Featured Hedge Fund Management Experts

Damon Paull, AWMA® - Financial Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Military Veteran As a wealth management advisor and Amazon best-selling author in Money and Business, Damon Paull brings a military precision to financial journalism. His recent collaboration with former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss on "Empathetic Leadership" shows he can take complex financial concepts and turn them into stories that resonate with everyone. With over 8 years of industry experience and a background as a Marine Corps veteran and State Department contractor, Damon writes about: • Intergenerational wealth transfer • Corporate benefit plan optimization • Investment portfolio construction • Business succession planning • Veteran financial empowerment • Global market analysis through a geopolitical lens As a Wealth Management Advisor at Cetera Investors, Damon’s expertise goes beyond traditional financial planning. He uses cutting-edge financial technology and analysis tools to bring you fresh perspectives on emerging trends and investment opportunities. His writing style is data-driven with a storyline, making complex financial concepts accessible to sophisticated investors and general audiences. Regular contributor to discussions on wealth preservation, market dynamics and financial technology. Damon welcomes opportunities to provide professional commentary and in-depth analysis for financial publications looking for expert opinions on wealth management and investment strategies. For editorial inquiries or commentary: Damon Paull, AWMA Damon.Paull@ceterainvestors.com 832.535.2286 Glen Allen, VA Available for national and international commentary Cetera Investors. Damon Paull, Wealth Management Advisor. Securities and Insurance Products offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. 140 EASTSHORE DR. SUITE 105, GLEN ALLEN, VA 23059. 804-346-4670. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, not recommendations of Cetera Investment Services LLC or its representatives.

I’m P. Blake Renda—entrepreneur, investor, and co-CEO of Veedor Holdings LLC based in Naples, FL, with a satellite office in Santa Monica, CA. Veedor Holdings LLC, in addition to making strategic investments, owns and operates Dragon Horse Agency, Dragon Horse Publishing, and Moxie Creed. My professional journey began while attending the University of Southern Calfornia as an intern at NBC Studios, which led to a full-time position upon graduating. I then pivoted to law and then finance which ultimately lead me to Wall Street in 1996, where I was part of small team in Palo Alto, CA managing over $20 billion in technology-sector assets at J. & W. Seligman & Co. and in 2000 I earned recognition as one of Institutional Investor Magazine’s “Best of the Buy Side.” In 2006, I joined the New Dimensions Growth Team of American Express Asset Management in La Jolla, CA, as the T/M/T manager across six growth funds with $40 billion plus in AUM. In 2004, I was nominated for Institutional Investor Magazine's "Best of the Buy Side." Those years instilled in me the importance of rigorously vetting opportunities and leading with foresight—skills that I have consistently applied to every entrepreneurial venture. From 2011 to 2015, I helped transform a boutique Florida skincare startup into a nationally recognized, multi-award-winning brand, culminating in its public listing via SPAC. I exited that company and launched Veedor Holdings LLC with my Co-Founder, Julie Koester. Today, we own and operate Dragon Horse Agency, a multi-award-winning, bi-coastal agency serving global clients known for delivering business strategy and marketing under one roof. We also own Dragon Horse Publishing, an award-winning publishing company, and Moxie Creed, a wellness lifestyle e-commerce company. Beyond the accolades, successes, challenges, and failures, I live with a deep belief in resilience, mentorship, and shared success. I’m a proud father, a former youth volleyball coach, and a passionate advocate of Ubuntu—"I am because we are." Whether scaling startups, navigating global markets, or building culture, I bring the same competitive spirit and collaborative ethos to every endeavor. Success isn't about accolades—it’s about legacy, community, and the courage to keep moving forward. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

James Francis, CEO of Paradigm Asset Management, is a trailblazing entrepreneur at the intersection of finance, media, and artificial intelligence. Under his leadership, Paradigm Asset Management has managed over $7 billion in assets globally, pioneering AI-driven investment strategies that set new industry standards. Francis is the driving force behind PaaS Invest, an all-in-one investment platform that integrates AI-powered direct indexing with active management. Committed to ethical AI, he also founded Artificial Integrity, an initiative dedicated to fairness and transparency in AI governance, and launched BlackChat AI to promote diversity in the tech space. A Morehouse College alumnus, Francis actively contributes to multiple boards and organizations, solidifying his reputation as a leader shaping the future of both finance and technology.

