About Us
Funston Capital is an entrepreneurial investment firm led by a seasoned tech professional focused on acquiring and managing one growing business. Funston is integrally committed to the success of the business it acquires. Our leadership intends to take over and manage the day-to-day operations of the acquired business, supporting its growth and development, while creating exceptional value for business owners, customers, employees, and shareholders.
Venture Forward
Our strategy is to acquire a stable, tech-enabled, established company with a history of stable, recurring customers and predictable cash flows. We provide the investment and leadership for the future of your business so that you can venture forward in your life.
Flexible capital
We believe investors should always strive to protect what entrepreneurs built. Funston Capital offers an alternative type of capital - one that respects your legacy and the blood, sweat, and tears that you poured into your business.
Focused
We focus solely on one business at a time. We believe in the power of continuity with established senior leadership. We provide the attention and care your business deserves.
Growth-Oriented
We’re focused on growing your business into a market leader. That's why our goal is to understand your existing organization and strengthen it.
Patient
We understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. We’ve built and operated businesses ourselves. Funston is supported by an investor base that consists largely of family offices and individuals who provide patient capital.
Flexible
There is no single way to transition your business. Our approach is to understand you and your needs first. We’re willing and eager to structure a succession plan that works best for you.
Entrepreneurial
We are entrepreneurs first, and investors second. We have been in your shoes, and can tailor our post-acquisition plans to meet your needs.
Tech-Savvy
We understand technology and will leverage it to enhance your legacy. Our leadership team is well versed in the latest technologies and business models and they look forward to take your business to the next level.
Investment Profile
We are looking for a single business that exhibits the traits below. Of course, every business is different, and we are always willing to have a conversation if you're not sure your business fits all of the below criteria.
Motivated seller
We are looking for an entrepreneur who wants to transition out of their current role or move on to a new venture.
Great market position
We are looking for a distinctive and defensible market position that is sustainable and differentiated.
Strong customer base
We believe a diverse and loyal customer base provides a great moat for any business.
Recurring revenue
We love companies with a heavy recurring component to their revenue streams and diversified customer base.
Increasing Profitability
We are interested in 3+ years of profitability and EBITDA margins of 15% or more.
Leadership
Leadership for the future of your business.
Alex Chitea
Founder, Managing PartnerAlex Chitea is the Managing Partner of Funston Capital, an entrepreneurial investment fund he founded to source, acquire, and operate a tech company. A passionate technologist at heart and by training, Alex has been building his career at the intersection of innovation, technology, and business. Alex believes that great succession trumps disruption and is committed to growing the acquired company into a market leader. Prior to Funston, he led the programs and startup partnerships for cybersecurity and identity at Orange Silicon Valley, a subsidiary of Orange, that collaborates with startups, investors, researchers and other partners to bring innovation to the group’s operations around the world. He brings extensive experience in leadership, strategy, business innovation, finance, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Alex started his career as an early employee at Google and also held an intrapreneurial role at The Walt Disney Company. Alex holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Meet our Founder
I started Funston Capital because ...
I believe too many companies are being disrupted because they are not able to pass on their spark and vibrancy to the next generation of leaders. I'm passionate about solving this succession problem for owners/entrepreneurs that do not have a transition plan in place. My goal is to provide a great alternative that offers both capital and leadership to take a legacy into the future.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I worked on a space launch vehicle (Ariane 5) at the European Space Agency.
Tell us more about your background.
I have a dual background in technology and business. I graduated with both a Bachelor's and Master's in Computer Science, and have started my career as an early employee at Google. From there, I moved on and The University of Chicago Booth's MBA program, where I received the Dean's Award. After graduating with my MBA, I worked in New York City as a trusted adviser to C-level executives of large wealth and asset management firms. I also worked in an intrapreneurial role at The Walt Disney Company.
How did your family shape your views on work?
My parents instilled in me a love of learning and curiosity, and taught me the importance of hard work. Their message was always simple and direct: Be humble, work hard, and treat everyone with respect.
What makes Funston Capital unique?
Empathy. My engagement with owners/entrepreneurs shows empathy, and is humble yet confident at the same time. Humble because I have nothing but admiration for someone who built something from nothing, and traveled the challenging road from zero to one. Confident because I trust in my abilities to take forward their life’s work and enhance their legacy.
How do you spend your time outside work?
I am an electronic music producer (melodic house and techno) and I DJ occasionally. I'm also an avid snowboarder and Formula 1 fan.
I get excited by companies where the founder ….
Has a unique perspective about the problems they are solving and shows grit and tenacity.
Favorite quote or saying?
You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.
- William Faulkner
Contact Us
Our Address
201 Spear Street, Suite 1100, San Francisco, CA 94105
Email Us
alex@funstoncap.com
Call Us
(917) 720-6351