Meet our private capital &
investment banking team.
The FirePower Capital team understands what keeps you up at night and what gets you up in the morning.
We’re entrepreneurs, like you, and we feel the same fire inside each and every day.
We have the creativity, experience, and commitment to help you conclude deals that simply change the course of your business.
Partners
Ilan Jacobson is the Founding Partner & CEO of FirePower Capital, and has transformed the firm from a small 4-person family office into a 30+ strong investment banking and private capital powerhouse. Ilan leads FirePower Capital in all its endeavours, setting its strategic direction, providing top-level guidance on key transactions undertaken by the Investment Banking division, and assessing new direct investments for FirePower’s Private Capital funds. Under his leadership, FirePower invests in Canada’s entrepreneurs by financing their growth directly with venture debt or private equity, and helps them complete their most critical transactions.
Ilan is sought after for his expertise on topics related to entrepreneurship, private capital, and M&A, and has appeared at numerous events as a speaker, moderator, and workshop leader. Previously, Ilan was a Portfolio Manager at a leading venture capital firm in Toronto, where he sat on numerous boards. He received his MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University, and has an Honours Degree in Science with a specialization in genetics from the University of Western Ontario.
Sebastien Douville drives the implementation of all FirePower Capital’s strategic initiatives while managing the company’s day-to-day operations. He is the driving force behind the firm’s developing its proprietary deal platforms and advancing its technology partnerships. Most recently, Sebastien headed corporate development and finance at Real Time Medical. Prior to that, he consulted for manufacturing, transport and energy companies at Oliver Wyman, where, among other assignments, he facilitated the $15 billion merger of two utilities. Sebastien received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and the Schulich School of Business, and holds a BSE in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University.
Jared Kalish leads FirePower Capital’s Private Capital division, which manages the firm’s direct lending and private equity investment activities. Jared brings strong banking expertise with deep experience in implementing structured lending and derivative solutions. Previously, he was responsible for Structured Finance and Strategic Equity for Investec in Canada. Jared achieved significant success early in his career and was appointed as a division head for Investec in South Africa at the age of 27, where he led the Equity Structuring team to realize substantial growth in profitability. He holds a BSc in Actuarial Science and an MSc in Risk and Stochastics from the London School of Economics.
Anthony Lipschitz leads FirePower Capital’s Private Equity division. Anthony is a passionate business builder and leader. Most recently he was the Chief Strategy Officer at Thinking Capital, a PE-backed fintech lender. Previously, he was Canada Country Manager at StubHub, eBay's ticketing marketplace, more than doubling the business in two years. While CEO at iStopOver, a short-term vacation rental marketplace he co-founded, Anthony led the company’s VC fundraising, growth and eventual acquisition. Prior to that, he was a VP at Brightspark Ventures, a venture capital firm widely regarded as Canada's startup experts. He holds a BA in Media Arts from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.
Alan Chettiar leads FirePower’s Investment Banking team in all its engagements and sets its strategic direction. As a former Principal at a boutique investment management firm, Alan brings over a decade of experience in venture capital (debt and equity) and private equity. Alan has worked directly with dozens of entrepreneurs in its portfolio companies, providing guidance on growth initiatives and strategic direction, and he leverages this deep hands-on experience to maximize results for our clients. Alan holds an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management, a JD from Dalhousie University, and a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Mary’s University. He is registered as a CIM by the Canadian Securities Institute.
Investment Banking
Kenan Dizdarevic leads the execution of FirePower's M&A and corporate finance advisory transactions. Kenan brings more than 11 years of experience in investment banking with fast growing international banking platforms both in the United States and in challenging emerging markets. Embarking on his career in Central Europe, he worked with Deloitte Corporate Finance and KBC Securities with a primary focus on cross-border M&A. Kenan subsequently moved to the US, joining Macquarie Capital in New York, where he advised financial sponsors and investment banking clients in the industrials space. After Macquarie, Kenan joined Mizuho Bank, focusing on strategic corporate finance advisory and capital raising, primarily for large US corporates and financial sponsors. Kenan holds an MBA from Duke University and is a CFA Charterholder.
Jonathan Lehun supports FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking capital raises and M&A transaction mandates. Prior to joining FirePower, Jonathan facilitated the transition of IA portfolios in the range of $50 to $150 million at RBC Dominion Securities. Before embarking on his career in investment banking, Jonathan was a professional hockey player from 2004 to 2008, having been selected in the 2003 NHL entry draft by the St. Louis Blues. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University.
Somant Maraj supports FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking mandates, with a specific focus on M&A. Before joining FirePower, Somant worked in wealth management in the Private Client Group at BMO Nesbitt Burns. Somant holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Ryerson University. He is a sports enthusiast and has represented Trinidad & Tobago in cricket at a regional and international youth level.
