B.A. (emphasis in Sustainable Business) from San Francisco State University. He holds Series 24 and 79 registrations from FINRA.
Email: Charles Towle
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1022
Download: Vcard
Ish Spencer
Partner, Corporate Finance
Ish Spencer is Managing Director and Partner at US Capital Global, responsible for directing all aspects of the firm’s nationwide business origination program, business development, underwriting of commercial loans, and client relationships. Mr. Spencer brings extensive multi-disciplinary experience to the US Capital Global team, including special expertise in particular verticals, such as real estate, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing (including their overlap in the medical device, biotechnology, and nanotechnology industries).
Since joining US Capital Global in 2010, Mr. Spencer has helped grow the firm into a leading private financial group for medium-sized businesses in the United States. As Managing Director, Mr. Spencer oversees the US Capital Global deal teams at the firm’s San Francisco headquarters, made up of banking professionals, business analysis, and underwriters. Mr. Spencer also oversees a robust proprietary network of 500+ business brokers and referral sources across the United States.
A serial entrepreneur and a corporate finance specialist since 1998, Mr. Spencer has decades of business development, asset management, private investment, asset and market evaluation, business analysis, and general business management and operations experience. Mr. Spencer runs his own family office business, Spencer Family Investments, LLC, which focuses on syndicated investments in real estate and stockholdings, as well as in other investment funds. Mr. Spencer is also co-founder and co-CEO of Ocean Travelers, a private real estate investment management firm focused on syndicated investments in emerging markets.
Prior to setting up Ocean Traveler, Mr. Spencer worked as a quality systems auditor at Reglera, a regulatory compliance and quality assurance consulting and process outsourcing company. Reglera serves the medical device and tissue banking industries, and its clients range from small start-ups to large multi-national companies. Mr. Spencer also worked at RTC Group, which serves the real-time and embedded computer market, and at Quantum Dot Corporation, a privately held business in the biotechnology industry, which deepened his insight into the healthcare and technology verticals.
Mr. Spencer supports a number of philanthropic projects including Food for Life, an international humanitarian non-profit association in India. He also serves as a financial adviser to the board of Braj Bhumi Group Inc., a registered California nonprofit. Braj Bhumi Group is a network of experienced professionals who provide a full range of pro bono financial, management, and strategic services for local and international nonprofits.
Mr. Spencer received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, his M.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, and his M.B.A. from San Diego State University.
Email: Ish Spencer
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1023
Download: Vcard
Frank Villarreal
Managing Director and Partner
Frank Villarreal is a Managing Director and Partner at US Capital Global. He brings 26 years of experience in the financial services industry to the firm’s Investment Banking group. Mr. Villarreal’s responsibilities at the US Capital team include sourcing and vetting alternative asset funds and capital raises for the firm’s Wealth Management division, with a focus on the high net worth client, family office, and independent wealth advisor channels.
With 26 years of asset management and client relationship experience, Mr. Villarreal has a strong and distinguished track record at industry leaders such as Merrill Lynch, Hambrecht & Quist (Executive Financial Services), Credit Suisse (US Private Banking), J.P. Morgan Securities (Private Wealth Services), and Stifel Financial Corp. (Private Client Group).
Most recently at Stifel in San Francisco, Mr. Villarreal was responsible primarily for portfolio management for the firm’s private and corporate clients, and for developing the firm’s international clientele for domestic public and private investments. At Credit Suisse, he provided US private banking services for domestic and international clients, and at J.P. Morgan he provided asset management and credit solutions to targeted high net worth clients, while assisting private wealth clients with retirement plan strategies.
Mr. Villarreal graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration (Finance) at San Francisco State University.
Email: Frank Villarreal
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1047
Mobile: +1 (415) 350 4092
Download: Vcard
Lisa Terk
Senior Vice President
Lisa Terk is a Senior Vice President at US Capital Global specializing in private equity and private debt. Ms. Terk comes to US Capital Global with 25 years of Financial Services experience in wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets.
Ms. Terk began her career as a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and has since occupied a variety of financing and advisory roles, which have enriched her reputation for both recognizing undervalued companies and bringing transactions to a successful finish. Experienced in sourcing timely opportunities across various market sectors, Ms. Terk has advised both private and public companies and served many Fortune 500 clients. She specializes in cash management and financing for Fintech, Cleantech, Pharma, Biotech, Consumer Retail, Hospitality, Energy & Natural Resources sectors.
Prior to joining US Capital Global, Ms. Terk specialized in Corporate Executive Stock Plans for the Wealth Management division at Oppenheimer & Co. and acted as Special Advisor to the premier investment banks WR Hambrecht in San Francisco and Ardour Capital Management in New York.
Ms. Terk has been active in charitable fund raising for notable causes in the Bay Area such as the NFL Alumni Association & the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics. She received her bachelor’s degree with honors from McGill University and is fluent in French. Ms. Terk maintains Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses in good standing, and is a rule 144 and 10B5-1 specialist.
Colleen Gray
Senior Vice President
Colleen Gray has over 25 years of operations and financial management experience with emerging, high-growth companies in the healthcare and technology industries. She served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Consensus Orthopedics, a global manufacturer of large-joint orthopedic devices, from August 2004 until May 2021. Under her tenure, Ms. Gray led the development of five new product lines, navigated the FDA regulatory approval process, and increased revenue fivefold. Consensus became a leader in the patient monitoring device market with its medical-grade interactive surface sensor products through its Tracpatch Health Division.
