Adrian Alexander of New York
Strategic Finance & Venture Capital Expert | Investment Portfolio Specialist
Adrian Alexander of New York was born in 1946 in Bucharest, Romania, and holds dual U.S. and Italian citizenship. In 1964, after completing high school, he emigrated from Romania to the United States with his family. Tragically, six months after their arrival, his father passed away, compelling him to provide for his mother and himself. Amid these challenges, he attended NYU Engineering School, earning a Master’s in Electrical Engineering in 1970. He furthered his education at Harvard Business School, obtaining an MBA in 1972.
Throughout these early hardships, he excelled academically and personally at NYU and Harvard, supporting his mother and overcoming the obstacles of their new life in America. His resilience and determination laid a solid foundation for his future achievements.
Career
From 1972 to 1978, Alexander began his career in investment banking, starting at Morgan Stanley & Co. immediately after graduating from Harvard. He spent three years there before transitioning to Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb as the Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions.
Off to Italy
In 1978, he relocated to Milan, Italy, to work with the executive search firm Egon Zehnder. He recruited executives for multinational clients there, enhancing his expertise and global business connections. He has spent considerable time in Italy, averaging one-third of the past 50 years.
Back in the U.S.
Returning to the U.S. in 1978, he pursued various entrepreneurial ventures. In 1980, he acquired Minneapolis Sport, a struggling sporting goods franchise. He restructured the business and sold it to over 50 franchisees, earning recognition for his strategic business acumen.
1987-1990 Polly Peck Acquisition of Del Monte Fresh Fruit Company
In 1987, Alexander joined Polly Peck International, Plc, as Vice President of Acquisitions. During his tenure, he significantly expanded the company’s U.S. operations, including acquiring Del Monte Fresh Fruit Company for $875 million, and spearheaded the firm’s growth into Eastern Europe.
From 1991 to 1994, he advised regional corporate stationery, guiding its transformation into a $2 billion multinational office products distributor.
1995-1996 EC/American
He then became the principal of a boutique investment bank specializing in emerging healthcare companies, securing vital venture capital for firms like Trinity Biotech and CTSO.
1996-1999 Phoenix Real Estate Fund
In 1996, he established the Phoenix Real Estate Fund, acquiring and managing over 200 properties in New York City valued at approximately $20 million, which he successfully liquidated at the end of 1999.
Technology Seed Capital
In 2000, he founded Technology Seed Capital, an early-stage venture capital fund, supporting numerous technology startups over three years.
2004-2006 Limores-Online Platform for Ground Transportation
He co-founded Limores.net, an innovative online ground transportation platform predating Uber and Lyft. Despite its initial success, the company was sold in 2006 due to financial constraints.
2006-2014 AMI, Llc
He revitalized a struggling imaging center in Astoria, New York, eventually selling it in 2014 after a successful turnaround.
2010-2021 Health Settlement, LLC
In 2010, he established Health Settlement, LLC, a lender for personal injury cases. He collaborated initially with local legal and medical professionals and later partnered with U.S. Claims, a Blackstone company, in 2014.
On the Personal Side
Adrian Alexander of New York looks forward to celebrating his 29th wedding anniversary with his wife, Susi, in July 2025. His son recently celebrated his 25th birthday, and his daughter just turned 21. Beyond his professional endeavors, he enjoys the intellectual and strategic challenges of chess and poker, where he applies the same focus, patience, and strategic thinking that have marked his successful career.
