WE ARE.
More than “just the money”.
We have decades of experience across a range of industries including technology, finance, design, education, and media. We combine this know-how with a philosophy of learning-before-advising to be more than just typical investors.
Count on us to provide tangible, right-time/right-place guidance, support you in staying people-led and design-fed, and connect you to an experienced, diverse network of professionals. We operate out of Baltimore, Chicago, and Seoul.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Kenny Lee
There’s something really great living in the mixing of things: old with new, numbers with stories, business with heart. People with one another.
I joined Apple, Inc. when its most popular product was a music player. Ran its largest public beta, developed “never-been-done” product marketing, helped iPhone and iOS take down Blackberry. Later launched two startups (one tech: The Existence, Inc, one finance: InvestEd) for which I raised a little, learned a lot, got a software patent. Moved to IDEO, crafted ground-breaking content for online school IDEO U, and got deep into design–how to apply and teach it, and who could “do” it (hint: everyone).
Way-back machine: IT consultant for the IMF, manufacturing lead for snowboard binding company Switch Manufacturing, energy conservation engineer for Honeywell, PA to AD on film sets for music videos and short films (and one terrible feature, a western).
I write (fiction and non), swim, surf. MBA from MIT-Sloan, MechE from Cornell. Proud proud proud husband, father of two girls.
“Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is at hand.” - Henry Miller
FINANCE & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Steve Hsin
My favorite problems to solve are complex combinations of international finance and business. I’ve worked in the investment industry for over 25 years, with expertise in global financial markets, tax and accounting, and investment strategies.
Today, my day-to-day involves building, leading, and consulting for several multi-million dollar businesses across a range of industries including international finance, wealth management, consumer products, and food services.
I hold RFC certification from the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants, and an MS in Finance from the University of Baltimore. I’m fluent in English and Mandarin, conversant in several Chinese dialects.
I love the ocean: kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, diving with sharks; I want everyone to respect and protect the environment and natural resources that we all need and enjoy.
“I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.” - Mother Teresa
DESIGNER | EDUCATOR | QUESTION-OLOGIST
Meghan Rice
Questions are one of our most powerful tools. The right ones cut through complexity and uncertainty, while generating the energy to empower teams to discover surprising, unexpected, and awesome insights that shatter the status quo.
I have more than 10 years of experience in education, technology, and design. I’ve built best-in-class learning experiences for everyone from CEOs to kindergarteners, and my work at two startups (TenMarks, Conceptua Math) led to two acquisitions (one by Amazon). As a designer at IDEO, I’ve learned and taught the power of design–not only as a process, but as a mindset that inspires others and drives teams to astounding but attainable outcomes. Through it all, I always push to maintain a kid’s curiosity, no matter what the work is or who I’m working alongside.
I have a dual BA/BS (English, Biology) and a Master’s (Literary Theory) from Boston College. I’m an artist, photographer, and life-long learner. Try me - I can hold my own in a conversation about pretty much anything from the Kardashians to quantum physics.
“Leap and the net will appear.” - John Burroughs
FINANCE & INVESTMENT GURU | WORLD TRAVELER
Genti Cici
A plan is only as good as the follow-through on it. This is why we all need independent, trustworthy, unbiased voices around us: to break apart the noise, and hold us accountable to the plans we make.
I have over 20 years experience as an Investment Strategist, Financial Analyst, and Financial Planner, working with U.S. and international individuals and business clients. I am a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®) member, and also a Registered Investment Adviser Representative in the United States.
I hold an MBA in Finance from the University of Baltimore, and am fluent in Albanian, conversant in Spanish and Italian. I’m the author of over 50 articles and blog posts, and a book on personal finance and cross country RV travel called STANDUP. I’ve set foot in over 20 different countries around the world, and every state in the continental United States.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Da Vinci
ADVISOR | BUSINESS LEADER | PROFESSOR
Tai Young Lee
It’s a luxury that we cannot afford to waste–to think, live, and work freely. I’m an advisor and innovator in the worlds of international trade, finance, wealth management, and investment strategy, with nearly fifty years across these fields. I’ve always tried to use my experience and knowledge to open up opportunities and experiences for others.
I served as a corporate executive with a South Korean conglomerate, taught as a university professor and department chairman in Economics and Business, and founded an award-winning, international business in Maryland. From 2003-2008, I sat on the Board of Governors at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
I hold a law degree from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in Economics from Indiana University.
“We live for how to be remembered.” - Unattributed