In January 2016, Ms. Gray assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Tracpatch Health. In this role, she led a raise of over $27 million in early-round financing and closed commercial agreements with two large hospital systems. TracPatch Health was successfully sold in August 2023.
Before joining Consensus Orthopedics, Ms. Gray was President and Chief Executive Officer at Solid Data Systems, where she successfully negotiated and managed the sale of the company. Prior to Solid Data, Ms. Gray was a co-founder of StorageWay, Inc., one of the first cloud-based storage service providers, and served as its Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Gray began her career in the technology industry with Mylex Corporation in April 1992, and served as its Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer during its successful public offering and IBM’s acquisition of the company. Mylex was a leader in storage management and data protection in the networked PC and server environments.
Ms. Gray received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Arizona State University and is a member of Women in Bio.
Email: Colleen Gray
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1010
Mobile: +1 (650) 210-6379
Download: Vcard
Pankaj Vashisth
Managing Director
Pankaj Vashisth brings over 20 years of experience managing global teams at Fortune 500 companies. Having previously worked for Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Swiss Re, First Data, and Deutsche Bank, he has significant experience in M&A, debt financing, real estate investment, asset management, and risk management. At US Capital Global, Mr. Vashisth is responsible for all aspects of the firm’s debt and equity business development, advisory services, and client relationship management.
Mr. Vashisth holds an extensive, proven record of combining insightful business analysis with in-depth knowledge of strategic planning and executive leadership to improve team operations and increase company revenue. Leading cross-functional teams in the development of high-tech products and working to develop new business relations with multinational companies, Mr. Vashisth has significantly increased business revenue for multiple enterprises.
With a strong background in innovative healthcare and IT, Mr. Vashisth has developed, implemented, and managed a notable range of national healthcare programs in various markets, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA for leading insurance companies. Serving as Project Director and Program Manager, Mr. Vashisth has worked closely with State and Federal healthcare agencies and regulatory organizations, developed business plans for Duke University Hospital, and practiced as a researcher of microbial genome sequences at leading universities.
Mr. Vashisth has many years of entrepreneurial and business management experience, having partnered with and sold several successful manufacturing companies in the early 1990s that supplied leading international brands. Working alongside Suzuki, GM, Hyundai, Gap, and Disney, among others, his businesses spanned automobile engineering, aviation lighting engineering, fashion, and film and television.
Mr. Vashisth completed his Master of Business Administration at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University. Prior to this, he graduated from University of Texas with a Master of Science in Health Information Science, and Bangalore University in India, with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Email: Pankaj Vashisth
Phone: +1 (415) 889-1034
Download: Vcard
Mitchell R. Cohen, Esq.
Senior Vice President and Partner
Mitch Cohen is a Senior Vice President and Partner at US Capital Global’s Philadelphia office. As head of this regional office, he is responsible for US Capital Global’s growing client base in the Northeastern United States, providing them with the group’s full range of financial services, including M&A, corporate and real estate finance, asset management, and advisory services. Mr. Cohen has particular experience in M&A, corporate finance (including senior debt, mezzanine, and equity funding), real estate financing, and workout and restructuring financing. His US Capital Global clients include both domestic and international companies seeking exit events through sale or merger or dynamic expansion through acquisition, merger, or joint venture.
Mr. Cohen is Of Counsel at the Law Offices of Kotlar Hernandez & Cohen, LLC, where he directs the firm’s Real Estate & Corporate Law practice areas. He brings his dynamic M&A experience to his entrepreneurial clients who are seeking capital events, growth through acquisition or merger, or organic expansion. Mr. Cohen is also spearheading the development of the firm’s interdisciplinary and dynamic Alternative and Renewable Energy practice group. He represents real estate clients in all aspects of M&A, development, and funding matters and corporate clients in a variety of business-related matters and transactions. This includes M&A, business formation and divestiture, government relations, and technical arenas such as fintech, biotech, medtech, and renewable energy. Prior to his position at Kotlar Hernandez & Cohen, LLC, Mr. Cohen was a partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP and Flaster Greenberg PC and served of Counsel at the Obermayer firm.
Mr. Cohen has served as counsel to both public and private companies in retail, office, industrial, and residential development projects throughout the Northeast US region with respect to acquisitions, dispositions, land use, financing, construction, leasing, and property management matters. In this arena, Mr. Cohen has represented lenders, large national REITS, small developers, and equity funding sources. Mr. Cohen also brings to US Capital Global his years of experience as a real estate developer, including his role as CEO and a principal of Cohen Development Group LLC, a commercial real estate development company based in Marlton, New Jersey.
Mr. Cohen has represented international oil and refining companies, transportation companies, high-tech and biotech companies, medical service providers, solar energy development companies, equity funds, national lenders, and clients engaged in business ventures in emerging green energy fields. His clients include solar and other alternative energy developers, EPC contractors, energy consultants, and renewable energy funding sources. Mr. Cohen also served as General Counsel to the New Jersey Renewable Energy Coalition and worked with Governor Chris Christie and his staff on crafting NJ solar energy policies.
Mr. Cohen also brings to US Capital Global over three decades of experience as an entrepreneur. He and his real estate development partners have developed or redeveloped over 4 million square feet of retail shopping centers together with a number of multi-family and senior care facilities. In addition, Mr. Cohen was a partner in a solar energy development company that developed and constructed over 40 megawatts of solar energy projects in a 6-year period. Mr. Cohen also was a partner in an oral pharmaceutical company based out of Tampa, Florida that developed products aimed at improving oral care for the old and infirm.
