About Amad Elia Phd, MBA, CFA
Biography
I come from a background in Entrepreneurship, Startup Founder, Venture Capital Associate, General Partner, and Investment Banking Senior Associate. As an Entrepreneur, I founded and advised many startups/companies: two of which I have found myself inceptionep.com and http://www.interstatetraveler.us which are seed-stage companies. I also have been on the investment broker side raising substantial capital from Venture Capitalist and others for many startups, playing the role of a connector, as well as doing deals in M & A. Moreover, I have been a Venture Capital Associate for CRV (Charles River Ventures) for six years and an Investment Banker for six years as a Managing Director. Also while working for yet another firm: Detroit Venture Partners I and the (as an intern) core team invested in many successful startups some of which have exited or IPOed such as (Twitter, Velos, and StyleShop).
Furthermore, in 2017 I graduated with an MBA from Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan to go along with my PhD from Oakland University in Applied Finance and Economics and am currently in the CFA program to obtain my license in that. Lastly, as an Angel Investor, I have invested in startups that have gone on to become unicorns and exited (Blue Apron and Blue Bottle Coffee) among others. And also was and still is partially a managing partner at biotech frontier capital, as well as the emerald ecosystem fund via Skytree Capital Partners.
Professional CV
Past Experience
Bain and Company
November 2010 - January 2023
Offered advice and expertise to CEO's of Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit as well as Government organizations to help them improve their business performance in terms of operations, profitability, management, structure and strategy. ... The work stretches across a variety of areas, including management, strategy, IT, finance, marketing, HR and supply chain management. As well as extensive work in M & A
Apollo Managment Group
June 2003- May 2008
I worked on a wide range of potential investment opportunities across industries and asset classes. My role was an integral part of the deal team, focused on executing on investment opportunities, analyzing potential exit opportunities and monitoring current portfolio companies. Further I was involved in transaction due diligence, valuation analysis, and the negotiating of contracts and other agreements.
Biotech Frontier Capital
April 2010-2023
Financial analyses, Financial Modeling, Due Diligence, Investment Analysis, Report Reading, Advisory roles, Board Member positions. Mentor Associates: help lead investment selections. Investing in the life science, pharma, and biotech.
Professional CV
Past Experience
November 2010- January 2024
CalPERS
As a Managing Investment Director at CalPERS, I led the oversight and strategic management of diverse investment portfolios, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. My responsibilities included conducting rigorous financial analyses, assessing and mitigating risks, and implementing policies to maintain portfolio compliance. I played a key role in strategic asset allocation, optimizing returns through collaboration with cross functional teams and contributing to sustainable investment initiatives integral to CalPERS’ mission of securing long-term retirement benefits for public employees. In this role, I honed advanced skills in portfolio management, financial modeling, and risk assessment, while leveraging financial software to analyze market trends and identify investment opportunities. My position required high-level communication with stakeholders, where I presented complex financial insights clearly, facilitating informed decisions that upheld CalPERS’ ethical standards and objectives. Lastly, I helped lead the investor relations portion of my team and had the role of building and maintaining LP relationships.
June 2003-May 2010
Charles River Ventures
As a key member at CRV, I was involved in sourcing and evaAs a key member at CRV, I was involved in sourcing and evaluating potential investment opportunities, conducting thorough due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies with strategic guidance. My role required strong analytics skills, market insight, and the ability to foster relationships with entrepreneurs and industry leaders.luating potential investment opportunities, conducting thorough due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies with strategic guidance. My role required strong analytical skills, market insight, and the ability to foster relationships with entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Focus areas were Fintech, Blockchain, AI, and SaaS and Enterprise.
April 2008 - March 2015
Salesforce
The group and I were tasked with long-term value creation, helping maintain the company’s competitive advantage, and advancing its strategic objectives by (I) identified growth opportunities within new markets and new technology segments (ii) evaluated acquisitions, investments and other transactions that leveraged these opportunities, and (iii) managed investments and acquisitions deal execution and integration processes.
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"Do not go where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail"