In 1999, Mr. Ghandour established TI Capital as a venture capital fund investing in early-stage technology companies, across ecommerce, SaaS, early internet, mobile gaming, and consumer technology, while developing a deep and robust network of proprietary deal flow that still exists today. Witnessing the excess and eventual selloff through the dotcom bubble gave way to new opportunities for TI Capital. As a director of a public U.S. midstream oil and gas company during the early 2000s, Mr. Ghandour headed overseas expansion with deals in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, while also building a successful project management and consulting business in the Middle East. He then developed TI Capital into a multinational family of companies with expertise in global private equity, large-scale real estate projects, and venture capital & growth equity investing.

Notable endeavors and partnership by Mr. Ghandour and TI Capital include anchoring and building a leading securitized corporate credit manager, providing the first institutional capital to the third largest POS and mobile payment solutions company, establishing a physical and digital banking and financial services platform across unbanked populations in West Africa, amassing one of the largest portfolios of cell-tower land leases in the U.S., bringing to successful IPO an Italian NPL servicer and a European rail ticketing platform, and currently developing one of the largest master-planned single-family communities in Northern California.

Prior to founding TI Capital, as a third generation “oil man,” Mr. Ghandour’s primary focus was on structuring oil ventures, successfully transforming a vertically integrated oil company in a globally diversified holding company. Mr. Ghandour holds degrees in business and political science from Pepperdine University and received an MBA from Pepperdine’s prestigious President and Key Executive program.

Outside of family and work, the activity he has been most proud of throughout his lifetime is his storied racing career, spanning from rallying to GT3 circuit racing, which he considers not only a motivational tool but a necessary breakaway from daily life trappings.

Aref Mikati earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from ENSCT (Institut National Polytechnique – AIA7 in Toulouse, France). He began his career providing engineering support to large scale pipe and steel building manufacturers. Mikati expanded his expertise to include heading pharmaceutical manufacturing and operations and eventually served as Chief Operating Officer and Investment Technology Consultant for a U.S. based venture capital fund. His diverse technical and investment background has benefited a vast network of companies throughout Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Mikati now serves as TI Capital’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer.

John Baayoun is a 30 plus year veteran of the real estate industry. John’s career began with a small private homebuilder before joining Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) in 1998. For 20 years, John was part of Lennar’s Southern California team where he held multiple leadership positions with the majority of his tenure as division president for the Southern California Coastal division. He has been involved in various types of developments, from large master planned communities to stand alone projects including urban infill. John joined TI Capital in 2018 as president of Real Estate and brings with him a vast level of real estate experience managing homebuilding and land operations.

As Vice President of TI Capital’s investment practice, Jordan oversees the day to day operations of private equity, venture capital, and public equity investments including sourcing, due diligence, evaluating existing and prospective investments, and making investment recommendations. Jordan also takes an active role in TI Capital’s direct investments, working with management teams to create value in their companies and participating as a frequent observer to their respective boards.

Prior to his role at TI Capital, Jordan held various positions at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles advising high net worth families and small institutions across investments, credit, and private transactions. Working extensively with businesses in the financial, consumer, and technology industries, he helped many founders build the team and structure necessary for a successful exit. Jordan received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Finance from Oregon State University.

Randolph is a Sr Investment Associate with TI Capital focused on Private Equity, Venture, and Real Estate investment opportunities. He holds a Master of Finance from Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California Riverside and nine years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining TI Capital, Randolph was with a long-short US equity hedge fund focused on fundamental value, growth, and special situation investments across the consumer discretionary and technology sectors. He is an active supporter of UC Riverside’s student-run Hylander Financial Group that he helped found in 2013 and is a firm believer in giving back to the community. Outside of the office you can find him roasting, brewing, and sharing high grade specialty coffee or partaking in food adventures.

Nasser joined the LA office’s real estate team in early 2022 as a Project Manager. Prior to this, he has worked with affiliate companies in the Middle East as part of their Business Development team. Nasser started his career with one of the prominent industrial contractors in Saudi Arabia. Since then, he has had the opportunity to work on various projects ranging from residential to refineries and petrochemical plants. Nasser holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the American University of Beirut.

As an Investment Analyst, Daniel is directly involved in private equity and real estate.  Daniel partakes in the process of due diligence, financial modeling, valuations, deal sourcing, and company analysis.  For the past 2.5 years, Daniel has worked within sell-side and buy-side mergers and acquisitions, specializing in industries such as Digital Media, Cybersecurity, e-Commerce, and SaaS.

Rakan is a new addition to the investment team, serving as a junior investment analyst in our Los Angeles office. Recently graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in Finance and an emphasis in Real estate investing, Rakan focuses on TI Capital's commercial real estate investments, direct growth private equity and venture capital investments.

Tiara joined the LA office in early 2022 as a junior investment analyst with a focus in Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Real Estate investments. She analyzes investment deals, takes part in due diligence process, and overlooks real estate properties. Prior to this, Tiara graduated from Cass Business School with a first-class honor in Business with Finance.

Marina Fialkovskaya, as the Director of Accounting, brings more than 15 years of financial experience in real estate and investments to TI Capital. She is responsible for all aspects of financial accounting and reporting including overseeing day to day operations of accounting department, strategic planning to ensure proper staffing, compliance, training, implementation of new assignments, and ensuring accurate and consistent financial reporting. Prior to joining TI Capital, Marina held Accounting Management positions at real estate and public accounting firms. Marina graduated with a master’s degree in Finance from Rostov State University of Economics in Russia.

Barbara Cimini joined TI Capital as an accounting specialist. Current responsibilities include general accounting, finance & cost analysis relating to real estate development and construction projects. Prior to TI Capital she was working as project manager where she developed a strong understanding of business best practices and cost reduction. Barbara graduated in Economics from PUC-GO (Pontifical University Catholic of Goias – in Brazil). She earned a Finance certificate degree from University of California Los Angeles and holds her MBA from Irvine Westcliff University.

As the lead accounting specialist, Beatriz is responsible for all daily accounting tasks. Prior to joining TI Capital, she worked for 3.5 years in the finance department of a fast-growing clothing company. She graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a bachelor's degree in accounting and an economics minor.

Rey Vasquez is the lead IT support associate for the LA office and brings with him 14 years of experience in IT. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking with friends and family.

Jordanna Gersh has been working for TIC MANAGEMENT LLC since 2014.  She holds the position of Executive and Personal Assistant to the Owner, Ziad Gandour, and C.O.O., Aref Mikati.  She is also the Office Manager and handles various logistics.

Michelle Gutierrez is the newest member of the TI Capital team and provides the office’s staff with administrative support.