Mr. Cohen graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Business Administration and obtained his J.D. degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chiefof the Temple Law Quarterly (Temple Law Review).
Email: Mitchell Cohen
Office: +1 (856) 751-7676
Mobile: +1 (609) 828-1788
Download: Vcard
Steven J. Barton
Senior Vice President
Steven J. Barton is a seasoned executive with nearly three decades of expertise spanning Private Equity, Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, and Consulting, epitomizing a distinguished career at the intersection of finance and strategic leadership. Mr. Barton is the founder of Waterford Group Consulting LLC, headquartered in Minneapolis. Established in 2005, the firm specializes in business performance and strategic planning, offering advisory services to family-owned enterprises spanning diverse industries. Recent international engagements include connecting US med-tech firms with the Changzhou International Investment Promotion Centre in Jiangsu, China.
Prior to joining US Capital Global, Mr. Barton opened the Minneapolis office of Brightwood Capital, a $5 billion private equity firm based in New York City that provided debt and non-dilutive equity capital to US-based companies with EBITDA of $10 million to $75 million through senior or junior secured, unitranche and mezzanine credit facilities. Transactions ranged from $10 million to over $250 million, primarily in healthcare, technology, franchising, business services, and transportation/logistics.
Mr. Barton currently serves as a Board Director and Audit Committee member at Unity Banking Group, overseeing regulatory compliance for this $600 million financial institution. In this role, he provides oversight of a multi-state bank charter with 16 branches across the Midwest and Western USA, specializing in commercial and agriculture lending, including vineyard financing in California.
During his tenure as Director at BMO Wealth Management, Bank of Montreal, Mr. Barton spearheaded business development and client management in trust services, wealth management, and middle market commercial lending. His strategic initiatives led to the creation of significant wealth management relationships and over $300 million in commercial real estate loans. Previously, Mr. Barton served as a Senior Private Client Advisor at Bank of the West, a BNP Paribas-owned entity, where he managed a $300 million fixed-income account and organically expanded the Minneapolis office. His earlier roles included prominent positions at TCF Bank, Wells Fargo Private Client Services, UBS Financial Services, and Piper Jaffray Incorporated.
Beyond his corporate endeavors, Mr. Barton has made impactful contributions as Chairman of the Board for the Hennepin County Sheriff Foundation, focusing on addressing the opioid crisis. His leadership as Board Chair of the Saint Paul Fire Foundation resulted in the successful raising of over $3 million for training, equipment, and firefighter cancer awareness. Committed to education, he lectures in the Finance Department at Winona State University.
Mr. Barton earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from Winona State University, complemented by an Executive M.B.A. from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.
Email: Steven J. Barton
Office: +1 415 889 1010
Mobile: +1 651 402 0152
Download: Vcard
Michael J. Levas
Senior Vice President
Michael Levas is Senior Vice President at US Capital Global and the Founder and Managing Principal of the Olympian Group, a boutique investment and merchant bank specializing in private equity, venture capital, M&A, and the public markets. Mr. Levas has extensive experience in business creation and valuation, business management, capital markets, and investment management, and boasts a comprehensive knowledge of securities, asset management, investment banking, and alternative funds. He is also the former Senior Managing Partner at Rosc Global Investments LLC, where he led the firm in all areas of transaction origination, negotiation, and execution.
Mr. Levas is a board member and senior advisor to numerous entities on private equity, venture investments, and capital formation in the public and private markets. His successful career spans over 25 years at leading Wall Street firms (Lehman Brothers, S.G. Cowen, UBS PaineWebber, Bear Stearns, Advest) and as founder of the Olympian Group of investment management companies, Asclepius Life Sciences Fund, and Asclepius Ventures. It encompasses all facets of capital growth, portfolio construction and development, risk management, and trading.
Mr. Levas has a proven track record in developing and marketing to a loyal client base of high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. He has strong business and financial insights, with demonstrated ability in valuation and market analysis, operational fortitude, and development and implementation of prudent and successful investment strategies. Additionally, Mr. Levas created and assembled a veteran team with a proven track record in investment management and life sciences that spanned hedge funds, Fortune 100 companies, and startups with M&A transactions exceeding $10 billion. To date, he has managed over $500 million in investment assets during his career.
Mr. Levas has been a featured conference speaker and university lecturer throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia and has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including but not limited to Business Week, Bloomberg, CCTV International, Dow Jones Newswires, NPR, Nasdaq, Smart Money, and Hedge Fund Manager Week.
In addition, Mr. Levas has had considerable experience as a noted expert witness for the Federal Public Defender’s Office (Department of Justice for the Southern District of Florida), the City of Los Angeles, California, and several leading law firms throughout the United States. He is a former federally registered lobbyist for the Hedge Fund Association (HFA).
Email: Michael Levas
Office: +1 415 889 1010
Phone: +1 857 767 6254
Download: Vcard
Keith Koo
Vice President
Keith Koo, the widely known host of the Silicon Valley Insider Radio Show and Podcast, is a Vice President at US Capital focusing on originating new business for the group. Mr. Koo has two decades of experience as a business and technology executive in banking, corporate development, and finance. He leverages his wide business, technology, and media networks to support US Capital at leading financial summits, conferences, and panels across the United States and internationally.
Mr. Koo is the Founder and Managing Partner of Guardian Insight Group, a technology advisory services firm focused on identifying, assessing, controlling, and mitigating the risks associated with doing business with technology companies and vendors, such as financial, blockchain, pricing/cost, cyber, information security, business resiliency, disaster recovery, regulatory, and compliance. Mr. Koo also serves as a mentor and advisor to a number of innovative companies, breakthrough technology startups, and incubators.
Before starting Guardian Insight Group, Mr. Koo was the Managing Director and Head of the Third-Party Risk Management program for the Mitsubishi Financial Group (MUFG) and was responsible for ensuring that the bank had the proper framework, policies, and controls to meet regulatory standards for effective oversight of third parties and vendors. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, and other technology and financial service companies in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, technology, and risk management.
Mr. Koo has special expertise in driving strategic initiatives, leading high-level negotiations, and managing highly critical and complex projects that bring together differing agendas, personalities, geographies, and cultures. His wide background also includes experience in risk management, change management, due diligence and integration for mergers and acquisitions, asset management, and regulatory compliance.
Mr. Koo holds a B.A. in Organizational Behavior from the University of California and advanced certifications from Stanford, the University of California, and George Washington University.
Tejal Shah
Vice President
Tejal Shah brings to US Capital Global a strong background in financial services and asset management, along with expertise in capital raising and fostering high-value relationships with VIP clients. As the Principal and Founder of Peninsula Wealth, she successfully oversaw $400 million in assets. Ms. Shah’s career commenced at Merrill Lynch and Bank of America as a Wealth Manager, where she swiftly amassed $25 million in new assets within 18 months. She subsequently managed assets totaling $60 million.
With a decade of serial entrepreneurial experience in early-stage startups, Ms. Shah has successfully conceptualized, funded, launched, and scaled multiple businesses. Her profound grasp of the startup landscape encompasses business development, fundraising, and operations.
Before her tenure at US Capital Global, Ms. Shah served as a limited partner at Refactor Capital and Halogen Ventures, both instrumental in evaluating startups for potential VC investments and offering strategic advice. Notably, she steered 555 Comic Co in San Francisco as COO, securing $6.1 million in venture capital. Moreover, Ms. Shah co-founded Votivate, shaping bespoke technology for post-partisan political engagement, and was the driving force behind KidAdmit, Inc., pioneering venture capital funding in the early education market.
Ms. Shah’s academic background includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester, NY. She earned the Helmut Weymann Prize of Insight and Skill in Engineering Experimentation from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Email: Tejal Shah
Phone: +1 650 743 0743
Download: Vcard
Jack Maple
Vice President
Jack Maple brings over three decades of experience in banking, capital raising services, real estate financing, and international sales and marketing to US Capital Global. His distinguished career has seen him work with and for some of the world’s foremost financial institutions, including Bank of America, HSBC, OCBC, Bank of Singapore, Emirates NBD, and Wachovia Bank, among many others.
Mr. Maple has secured financing for high-profile projects in major cities worldwide, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Singapore, and Dubai. Recognizing opportunities beyond domestic markets, he ventured into the international arena, traveling an astounding 400,000 miles annually since 2008 to become a trailblazer in bringing international investors to the US market. His impressive track record boasts over $1 billion in closed transactions.
Over the past 15 years, Mr. Maple has specialized in US investments, playing a pivotal role in helping capital raising clients secure funding from his expansive network in Asia and the Middle East. His expertise has proven invaluable in connecting family offices, high-net-worth investors, and VC funds with lucrative investment opportunities. Mr. Maple’s exceptional talent for building lasting relationships has earned him the trust and respect of key players in international markets. His extensive investor base has made him a sought-after advisor for companies looking to expand their investor and marketing outreach on a global scale.
A logical thinker with a deep understanding of financial modeling and international markets, Mr. Maple has served as the guiding force behind numerous companies successfully launching and expanding their operations in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Email: Jack Maple
Phone: +1 310 467 1691
Download: Vcard
Robert Jones
Vice President
A seasoned investment professional, Robert Jones brings a strong background in later-stage growth capital and public company finance to US Capital Global. As a Vice President in the group’s Investment Banking division, Mr. Jones is responsible for all aspects of the group’s debt and equity business development, structuring of financing solutions, and client relationship management.
Mr. Jones holds decades of Wall Street experience focused on portfolio management, arbitrage strategies, financial terminology, and due diligence in all sectors. He has more than 25 years of experience as a business coach and expert in the financial services industry. He has received numerous awards for excellence among his peers during his tenure at First California Capital and Fleet Bank.
Awards Mr. Jones has received include the National Contest for Small Business Lines of Credit at Fleet Bank in 2005; SFNABA Firm of the Year Award Recipient in 2002; Certificate of Completion from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, “The Art & Science of Grant Writing”; edX-HarvardX – Honor Code Certificate for Contracts; and Yale University for Financial Markets.
Mr. Jones excels in conducting diversity and inclusion communications with sales teams and designing strategies to generate and inspire real, diverse relationships among employees.
Email: Robert Jones
Phone: +1 (415) 696-2067
Download: Vcard
William Singer
Senior Vice President
As Senior Vice President at US Capital Global’s Miami office, William Singer brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry to the group’s Investment Banking division. In addition, Mr. Singer is responsible for all aspects of US Capital Global’s wealth management services, investment advisory services, and client relationship management, with a focus on the group’s high net worth, family office, and independent wealth advisor channels.
Previously, Mr. Singer worked at Navellier Genesis, LLC as Director of Business Development and Marketing for the firm’s Navellier Genesis Fund, an alternative asset, absolute return strategy fund. Mr. Singer also worked as an external Investment Advisor for Oppenheimer & Co., a leading global full-service brokerage and investment bank. To date, he has closed transactions and capital raises of over $250 million. Mr. Singer has deep client relationships that are often multi-generational, not only advising his clients but frequently co-investing with them.
