Kenji Funahashi, Partner

Wilson Sonsini

Kenji (Ken) Funahashi is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on corporate and securities law. Ken works on a wide range of corporate finance matters, from start-up companies obtaining angel financing to multibillion-dollar transactions for multinational and Fortune 500 companies. He has handled more than $10 billion in financings, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and IPOs, including hundreds of private and public financing transactions for entrepreneurs and investors.  Ken's practice focuses on the representation of technology, life sciences, healthcare, and other growth companies throughout the United States and internationally. Representative clients include software, SaaS, IT, IoT, cybersecurity, aerospace, robotics, e-gaming, AR/VR, and blockchain entrepreneurs and investors in the technology area, and genomics, diagnostics, biologics, pharmaceuticals, medical device, and digital health entrepreneurs and investors in the life sciences and healthcare fields.  In addition to practicing in California's technology clusters for over two decades, Ken has studied and worked abroad and has extensive experience in cross-border transactions in Europe and Asia. He was previously a partner at one of the largest international law firms in the world and assists both U.S. technology companies engaging in business overseas, as well as European and Asian companies in financing, licensing, M&A, and joint venture activities in the U.S.  He is a member of the Pasadena Angels, Tech Coast Angels, Alliance for SoCal Innovation Venture Pipeline, Innovate Pasadena, and Biotech Connection Los Angeles

Gareth Jones, Partner

Citrin Cooperman

Gareth is a UK qualified Chartered Accountant with considerable experience advising media and marketing services clients in both the USA & the UK.  Gareth works primarily with owner-managed businesses operating in the media & entertainment industries, advising upon all aspects of tax compliance & planning, business management & family office, high net worth individuals, and international taxation issues.  Gareth qualified as a Chartered Accountant in the United Kingdom, spending 10 years advising media & entertainment clients at Moore Kingston Smith in London, prior to transferring to their Los Angeles office in 2017.

Atul Sapra, Principal, Tax Services

RSM LLP

Atul focuses on advising businesses on global tax-planning matters. He has 20 years of experience primarily advising and working with both public and privately held technology, manufacturing and consumer products companies. Atul combines his strategic business understanding with accounting and tax knowledge to co-develop practical solutions.

Adam Waggoner, Director, Business Development

RSM

Adam leads RSM’s Los Angeles’ business development practice with a specific focus on C-level relationship management. He has worked exclusively with C-suite executives for the last 15 years, with a documented track record of successfully supporting both public and privately held companies in a variety of industries, including technology and media.

Matthew Douglas, Business Development Officer

HSBC

Matthew Douglas is an International Business Banking Executive for HSBC Commercial Banking USA, where he supports small to mid-size businesses ($5-100 million). Matthew has over 20 years of experience working with businesses in North America, Europe and Asia with a focus on the UK - US corridor as a British national living in the US for over 18 years.  He began his career in York, England as a Financial Adviser with Aviva in 1995 to then join HSBC as a Relationship Manager in 2000 relocating to San Francisco in 2005. Matthew served in a variety of roles in the US from Premier Relationship Manager to Premier Centre Manager to his current assignment in International Business development for the Commercial team based in Los Angeles.  Matthew has served on the Board of the British American Business Council for over 16 years in California and has strong ties with the Department of International Trade, the Commercial arm of the British Government in the US and has a wide network of COIs to help his clients including International CPA’s, Corporate Attorneys and Immigration Lawyers.

Jonathan Davies, Partner

SRI

Jonathan Davies is a Partner heading up the U.S. Media & Entertainment Practice for SRI. SRI is the leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm sitting at the intersection of media, entertainment, sports and technology.  With more than 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Jonathan has held a variety of C-suite global leadership positions with U.S.-based media companies including CNN, Turner Broadcasting, Discovery International, and Eurosport as they have navigated the strategic, operational, and cultural challenges of a marketplace being transformed by digital technologies. Prior to that, he spent more than 10 years in senior roles at media and advertising agencies, including WPP, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Ogilvy.  Jonathan earned his MBA from the London Business School and holds an honors degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Nottingham. He is a Board Member of the British American Business Council in LA and sits on the Advisory Board of Global LA.

Diane Gilley, Partner, Technology Practice

Odgers Berndtson

An accomplished search professional for over twenty years, Diane has a successful track record of C-Suite executive search completions with a focus on clients in Technology, including Software/SaaS, Internet/Digital Media, Computer Hardware/Peripheral Products, Professional Services and IT Consulting/Outsourcing. Her search practice focuses on the recruitment of C-level executives across functional areas such as general management, technology and engineering, data analytics/AI and machine learning, information technology and cyber security, human resources, sales, marketing, product management and finance. Prior to joining Odgers Berndtson, Diana worked with Heidrick & Struggles, Korn Ferry International, Highland Partners, and Russell Reynolds.

Peter W. Schineller, Partner and Head US Life Science Practice

Odgers Berndtson

Prior to assuming his role as Partner and Head of US Life Science Practice, Mr. Schineller was Managing Director with Diversified Search Group’s Life Science Practice.  Before that, Mr. Schineller spent 25+ years in the Life Sciences field, with a focus spanning the pharmaceutical, biotech and diagnostic segments. Mr. Schineller has held key leadership positions in virtually all the functional areas found in commercial pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotech organizations.  He also has significant commercial launch experience, having managed the pre and post launch of more than 7 newly approved products. Additionally, he has been responsible for the creation of numerous sales and marketing organizations.  He has broad experience operating in large cap through early-stage organizations to include the cofounding of a start-up that raised more than $150M in venture funding.

Luke Calder, Vice President

Cresa

Luke Calder joined CRESA in 2015. He is a Vice President and leader of the Los Angeles office specializing in commercial real estate for both domestic and international clients ranging from established global companies to enterprising startups looking to lease or purchase real estate. He also sits as an advisor to many high-net worth individuals and family offices, assisting with their real estate investments decisions.  Having lived and worked in Europe and the US, Luke has extensive experience with both domestic and cross-border real estate transactions. Luke has parlayed his experience to help growing companies establish a physical presence in the United States. With a focus on entertainment, tech, life sciences,  media and professional services.  Luke's expertise has facilitated multiple cross-border transactions to establish international businesses in the US. Luke leverages his international network and extensive real estate background to ensure the best possible real estate decision is made in line with his client’s objectives.

Michelle Landrum

Bolton & Company

Michelle Landrum is an accomplished insurance brokerage professional with over 15 years of experience in employee benefits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Human Resources from Troy University, and is a licensed life/health agent, Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, and Group Benefits Disability Specialist. Michelle is actively involved in her community, serving as the President of the Los Angeles CEBS Board, the Engagement Chair of the PIHRA Pasadena Board, an Executive Committee member of C-Sweet, and a member of Women in Defense (NDIA). Her passions extend beyond her work and include transforming healthcare, space travel, and supporting charitable causes.

Melissa Eshaghian

Bolton & Company

Melissa is a dedicated and results-driven Property and Casualty Insurance Broker, specializing in customized insurance solutions for businesses. With over 10 years of experience at IMA, Melissa has a deep passion for understanding businesses and protecting their valuable assets and reputations through tailored insurance coverage. Melissa is an active member of Women in Manufacturing, SoCal Bio, and Co-founder of Bioscene, a newly formed association in Los Angeles with the goal of connecting professionals in the Life Sciences industry. Melissa's passion for learning about businesses, coupled with her dedication to protecting their interests and fostering their growth, sets her apart as a reliable broker who is invested in the success and well-being of her clients.

Joanne Harris, Business Development Executive, Southern California

Currencies Direct

Currencies Direct is a British foreign currency exchange and international payments company that offers industry-leading currency conversions and transfer solutions. They work closely with Tax & Immigration Attorneys, Cross-Border Wealth Advisors, CPA’s and Real Estate Investors to ensure their clients of the most competitive Rate of Exchange. Foreign clients can enjoy the benefits of direct IRS refund payments into their Personal Collections Accounts (PCA’s) allowing for a convenient and efficient transfer of funds in the currency of their choice. In addition to competitive rates, Currencies Direct offers guidance on the foreign exchange markets, and can lock exchange rates for clients, as well as monitor the market on their behalf. Currencies Direct has swift, safe, and reliable currency transfers. They also have a partner program that offers referral incentives. Online Registration