our team

Andrei Afanasiev, Venture Partner with over 15 years in biotech and pharma, has founded three startups, including a genetic testing company that achieved a successful exit via M&A. With extensive experience in managing drug development from preclinical to stage III trials, Andrei has led an R&D department in a pharmaceutical company, authored eight papers, and secured two patents. His expertise in drug development, machine learning and genetics drives innovative investments in biotech.

Gustavo Rapisardi, a distinguished financial professional with over 35 years of experience, serves as General Partner at Sky High VC. His expertise in business strategy and finance enables him to identify and nurture investment opportunities in innovative and sustainable startups. Gustavo's career includes significant roles at Grupo Petersen and Itaú Unibanco, contributing to business diversification and financial innovation. A graduate in Law and Economics from the University of Buenos Aires, he combines deep knowledge with strategic vision. As a leader in Venture Capital, Gustavo is committed to advancing the growth and success of startups shaping the industry's future.

William Reekstin, an economist and entrepreneur, is the President and founder of Portofino Capital, a consulting and asset management firm. With over 20 years in capital markets, he has led international ventures in trading, investment banking, and research. William has been a university professor for a decade, teaching economics and markets, and is involved in philanthropic entrepreneurship projects. He holds a BBA in Economics and Finance from the City University of New York.

Vartan serves as Chief Financial Officer at SV LATAM Capital (SVLC). With over a decade at KPMG's PE/VC audit practice, he has led teams focused on valuation analysis, financial audits, and special projects for PE and VC funds in the US and UK. His expertise spans Private Equity, Growth Equity, Private Debt, Special Situations, Real Estate, and VC/Biotech funds. Originally from Juarez, Mexico, Vartan is a CPA with a Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance from TCU and a Master's in Finance from London Business School.

Consuelo, a trailblazing Founder & Managing Partner of SV LATAM Capital (SVLC), is the first Mexican woman to establish an Early-Stage VC firm in Mexico and Silicon Valley. A serial entrepreneur turned VC, her immersive science background fuels her passion for bridging science, technology, and business. With degrees from the University of Miami, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Cass Business School, Consuelo has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Latinas for three consecutive years.

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Michael Spencer, Partner at MDS Advisory, is a dual-qualified Lawyer and Chartered Quantity Surveyor with 23 years of experience in complex construction, engineering, and technology contracts. Known for his diplomacy and negotiation skills, he has worked with Chinese, Mid-Asian, European, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cultures. Michael has expertise in pre-contract negotiations and claims preparation for construction disputes. Previously, he was an Equity Partner at EC Harris and worked at Pinsent Masons.

Juan Carlos Felix, Partner at IR Capital, a pioneering Portuguese Private Equity firm with 35 years of operation, brings over 20 years of expertise in Business Strategy and Private Equity. As Ex-Managing partner and Co-head of The Carlyle Group in Brazil and South America for a decade, he raised more than US$ 1.5 Bn and led deals of c. US$ 3 Bn across 15 transactions. Previously, Juan Carlos was a partner at McKinsey for 8 years. He holds an Economics degree from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Quito and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Ilan Furman serves as CIO for Bridgewise, a fintech company using AI to analyze over 44,000 public companies and generate equity research. He founded FAM, which partners with Bridgewise, blending Ilan's emerging markets investing expertise with Bridgewise's innovative AI capabilities. Previously an investment manager at Threadneedle's $10B Global Emerging Markets team from 2011, Ilan led the top-ranked Latin America fund. He contributed to asset allocation and served on leadership/innovation committees. Ilan has worked at Pictet, Deloitte, and Oscar Gruss. He holds an Economics degree from Ben Gurion University, an MBA from Imperial College, and the CFA charter.

Daniel Furman (CEO) founded Arba Finance Company Ltd. in 1978. He previously held positions at Aircraft Trading and Services Inc., National Consultants (Israel), Eurofinance in Paris, and Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. Daniel serves as a director of GemmaCert Ltd, Los Furman SA, and SARL Palais de la Promenade. He holds a B.A. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an M.B.A. from INSEAD. Daniel is the Chairman of the Hebrew University's Endowment Funds Committee and an Honorary Fellow.

Assaf, a Venture Partner at Upwest VC, brings over 20 years of tech industry experience. Previously a Partner at Viola Credit, he provided growth capital to numerous companies. Assaf held product management and operations roles at iMDsoft (acquired by TPG Growth) and served as a lawyer at GKH & Co, a leading Israeli law firm. He actively volunteers and serves on the board of Unistream, a non-profit fostering business and social leadership in Israeli youth from peripheral communities.

Pablo, Private Equity Leader at EY Latin America, has 16 years of experience advising leading companies. He specializes in business analysis and projects for strategic decision-making. Pablo has led multi-industry projects in Corporate Venturing, Private Equity, and startups. He is a CPA with an MBA and has participated in global projects in the US, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, France, and the UK.