A highly experienced business development strategist, Mr. Singer has held executive roles and been on the boards of publicly traded companies. He is a serial entrepreneur, starting with the conceptualization and creation of a “don’t drink and drive” service in Santa Barbara, California, which he owned and operated for 17 years before selling the company. He also took over an outdoor advertising company, raised capital for the business, and tripled its sales. He has invested in several PIPE opportunities and helped those companies in executive roles to market and sell their products across a wide range of channels.
Mr. Singer holds a 2-15 license and Series 65 license, and is in the process of acquiring his Series 7 and 79. He is a hobby chef and wine enthusiast, and previously managed a small avocado ranch in Summerland, California.
Email: William Singer
Phone: +1 415 889 1010
Cell: +1 805 896 1476
Download: Vcard
Michael Carpinello
Senior Vice President
A veteran in corporate finance and investment banking, Michael Carpinello is a Senior Vice President at US Capital Global. Based in Miami, FL, he provides clients in the region and across the United States with the group’s full range of financial services, including corporate finance, asset management, M&A, and advisory services.
Mr. Carpinello brings to US Capital Global over 20 years of experience in the capital markets across a wide range of asset classes, as well as a proven track record in origination and distribution on behalf of both public and private entities. His career spans top-tier global and boutique investment banks, as well as the world of investment management and institutional funds, including mutual, pension, and hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, family offices, sovereign funds, and high-net-worth clients.
Mr. Carpinello is highly skilled at understanding the risk appetite of clients and appropriately pairing them with capital. He has deep, long-term relationships with his clients that span decades. Whether placing a banking transaction, directing an investment with a fund of funds, or participating in an asset diversification program through hedge fund allocation, Mr. Carpinello combines his deep knowledge of proven strategies and of his clients and their goals to ensure the most favorable outcome.
In 1999, Mr. Carpinello began his career in finance as a convertible trader on the New York Stock Exchange for Murphy & Durieu LP. He worked in the Wealth Management division of Morgan Stanley and at Prudential Investments, where he was regional consultant wholesaler for New England, with over $500 million in sales. In 2018, he entered the private equity space, working at top-tier boutique investment banks AmerX Capital and R.F. Lafferty & Co., where he was responsible for over $500 million in private placements and secondary transactions. A seasoned entrepreneur with years of business management experience, Mr. Carpinello also owned and operated his own successful logistics business from 2004 to 2011.
Mr. Carpinello graduated from Wagner College with a B.S. in Economics and a B.S. in Business Sciences.
Email: Michael Carpinello
Office: +1 305 930 6006
Download: Vcard
David Reinikainen
Vice President
As Vice President, David Reinikainen (J.D. LL.M) comes to US Capital Global with over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry focusing on M&A, common equity, preferred equity, mezzanine debt and senior debt, and corporate tax planning and compliance. Previously, Mr. Reinikainen served in an in-house tax counsel role at The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO), which is the first fully integrated equity real estate investment trust (REIT) that designs, finances, develops, and operates secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Mr. Reinikainen has stellar corporate tax skills demonstrated over 15 years by delivering tax planning and compliance solutions to companies for their mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, and divestitures. His work as a key tax and finance expert led to a successful award of a $700 million project financed via a public-private partnership structure. Mr. Reinikainen was also an integral member of an M&A team that acquired eight facilities for cash consideration of $307 million. Most recently, he provided guidance on how to structure an equity rollover involving a $100 million transaction.
Mr. Reinikainen has extensive experience in building and managing multi-functional M&A teams and working with company executives to bridge legal, tax, financing, treasury, accounting, and operations teams, streamlining operations by implementing cohesion strategies. With nearly two decades of experience with private funds and financial modeling for multifamily investors, Mr. Reinikainen has worked with partners to build debt and equity capital stack. His extensive tax advisory experience includes modification of debt for both the issuer and creditor, as well as advisory on stock options and tax treatment for both taxable and tax-free business combinations.
Mr. Reinikainen has also personally developed custom homes and a multifamily project. He previously served in a business development role for IPX1031, which is a subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF), a leading provider of title insurance, specialty insurance, claims management, information services, and other real estate related services.
Mr. Reinikainen holds a B.A. in Mandarin Chinese and Area Studies from Rutgers University, a J.D. from the University of Iowa, and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida. Mr. Reinikainen has presented in many real estate and aviation conferences and holds the following professional licenses: FINRA Series 7 – General Securities Representative, Florida Real Estate Salesperson, and Florida 2-15 Life and Health Insurance.
Mr. Reinikainen is a devoted family man who loves golf, photography, and the outdoor tropical living offered in South Florida.
Email: David Reinikainen
Phone: +1 561 344 2317
Download: Vcard
Steve Vargem
Vice President
Steve M. Vargem is a seasoned financial architect, boasting over 35 years of expertise in the financial services sector. His extensive experience spans both residential and commercial capital markets. With a track record of exceptional performance, Mr. Vargem has consistently achieved strong revenue results and pioneered novel business prospects within the industry.
Mr. Vargem’s experience in the financial industry includes serving as CFO at Trust One Mortgage for seven years, where he directed a 140-member wholesale, retail, and operations team while increasing profits by $122 million. He has served as a Board Member of the BASF Builders’ Association of South Florida, as well as District 7 Vice President of the Florida Homebuilders’ Association. Additionally, he is a member of the National Homebuilders’ Association.