I’m Paul Owen, FCA, an Economics graduate from Exeter, and a FinTech alumnus from Oxford. With 20+ years in senior finance roles at PwC, T-Mobile, and FTSE 100 iGaming firms, I’ve seen first-hand the cost of hiring mistakes. So, what led a numbers guy into the world of people? The realisation that success is about more than just numbers, it’s about the right talent. In 2017, I launched RecruitBlock to help web3 and blockchain startups build world-class teams that drive innovation. With a unique mix of financial insight and recruitment expertise, I’ve helped businesses grow by placing the right people in business-critical roles. I know that hiring isn’t just about filling seats, it’s about finding those who will make an impact, fast. I’ve built teams that thrive, and I bring this same focus to every search. I’m also an international speaker, regularly sharing my insights on the power of people in web3 at global events, including Zebu Live in London, and crypto meetups around the world. My mission is simple: connect groundbreaking companies with the right talent quickly, effectively, and affordably. Because getting recruitment right is the key to unlocking business potential. The right talent drives performance, fuels innovation, and sets the stage for lasting success.

With over 20 years in international recruitment, I specialise in Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 technologies. I've established and led businesses, building tech and non-tech teams from the ground up. My multilingual skills have connected top talent with companies across the UK, Europe, Israel, China, and the US. As Director at RecruitBlock, I've built high-performing teams for startups and scale-ups in emerging tech. Under my leadership, RecruitBlock was recognised as a Top Leading Company to Watch in 2024 by Biz Tech Outlook. In 2024, we received the FinTech Award for Crypto & Blockchain Recruitment Service of the Year in the UK, highlighting our commitment to tailored recruitment solutions. Our collaborations include partnerships with Gate.io, a global cryptocurrency exchange, and Pudgy Penguins, a prominent NFT collection. I'm passionate about inclusive talent acquisition and the benefits of AI and technology. I actively foster inclusive environments and have spoken at international events on talent acquisition strategies. My certifications, including MCIPD and PPA-certified psychometric assessor, reflect my commitment to high recruitment standards. I also organise Crypto Meetups in Gibraltar, promoting networking within the blockchain community. Additionally, I write a blog on recruitment within the Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 sectors, covering talent acquisition strategies, organisational culture, salary trends, and data analytics.

Earl Yaokasin, CFA, is an investment manager who runs WealthArch Investment Services in Pasadena, CA. He is a fiduciary with over twenty years of experience, and whose entire personal portfolio is managed by the firm in the same investments as the company’s clients. His firm focuses on value investing, similar to Warren Buffet’s successful approach, and disciplined strategies designed to create growth with downside protection, enabling clients to move steadily towards their life goals and aspirations with confidence.

I specialize in cybersecurity and digital asset recovery, helping individuals and organizations regain control of compromised resources. With expertise in forensic techniques, blockchain analysis, and fraud prevention, I tackle even the most complex cyber threats. As a business owner, I know how important it is to protect your assets. That’s why I founded Crypto Recovers—to help you reclaim stolen or inaccessible digital assets. With a global reach and ethical standards, we offer more than recovery services. We also provide guidance on securing your accounts to prevent future attacks.

Blake Morgan serves as Managing Partner of Mineral Vault following a career at Google, and, more recently, 10 years experience in mineral interest acquisition and management at Allegiance Oil & Gas and Anthem Oil & Gas. Mr. Morgan is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he received an academic scholarship to obtain his degrees in Business Honors & Finance. He is a native of Midland, Texas.

Daniel Lynch is a versatile entrepreneur and digital marketing expert based in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the founder and president of Empathy First Media, a full-service digital marketing agency, he combines his engineering background with innovative AI-driven strategies to help businesses achieve exceptional growth. With a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida, Daniel leverages his analytical mindset to solve complex marketing challenges. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding several successful ventures, including Medical Bill Gurus, which helps patients navigate the complexities of medical billing and insurance reimbursement. Daniel specializes in integrating artificial intelligence into marketing strategies, developing custom AI solutions that revolutionize customer acquisition and engagement. His expertise spans SEO, PPC advertising, public relations, and lead generation, with a proven track record of scaling businesses from concept to multi-million dollar enterprises. A passionate advocate for empathy in business, Daniel's approach combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of human behavior. His experience and expertise make him a compelling speaker on topics including AI integration, digital marketing innovation, and entrepreneurial success through perseverance.

