Finance has always been more than just a career for Angela Alvarez; it’s been a lifelong passion. Her journey through the financial landscape has been a remarkable one, leading her to the position of Founder and Executive Chairman of Aglaia Capital.
Angela’s vision for Aglaia Capital reflects her deep understanding of the finance industry, where she has honed her expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, and financial services. But she didn’t stop there. Angela’s vision for Aglaia Capital combines traditional financial disciplines with the power of technology.
Aglaia Capital is not your typical financial firm. It’s a unique blend of a traditional investment banking business and a technology-oriented enterprise. The fusion of the old and the new, clients and partners, sets Aglaia Capital apart.
Aglaia Capital has its roots in two key areas. First, it focuses on advisory corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity. The company excels in off-market deals in Europe, with select forays into other regions. Specialization in financing structures, real estate, fintech, blockchain, and digital assets sets Aglaia Capital apart.
The second facet of Aglaia Capital centers around venture capital for early-stage fintech, blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies. Angela recognizes that emerging technologies are shaping the financial sector’s future, and Aglaia Capital has embraced digital assets.
Angela’s reach extends beyond Aglaia Capital. She leads the Aglaia Capital Club, an investment club offering co-investment opportunities, particularly for disruptive fintech startups. She actively participates as a speaker, chair, and judge in various economic forums, industry awards, and startup competitions, nourishing her global perspective and creativity in the business world.
Angela Alvarez is not just shaping the future of finance; she’s creating a legacy that’s transforming the financial landscape into a realm of new opportunities and endless possibilities.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Embracing Challenges and Fostering Values
Ever since its inception, Angela has embarked on a challenging journey as she ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. She views these challenges as integral to her personal growth and development. Angela’s unwavering commitment, vision, and sense of purpose have served as her primary tools in surmounting these obstacles.
She firmly believes in embracing the lessons learned from each challenge and maintaining her passion and resilience. Additionally, being surrounded by like-minded allies who share the same mission, values, and objectives has made her entrepreneurial journey more manageable.
At Aglaia Capital, innovation and integrity are deeply ingrained in their ethos. Angela’s lifelong commitment to thriving, making a positive impact, and contributing to a better world has been the driving force behind her dreams and aspirations. She has instilled these principles in the very core of Aglaia Capital. The company welcomes individuals who share these values and are eager to collaborate in pursuit of their collective mission.
Holistic Approach
Aglaia Capital employs a comprehensive approach that seamlessly combines traditional corporate finance practices with cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain to enhance its transactional financial services and digital assets offerings.
In the realm of corporate finance, the company boasts an extensive track record in handling transactions. They apply the discipline and knowledge commonly associated with traditional investment banking across a wide spectrum of scenarios, ranging from straightforward situations to the most intricate deals, spanning various deal sizes. Their dynamic deal flow emphasizes off-market opportunities, setting them apart in the industry.
One of Aglaia Capital’s primary advantages, as noted by Angela, is its agility. This agility is underpinned by the team’s profound understanding of the industry, investors, and clients. They leverage this expertise to provide personalized solutions while maintaining the independence of a traditional large firm.
In the domain of blockchain applied to financial services, Aglaia Capital leverages its insider status within the finance world to harness emerging technologies as solutions to address industry challenges. They have a dedicated team of specialized fintech blockchain fund managers, positioning them at the forefront of innovation in venture capital and blockchain fintech.
Diversity and sustainability are fundamental tenets of Aglaia Capital’s ethos. Angela emphasizes the significance of diversity in gaining a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world in which they operate. Furthermore, she believes that diversity will be a competitive advantage for any business in the near future.
Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship
Angela’s professional journey has been shaped by a potent blend of determination, passion, purpose, and serendipity, propelling her to her current position. She expresses pride and gratitude for the significant milestones she has achieved throughout her career. Angela’s path has led her through a distinguished professional trajectory, including running international executive roles in major organizations. Notably, she has made her mark in an industry often dominated by men, and she views one of her greatest accomplishments as the ability to infuse her entrepreneurial vision into her field.
As an entrepreneur, Angela relishes the opportunity to imbue her work with her unique perspective and adapt to an ever-changing landscape. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose, enjoying one’s pursuits, and cultivating a supportive environment, all of which serve as powerful motivators. Angela and her team aspire to drive change within their industry by embodying the principles they hold dear, particularly those of diversity and openness to like-minded individuals.
To aspiring businesswomen, Angela offers a straightforward yet profound message: “Just be.” She encourages them to break free from the constraints of past stereotypes and steadfastly pursue their goals and desires. Angela firmly believes that preserving one’s individuality can create a meaningful impact for both themselves and others, surpassing the confines of any stereotype.
Navigating New Frontiers in Finance
With Angela at the helm, Aglaia Capital was conceived with a steadfast focus on traditional corporate finance and transactional technology for the financial industry. Emerging technologies and blockchain also feature prominently on Angela’s roadmap, with plans to further develop these aspects of the business.
The current goals for Aglaia Capital revolve around consolidating its position as a key player in corporate finance. The company aims to be a reference point for off-market deals, offering invaluable support to investors, real estate owners, and corporate entities seeking tailored advice for transactions in Europe and select global regions. In the realm of alternative financing for corporations and real estate, as well as within the blockchain fintech sector, Aglaia Capital is committed to making a significant impact. Angela’s vision extends to technological innovation, where the development of a digitalization platform is underway to provide liquidity solutions for clients.
Furthermore, Aglaia Capital is set to explore the realm of private equity strategy. Leveraging its extensive market knowledge and deal flow, the company seeks to digitize investment vehicles, making them more efficient, profitable, liquid, and transparent for investors. Angela’s overarching mission is to shape Aglaia Capital into a multifaceted powerhouse, capable of navigating new frontiers within the financial industry.