Philippe Theroux Ha executes on FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking mandates and leads the firm’s business development activities in Quebec. Philippe started his career at FirePower as an Origination Analyst and returned after a 2-year stint in the Corporate Finance division of Enerkem Inc., a VC-backed renewable fuels company based in Montreal. While at Enerkem, Philippe helped conclude approx. $200m in private equity and debt financings, as well as analyze over $1b in infrastructure projects. Philippe holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from HEC Montreal.
Ryan Balsam works in FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking group, after a short stint in our Private Capital division. Prior to joining FirePower, Ryan was an analyst at a boutique private equity firm focused on the lower middle-market. In doing so, he received comprehensive experience researching and evaluating target companies through financial modeling while structuring and executing transactions. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and Political Science from McMaster University. He is currently pursuing his CFA designation.
Josh Phillips works in FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking group. Prior to joining FirePower, Josh was an Investment Analyst at a boutique commercial real estate firm, where he provided analysis and support for land acquisition and development projects. Josh holds a Masters of Science in Finance from the University of Reading in Reading, England. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he was a member of the NCAA Division 1 Ice Hockey team. Josh is a CFA level 3 Candidate.
Andrew Doucet-McDonald works in FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking group. Prior to joining FirePower, Andrew held internships in the private equity team at Caisse de Dépot et Placement du Québec (CDPQ), where he focused on valuation of private businesses and gained relevant experience through several transactions. Andrew holds a Master of Science in Finance from HEC Montreal, graduating in June 2018. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sherbrooke University, Canada.
Evan Gravenor works in FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking group. Prior to joining FirePower, Evan was a Senior Auditor at the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario, where he focused on financial reporting and operational efficiency audits of Crown Corporations and government agencies. He received a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Accounting from York University, and played on the York Lions Varsity Men’s Hockey team. Evan is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Smit Patel works in FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking group. Prior to joining FirePower, Smit completed a co-op placement with BDO’s Valuation team, where he provided valuation services to corporate clients across various industries. Smit is completing his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Waterloo, where he is enrolled in the Honours Biotechnology and Chartered Professional Accountancy Co-op program. He is pursuing his CFA designation and is currently a Level I candidate.
Kailas Kumar works with FirePower Capital’s Investment Banking group. Previously, Kailas was a Summer Analyst at a private equity search fund, where he supported the acquisition of a Canadian industrial manufacturer. Kailas is currently working towards his Honors Business Administration degree at the Ivey Business School.
Brendan Cunneen is a special advisor to FirePower’s Investment Banking team. Previously, he oversaw all credit underwriting activities within FirePower’s Private Capital’s Gap Debt fund. Brendan has over 30 years of lending, management consulting and human resources development experience in the lower-mid market segment. Having held various position of increasing responsibility throughout Canada with BDC since 1970, he was part of the group that started BDC’s subordinated financing program and led BDC’s consulting practice. In 2011, Brendan sold his tax credit underwriting practice to Ernst & Young and thereafter joined E&Y’s national practice. Brendan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University College Cork, Ireland.
Private Capital
Trevor Simpson leads FirePower Capital’s Private Capital division in client engagement and credit underwriting. Trevor brings extensive experience in structuring cash flow transactions and providing patient capital to clients utilizing senior term, subordinated debt and mezzanine financing. Previously, Trevor worked at Roynat Capital where he managed and grew a portfolio of clients, tailoring long-term capital solutions for mid-sized companies. Trevor received a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from McMaster University, an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Bryan Lehman is an Associate in FirePower’s Private Capital division, supporting the evaluation and underwriting of lending and private equity opportunities. Prior to joining FirePower, Bryan worked with KPMG’s Deal Advisory group, providing financial due diligence services for private equity and corporate clients across diversified industries. Previously, Bryan worked in KPMG’s Assurance practice, with a focus on the financial services sector. Bryan is a Chartered Professional Accountant, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business.
Tunde Agboola works with FirePower Capital’s Private Capital team, supporting the evaluation and underwriting of lending and private equity opportunities. Prior to joining Firepower, Tunde worked for Aon Canada’s Global Risk Consulting practice, providing risk and capital management advisory services to Canadian companies. Tunde holds a B.Math from the University of Waterloo, and an MBA from the Rotman School of Business, where he specialized in investment banking and corporate finance.
Uday Sandhu works with FirePower Capital’s Private Capital team, responsible for evaluating and supporting private debt and equity opportunities. Prior to joining FirePower, Uday worked for IJW & Co.’s merger and acquisition practice, providing support for sell- and buy-side mandates in the Canadian mid-market. Uday holds a Bachelors of Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Waterloo.
Jerry Yao works with Firepower’s Private Capital division, supporting the evaluation and underwriting of lending and private equity opportunities. Prior to joining Firepower, Jerry worked in BDC’s merger and acquisition practice, gaining experience with Canadian mid-market companies. He is currently completing his Honours Business Administration degree at the Ivey School of Business.