Mr. Vargem completed his Bachelor of Science in Business at Kansas State University. In addition to his professional expertise in financial markets, Mr. Vargem was a professional athlete in both football and martial arts. In martial arts, he has a black belt in the Kempo Karate 5X National Championship. During his free time, Mr. Vargem dedicates his expertise to coaching and mentoring professionals who aspire to excel in the financial services industry.
Email: Steve Vargem
Phone: +1 949 678 0178
Download: Vcard
Ryan Richard
Vice President, Dallas Office
As head of US Capital’s Dallas office, Ryan Richard is responsible for the group’s growing client base in the South Central region of the United States. With his multi-cultural upbringing and extensive international business experience, Mr. Richard specializes in complex business development, structuring, and finance projects that carry a cross-border or international dimension. From US Capital’s Dallas office, he provides clients with the group’s full range of financial services, including corporate finance, asset management, M&A, and advisory services. In addition, he is helping US Capital grow its presence in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in collaboration with the group’s regional headquarters in Dubai.
Mr. Richard comes from a consulting and private equity background, where he specialized in the client development and relational capital side. He has run several regional and global headquarters with reach into over 100 countries. An entrepreneur and business development specialist who has travelled to over 35 countries, Mr. Richard bring to US Capital and its clients his strategic vision, client-focused planning and structuring, and extensive global network of business, financing, and investment contacts.
Prior to joining US Capital, Mr. Richard was CEO at a boutique business development consulting firm, The Praetoryan Group, where he provided advisory services for international infrastructure projects, green bonds, and offset fulfillment and countertrade development for developing nations. Prior to this, Mr. Richard worked at Lindell Foundation, where he focused on implementing blockchain technology for philanthropic projects and developed a pilot project in 120 countries. Previously, he was International Head of Client Development at private equity firm DTX Energy Capital, where he developed international capital relationships with family offices, private banks, and wealth managers. At private equity firm Proven Fields Oil & Gas, he was responsible for securing acquisition targets for a portfolio of investment funds.
Mr. Richard studied at the University of North Texas and at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He is married and lives in Dallas.
Email: Ryan Richard
Phone: +1 214-226-5226
Download: Vcard
Narek Grigorian
Vice President
Narek Grigorian is a dynamic executive with a rich background in finance, entrepreneurship, and business management across diverse sectors, including government organizations, established firms, and budding startups. With a proven history of successfully structuring and providing debt and equity solutions, Mr. Grigorian is a driving force for both innovative startups and established middle market companies.
A founder, entrepreneur, and executive, Mr. Grigorian is the mastermind behind several startups through which he has achieved remarkable success with multi-million-dollar real estate development projects nationwide. Beyond borders, Mr. Grigorian has secured funding for centimillion-dollar projects, leading teams and driving growth on a global scale.
Mr. Grigorian has had a diverse career, ranging from international development to private equity. Most recently, he served as the Director of Investment and Finance at a rapidly expanding real estate development firm in Texas. Additionally, Mr. Grigorian conducted influential research on additive manufacturing and the integration of technology into economic and technological ventures.
Narek Grigorian earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, and Russian from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Email: Narek Grigorian
Phone: +1 415-889-1010
Cell: +1 202-758-9889
Download: Vcard
Roger Allen
Managing Director, London Office
As the UK Managing Director, Roger Allen is responsible for all aspects of US Capital Global’s London Office. Mr. Allen focuses on connecting investors and financial allocators to expert fund managers and entrepreneurs with a compelling edge, specialising in niche strategies and innovative projects.
Mr. Allen’s career in the financial markets spans some 40 years, and he has notable experience in a wide range of investment sectors, including FinTech, RegTech, real estate, alternatives, and medical, with a strong appreciation of ESG and impact investing. In addition to serving as Director at PMA Assets Ltd, Mr. Allen is also currently Co-Chair at Goldfingr’s London chapter. A thinktank, incubator, and socially conscious business accelerator, Goldfingr is the first ever digitized deal club. Mr. Allen’s extensive and frequent travel has ensured he is highly networked globally.
During his nine years in asset management, Mr. Allen successfully won sizable long-term mandates, built solid institutional investor pipelines, and significantly upgraded the professional profiles at a global fund of funds and a niche equity manager. Prior to this, during a period of 29 years, Mr. Allen profitably built and ran a variety of global businesses within a number of top-tier international banks, including Bankers Trust, Merrill Lynch, and Dresdner Kleinwort.
Mr. Allen is a graduate summa cum laude of the university of life.
Email: Roger Allen
Phone: +44 7831 222 599
Download: Vcard
Dr. Prodi Bhattacharya
Managing Director, Structured Credit and Equity
Prodi Bhattacharya, Ph.D., is an investment professional with over 23 years’ experience in banking, corporate finance, and asset management. Before joining US Capital, he was Director of Corporate Finance at the IQEQ Group, where he was responsible for the private market CrossDeal activity within the group.
Prior to this, Dr. Bhattacharya was Managing Director of Drax Private Markets, a boutique private equity and private debt fundraising platform. He has spent most of his career on the buy side and previously worked as the Head of Risk Management and Quantitative Research for Axa Investment Management’s Alternatives Investment Unit, directly responsible for their multi-billion-euro alternative asset portfolios.
Dr. Bhattacharya holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics as well as a Master’s in Engineering from the prestigious University of Warwick, and has also previously worked at the renowned CERN Physics Laboratory in Geneva.
Based in London, Dr. Bhattacharya works closely with his US Capital colleagues globally in sourcing and distributing new sell-side mandates to further the quality, range, and number of opportunities available on the group’s private investment platform at any one time.
