The Team Behind
the Capital.

CÌAAN is powered by experienced leaders, sharp minds, and passionate professionals committed to shaping the future of capital matchmaking.

Our People and Leadership.

Brendan Choi La Rosa
Chairman, CEO & Founder
Isabella Mancini
President & Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Marcus Lee
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
Amira S. Khalil
Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
Julian Drake
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Careers

Open Positions.

Explore opportunities to join a dynamic team driving capital solutions
for innovative businesses and strategic investors.

Investment Analyst
Capital Formation Associate
Investment Director – Sector Specialist
Legal & Structuring Counsel
Institutional Sales Executive

Your Questions, Answered.

Find answers to common questions about our services, processes, and how we connect investors with growth opportunities.

General Inquiries
Capital Raises Process
Investor Network & Matching
Capital Types & Funding Structure
Fees, Costs & Payment Structure
Timeframe & Success Factors
Legal & Compliance
Post-Funding Support
Common Challenges & Misconceptions
Careers & Partnership Opportunities
1. What Is Your Track Record In Capital Raising?
2. What Industries Do You Specialise In?
3. Who Are Your Typical Clients?
4. How Much Capital Can You Raise?
5. What Types Of Investors Are In Your Network?
6. How Long Does It Take To Raise Capital?
7. How Does Your Firm Differ From Traditional Investment Banks Or Placement Agents?
8. What Capital Types Can You Help Clients Raise?
9. Is Your Firm Licensed And Registered?
10. How Are Investors Vetted Within Your Network?
11. What Happens After Capital Is Raised?
12. How Do I Get Started & What Can I Expect During The Initial Consultation?
1. What is the step-by-step process for raising capital with your firm?
2. What kind of information do I need to provide?
3. How do you determine which investors are the right fit for my business?
4. What happens if I don’t raise the full amount?
5. Do you help with valuation and deal structuring?
6. What strategies do you use to attract investors?
7. Do you assist with pitch deck creation and investor presentations?
8.  What role does due diligence play in the capital raising process?
9. Can you raise capital for early-stage startups, or do you focus on later-stage businesses?
10. How do you ensure confidentiality when presenting businesses to investors?
1. What criteria do you use to match businesses with investors?
2. What is the typical profile of investors in your network?
3. Do you work with angel investors, venture capitalists, private equity, or institutional investors?
4. Can you connect me with international investors?
5. Are your investors active participants in the business, or do they take a passive role?
6. What is the typical check size investors write?
7. How many investors will I be introduced to?
8. Do you help with negotiating investor terms?
1. What types of capital can you help raise (equity, debt, convertible notes, etc.)?
2. Do you assist with venture capital or private equity fundraising?
3. Can you help with bridge financing or mezzanine financing?
4. Do you provide access to government grants or subsidies?
5. Can you help raise capital for roll-ups, acquisitions, or buyouts?
6. What is the difference between equity financing and debt financing?
7. How do SAFE notes and convertible debt work?
8. Can I raise funds without giving up equity?
1. What are your engagement fees, retainers, and success fees?
2. How do your fees compare to traditional investment banks?
3. Do I need to pay upfront before you start raising capital?
4. Is there a refund policy if I don’t raise capital?
5. What percentage of the funds raised do you take as a fee?
6. Do you take an equity stake in the businesses you work with?
7.  Are there any hidden costs involved?
1. How long does it typically take to raise capital?
2. What factors affect the speed of raising capital?
3. What can I do to make my business more attractive to investors?
4. How do market conditions impact my ability to raise funds?
5. What is the typical success rate for businesses raising capital with your firm?
6. What are the biggest reasons businesses fail to raise capital?
1. Is your firm licensed and registered?
2. What legal documents are required to raise capital?
3. Do I need a lawyer before engaging with investors?
4. How do you ensure deals comply with SEC regulations?
5. What happens if an investor backs out after committing?
6. Do you help with contract negotiations and term sheets?
7. How do you ensure investor credibility and legitimacy?
8. Are international investments subject to different regulations?
1. What happens after I successfully raise capital?
2. Do you provide strategic support after the investment is secured?
3. Can you help with investor relations and reporting obligations?
4. What should I do if I need to raise additional rounds of capital?
5. How do I manage expectations with my investors?
6. Do you assist with exit strategies, IPOs, or M&A deals?
1. Do I need a perfect business plan to raise capital?
2. Can I raise capital without revenue or traction?
3. Is it true that only tech startups can attract investors?
4. Will raising capital mean losing control of my business?
5. Do investors only care about financial projections?
6. What are the biggest mistakes businesses make when raising capital?
7. Do I need to have an extensive personal network to raise money?
1. Do you offer opportunities for professionals to join your team?
2. What kind of background do you look for in team members?
3. Can I work with your firm as an independent dealmaker or referral partner?
4. Do you have an internship or mentorship program?
5. What commission or incentives do you offer for successful referrals?
“We only back operators we’d invest in personally. That’s the bar. We treat every capital raise like a co-investment — and that’s why the market listens when we pick up the phone.”
Brendan Choi La Rosa
Chairman, CEO & Founder
“We know who’s deploying capital, where they’re doing it, and why — this isn’t about random outreach; it’s about timing, precision, and being in the right place at the right moment.”
Marcus Lee
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
“Every investor conversation is framed with full legal clarity. We navigate AML, KYC, and cross-border complexities in-house, so capital never gets stalled by friction downstream.”
Amira S. Khalil
Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
“Our team thinks like allocators. Before a deal reaches investors, it’s vetted, mapped to mandate,
and positioned with the depth LPs expect from a top-tier private markets desk.”
Julian Drake
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

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