Satya Polavarapu works with FirePower’s Private Capital division, supporting the evaluation and underwriting of lending and private equity opportunities. Prior to joining FirePower, Satya worked with CIBC Capital Markets, supporting operational improvements in the corporate banking process. He is currently completing his Honours Business Administration degree at the Ivey School of Business.
Origination
Karen Fisman leads and executes FirePower Capital’s communication and content initiatives. In her most recent role, she was the publications lead at a Toronto-based M&A advisory firm. Previously, she worked as an equities analyst at First Marathon Securities (acquired by National Bank), where she specialized in the media and entertainment sector. Karen began her career in corporate and commercial lending with Scotiabank and RBC. Throughout her career, she has been a sought-after speaker on various topics including production financing, and the Canadian media and entertainment sector. Karen is also the author of several children’s books, and is active in her community to improve high-school students’ business writing. She holds an LLB from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the Rotman School of Business.
Steven Kraft originates new advisory and investment opportunities for FirePower Capital. Steven focuses on the technology and manufacturing sectors, and brings functional specializations in market research and corporate development to our firm. Before joining FirePower Capital, Steven was an Equity Research Analyst covering technology at M Partners, a Toronto-based investment bank. Prior to this, Steven worked for an Israeli-based internet software company, where he led early-stage business development in North America. Steven holds an MBA from Queen’s University and has completed an Honours Degree in History from the University of Toronto. He is an active member of the UJA Young Business Committee and volunteers with Camp Oochigeas.
Bhavin Parmar drives FirePower’s Origination team’s efforts in developing new relationships and sourcing new deals for our firm. Bhavin brings to FirePower Capital his experience as an Investment Analyst at a Toronto-based private equity fund, as well as a key account manager at a digital marketing strategy firm. Bhavin graduated from the Schulich School of Business with a specialization in Finance.
Mashfia Rahman develops and deepens new and existing relationships as part of FirePower Capital’s origination team. Before joining FirePower Capital, Mashfia was a personal banking advisor at TD Canada Trust, where she managed day-to-day transactions ranging from account maintenance to investments and various types of loans and mortgages. Mashfia holds an Economics and French Studies Degree from York University (Glendon).
As a member of FirePower’s Origination team, Matt identifies and cultivates relationships and opportunities for the firm’s Investment Banking and Private Capital groups. Before joining FirePower, Matt was a Sales Associate at NEI Investments, where he was responsible for developing relationships with a network of Investment Advisors. Matt holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).
As a member of FirePower’s Origination team, Rhu identifies and cultivates relationships and opportunities for the firm’s Investment Banking and Private Capital groups. Prior to joining FirePower, he founded an e-commerce automotive marketplace and was active in the startup community. Rhu holds an Economics degree from Carleton University.
As part of FirePower’s Origination team, Robert Pavlovsky develops and builds relationships with Canadian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining FirePower, Robert was an accountant in the private equity division of a prominent global accounting firm. Robert holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Ted Rogers School of Business Management at Ryerson University. While attending Ryerson, Robert gained his first capital markets experience as a research analyst in the Ryerson Investment Group.
Corporate
Severina Lutaj manages FirePower Capital’s finance, investor reporting, and operations functions. She is a recent iBBA graduate of the Schulich School of Business with a specialization in Finance, and also studied at HEC Paris in France. Before joining FirePower Capital, Severina accrued significant commercial real estate experience at MPI Group, assisting management in new and existing projects. She previously interned at Cushman and Wakefield, where she worked with clients like Burger King and Tim Hortons.
Shamez Walji supports FirePower’s fast and disciplined growth. Shamez has helped redesign the firm’s proprietary deal platform and database, has implemented new sales and marketing tools to boost the productivity of the origination team, and has brought in and analyzed deals. Previously, Shamez was a Business Technology Analyst at Deloitte, and he has worked in private equity firms to improve the operational efficiency and profitability of portfolio companies. He was also an entrepreneur in the Next 36 program and has built and sold his own technology company. Shamez hold a BSc. in Engineering from the University of Alberta with a specialization in nano and functional materials.
Evgeny Soloho leads all our Salesforce development efforts. He is a highly accomplished Salesforce Certified Developer (DEV 401), with a 12+ years track record of advanced full-lifecycle Salesforce implementations for financial, communications and manufacturing companies such as McCarthy Tétrault, Manulife, Mackenzie Investments and BMO. He is a graduate of Vitebsk State Technological University (VSTU) in Belarus. Evgeny heads his growing Salesforce consultancy, WebSolo.ca
Kimberly Dy manages and supports the daily operations at FirePower. Prior to joining FirePower, Kimberly was an associate consultant specializing in Crown Royalties for a tax advisory firm, where she reviewed client ledgers, provided in-depth analysis reports, and provided general administrative and IT support. Kimberly graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Art in East Asian Language Studies.