Email: Prodi Bhattacharya
Phone: +44 7720 286 284
Download: Vcard
Charles Goodfellow
Vice President and Shareholder
Charles Goodfellow has over 30 years’ experience in the London capital markets, having worked initially in equity sales and then in corporate finance for various London investment banks and corporate finance specialists. He specializes in assisting smaller companies across a range of sectors in raising growth capital, as well as targeting industry partners capable of taking strategic stakes and control.
Mr. Goodfellow has contributed individually or in partnership on deals in the oil and gas sector, mining, industrial, and entertainment services, as well as in technology and the clean tech sector. Clean tech focuses specifically on the water sector, renewable energy, and all technologies relating to maximizing the efficient use of scarce water resources, alongside the reduction of negative environmental impacts. Many of these deals have covered a range of emerging markets, and from under £1 million to £100 million.
Mr. Goodfellow is multilingual, speaking an additional five languages after English, which has proved extremely helpful for cross-border transactions. When he is not busy on transactions, Mr. Goodfellow enjoys skiing, tennis, swimming, and learning new languages.
Mr. Goodfellow studied Finance at ESCP Europe, and he graduated with a B.A. in Economics and Politics from McGill University.
Email: Charles Goodfellow
Phone: +44 (0)7767 688 457
Download: Vcard
Nouha Chbak
Chief Marketing Officer, Dubai Office, UAE
Nouha Chbak is Chief Marketing Officer at US Capital Global. She is responsible for US Capital’s African and Middle Eastern clients, providing them with the group’s full range of financial services, including corporate finance, asset management, real estate finance, M&A, and advisory services.
Ms. Chbak has over 8 years of international experience in the EU, UK, Africa, and GCC, providing cross-jurisdictional business consultation services and advising on project development, go-to-market, marketing strategies, and market penetration.
Ms. Chbak is passionate about Web3 technologies and how they can positively transform businesses and governments. She is currently involved in the tech industry with a focus on blockchain, advising and helping businesses and governmental organizations with Web3 and blockchain adoption.
Ms. Chbak holds an M.B.A. in Marketing with honors from the Institute of Advanced Business Studies in Tunisia. She is also enrolling in a Ph.D. in Blockchain from EM Strasbourg Business School. As a researcher, Ms. Chbak is co-authoring scientific papers and research on technology adoption and the social acceptability of emerging technologies.
Email: Nouha Chbak
Phone: +971 52 661 9657
Download: Vcard
James B. Baty, Ph.D.
Advisor
Dr. James B. Baty is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors of US Capital Global. He is recognized as an expert in the design, implementation, and management of large-scale distributed information technology. With Dr. Baty as a strategic advisor, 2the US Capital team is well-positioned to accelerate the market disruption the firm has already been causing in the evolving FinTech arena, with a focus on the small and lower middle market.
At Oracle Corp., Dr. Baty served as Vice President of the Global Enterprise Architecture Program, defining hybrid cloud architecture and enterprise technology strategies. Prior to Oracle, Dr. Baty was Vice President, Chief Architect, and CTO for Sun Microsystems’ Global Sales & Services division. He is renowned for his work designing key business systems for global telecommunications and financial services companies. Dr. Baty was the first person in the Sun Services division to be recognized as a Sun Distinguished Engineer.
With twenty years of practice in the industry, Dr. Baty has served as the lead architect for multiple national ISP systems with up to several million users, for a major Internet stock brokerage system, for a global messaging networks for international banks, and for the reliability design of a multi-continent international financial trading system for international financial institutions. In addition, he has provided performance and capacity consulting for some of the Internet’s highest volume transaction systems.
Dr. Baty has a Ph.D. in Management Science and Information Systems from the University of Texas (1992), and an M.P.A. from Texas A&M University (1981) with specialization in Technology Policy. Dr. Baty has served as a Visiting Professor and Research Fellow at the Erasmus University Rotterdam Institute for Decision & Information Systems, Netherlands, as well as a Member of Technical Staff and Program Administrator for the Software Technology Program at Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corp.
Email: James Baty
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1010
Download: Vcard
Bruce Canvasser, ND
Senior Vice President
Dr. Bruce Canvasser is a Senior Vice President and a member of the Advisory Board of Directors at US Capital Global. Dr. Canvasser is a highly experienced healthcare professional, with more than 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He has served as Instructor of Botanical Medicine, Clinic Director, and Board of Trustee member at National College of Naturopathic Medical School in Portland, Oregon, now called National College of Natural Medicine. Dr. Canvasser was appointed by two Governors of the State of Oregon to serve for two three-year terms on the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners.
Dr. Canvasser specializes in botanical medicine, and currently serves on the Medical Advisory Board of Integrative Therapeutics, LLC. Until 2002, Dr. Canvasser served as Executive Vice President of Doctors at Integrative Therapeutics. Integrative Therapeutics develops unique formulations that safely and effectively integrate with diet and lifestyle recommendations for improved patient health.
Dr. Canvasser was co-founder of NF Formulas Inc., one of the first dietary supplement companies to serve naturopathic and other health care professionals. He served as President and CEO of NF Formulas between 1978 and 2000, until it was purchased by North Castle Partners and became part of Enzymatic Therapy. At NF Formulas, Dr. Canvasser developed many unique herbal-based nutritional formulas that continue to be widely used today.
Dr. Canvasser holds a B.S. in Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He also holds a B.S. in Human Biology from Kansas Newman College in Wichita, Kansas, and completed his Pre-medical Studies at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. He received his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree in 1978 from National College of Natural Medicine (now National University of Natural Medicine).