Seann Malloy is a seasoned civil litigator and founding partner of Malloy Law Offices, specializing in litigation. With over 20 years of experience, he represents clients in a wide range of civil matters, including personal injury, commercial litigation, real estate disputes, and employment litigation. Known for being persuasive, meticulously prepared, and confident in the courtroom, Seann handles cases at both the trial and appellate levels—delivering results for individuals and businesses alike. Whether it’s a personal injury claim or a complex business dispute, Seann’s approach is rooted in strategy, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. Licensed to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Florida, Seann is also admitted to several federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. As a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and the University of Missouri, he has earned distinctions such as National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating. His track record is backed by glowing client reviews and a reputation for personal, attentive service. Seann believes that early, informed legal action can make all the difference—and he's the kind of advocate you want on your side when it counts.

With over 15 years in New York City’s luxury real estate market, Mukul “Micky” Lalchandani, managing broker of Undivided, specializes in modern luxury condominiums and new construction properties. Since 2022, Micky and his team have assisted over 130 clients, saving them more than $5.7 million. His clear communication and personalized service ensure clients feel confident throughout the buying process. By identifying exclusive listings, including off-market opportunities, and efficiently managing transactions, Micky allows clients to focus on their personal and professional commitments. Micky’s dedication to excellence is evident through his numerous accolades, including: • Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses - NYC, 2024 • RealTrends “2023 Best Real Estate Professional,” ranked #56 in Manhattan & #134 in New York State • Level Group’s “Creative Steward Award” in 2018 • USA Property Awards’ “Best Real Estate Agency Marketing” for 2016-2017 • Featured agent on HGTV’s “House Hunters” Micky is also a distinguished speaker on real estate marketing, sharing his expertise at industry conferences and contributing to top publications. Additionally, he is a content creator on YouTube, where he shares exclusive property tours, neighborhood spotlights, and insider tips to help you find your perfect home. He has over 40,000 subscribers and uploads weekly videos packed with actionable advice to stay ahead in the competitive luxury real estate market. Holding a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Boston University and LEED accreditation, Micky is committed to eco-friendly building practices. As an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), he stays current on industry trends and best practices.

Neevai Esinli is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and finance. A veteran of Israel’s elite cyber intelligence unit, Unit 8200, Neevai transitioned from national defense to founding and scaling high-impact technology ventures. He co-founded Spendl, a fintech startup that enabled seamless cryptocurrency payments via virtual Visa cards, which was later acquired by Wallet.app. Today, Neevai is the Founder and CEO of Esinli Capital, a next-generation venture capital fund-of-funds committed to democratizing access to top-tier venture returns. Leveraging proprietary data science models analyzing over 350,000 venture investments, Esinli Capital has pioneered a sector- and region-optimized strategy that delivers enhanced IRR and improved risk-adjusted performance for accredited investors. The fund uniquely tailors its approach to the investment goals of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. With a career spanning multiple successful exits and leadership roles, as well as over $10 billion in assets managed across his team, Neevai brings deep expertise in fintech, cybersecurity, and institutional investing. He is a passionate advocate for unlocking previously inaccessible venture opportunities and guiding investors through the complexities of generational wealth transition.

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

If you’re here, you’re probably curious about who I am and what we do at spectup. Let me fill you in. I started my career with a banking apprenticeship, thinking I’d spend my life crunching numbers. But then I discovered startups—and everything changed. At N26, the fintech unicorn, I got my first taste of the fast-paced world of innovation. I fell in love with the chaos, creativity, and energy. After that, I joined Civey, where I dove into digital market research, business models, and marketing strategies. Then came Deutsche Bahn, where I worked on international expansion, competitor analysis, and market strategies. I learned how to make sense of complex industries (global transport markets, anyone?) and drive growth. At diffferent (yes, that’s how it’s spelled), I helped brands like Audi and Zalando identify growth opportunities and design innovative business strategies. And at Deloitte’s Innovation & Ventures team, I worked on building future-proof businesses with cutting-edge tech. One highlight? Leading 30+ projects at the BMW Startup Garage, helping startups find their place in the world of mobility. That’s where I saw the real power of connecting startups with the right partners. Now, I’m building spectup. We work with growth-stage companies and select early-stage startups, helping them raise capital, connect with the right investors, and position themselves for long-term success. We also work with investors—PEs, VCs, angels, and family offices—helping them find promising, vetted companies to invest in without spending countless hours on due diligence. Why? Because startups fail too often, and investors waste too much time looking for the right opportunities. We’re here to bridge that gap. Whether you’re a founder looking for investors or an investor seeking quality opportunities, spectup is about making those connections—and making them work.