Email: Bruce Canvasser
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1010
Download: Vcard
Enrica Acuto Jacobacci
Director, Milan office, Italy
Enrica Acuto Jacobacci is the director of US Capital Global’s Milan Office. During her professional life, Ms. Jacobacci has worked with both domestic and international clients, ranging from public institutions to large multinational companies operating in a wide range of sectors, from luxury to mass market, and from non-profit to financial services.
Ms. Jacobacci’s career began in Brand Marketing Management for Danone Italia, and in 1999 she founded Akura, a brand communications agency that in 2003 merged with Eclettica, one of Italy’s first web agencies. Ms. Jacobacci is a shareholder of FINPAT, a holding company that controls several Italian and foreign firms involved mainly in legal consultancy services, marketing, and real estate. Among them is Jacobacci & Partners, Italy’s internationally recognized, top-ranking legal firm, specializing in intellectual property.
The Jacobacci Group now accounts for almost ten different companies in Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland, and Ms. Jacobacci has managing roles in most of them. She is Vice President and CEO of Jacobacci & Partners in Italy, President of the Board of Directors of Jacobacci in Spain, and President of Comitè de Direction of Jacobacci Coralis Harle in France.
Ms. Jacobacci is on the Advisory Board of EMBA Ticinensis, where she also teaches Brand Management, a subject she has taught in other Italian business schools, at the International School of Design (IED), and at the Politecnico of Torino. Valuing gratitude and reciprocity, Ms. Jacobacci serves as a patron and board member of several cultural and social associations, such as Egyptian Museum of Torino, Teatro Regio, and Circolo dei Lettori, among notable others. As a keen supporter of innovation, she sits on the jury of several innovation awards associations and is a member of the Italian investor club, Club degli Investitori.
Ms. Jacobacci graduated with a degree in Business Economics from the University of Turin, followed by a postgraduate degree in Marketing at INSEAD Executive Education in Fontainebleau, and further education at Harvard Business School. In 2016, she was awarded “E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year” and in 2018 the “Brandforum Slow Boss Award.”
Email: Enrica Jacobacci
Phone: +39 011 2440311
Mobile: +39 366 6496326
Download: Vcard
Teresa Grobecker
Advisor
Teresa Grobecker is a n advisor at US Capital Global. Coming to the firm with a wealth of financial and real estate expertise, Ms. Grobecker has brokered hundreds of transactions for her clients and agents, which have included traditional, probate, bankruptcy, short sales, and foreclosure situations. Ms. Grobecker’s active engagement in FinTech combined with her extensive expertise in real estate have led to years of experience in property tech, real estate referrals and developers, bridge financing, hard money loans and stable loans, mortgage lending, and institutional lending.
Ms. Grobecker launched her career in financial services, and aside from her extensive work with the non-profit futurist think tank DaVinci Institute, Ms. Grobecker is the Founder and CEO of Grobecker Holland International, the first escrow company in California to seamlessly convert Bitcoin into real estate. Ms. Grobecker runs her company and all her client relationships on a foundation of trust, ethics, and a firm belief that putting the client’s needs first will yield the best possible results for all parties involved. Ms. Grobecker is also the CEO of her second FinTech company, Real Estate Consortia.
Ms. Grobecker graduated from Dominican University of California with a B.A. in Politics, International Studies and Pre-Law. She went on to complete her M.B.A. in Global Strategic Management, graduating cum laude after only one year, while serving as a board member and founder of several student, governing, and non-profit bodies. Ms. Grobecker also supports the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together San Francisco, which mobilizes civic engagement in the renovation and rejuvenation of low-income homes and communities.
Ms. Grobecker is a registered Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor (CRPC) and holds the following financial credentials: CA BRE 01908507, NMLS 1286612, CA INS 0F41063.
Email: Teresa Grobecker
Phone: +1 (415) 889 1028
Download: Vcard
Vanessa Guajardo
Chief of Staff
Vanessa Guajardo is the Chief of Staff at US Capital. She is responsible for the successful coordination of all marketing and PR activities, overseeing and organizing company-related investor events and nationwide industry events, with a focus on business development and strong investor relations.
Prior to joining US Capital Global in 2017, Ms. Guajardo helped forge the notable growth of Oliver Luxury Real Estate, widely recognized today as the market leader in Lake Tahoe luxury. In her role as Marketing Director, Ms. Guajardo took responsibility alongside the CEO for the company’s brand development, fashioning an image and standard built upon strong ethics, vast market knowledge, extensive exposure, and personalized attention to clients’ needs. In an affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate, Ms. Guajardo’s work bore international influence, and her contribution at Oliver Luxury Real Estate saw an estimated regional growth in sales of 320% within three years.
Possessing a strong repertoire in all elements of design, and with over a decade of high-end professional experience in the field, Ms. Guajardo’s distinction in the creation of a comprehensive range of marketing and advertising materials has received high acclaim. Her 2016 Luxury Collection Book for Oliver Luxury Real Estate was awarded the 2017 Silver ADDY Award in the category of “Product or Service Sales Promotion.”
A certified yoga teacher, classically trained ballerina, and accomplished snowboarding instructor, Ms. Guajardo frequently supports various charitable causes through her participation in sporting events, such as the AIDS Life Cycle. Prior to her further education in the Arts at San Francisco City College, Ms. Guajardo majored in Fine Arts and Painting at the California College of the Arts.
Email: Vanessa Guajardo
Phone: +1 415 889 1010
Download: Vcard