Paladin Capital Group – a specialist in investing in cyber and digital security – has completed an initial close of its new Cyber Fund with commitments from sovereign wealth, institutional, and high net worth investors from Europe, United States, and the Middle East. In tandem with the closing, the firm promoted Christopher Steed to Managing Director, Mourad Yesayan to Principal, Gibb Witham to Vice President, and Tom Clute to Associate.
“Paladin has actively invested in the cyber security sector over the last decade”, said Michael Steed, Paladin’s Founder and Managing Partner. “Our established team, which has completed 38 investments in cyber and digital security technologies over the last 12 years, includes top people with specialized competence, national and global security expertise, and financial and technology experience.”
Paladin seeks to invest from$2 million to $30 million in companies located across the globe. Paladin was founded in 2001 and has more than $1 billion of capital under management across multiple funds. The firm is headquartered in Washington, DC with offices in Silicon Valley, New York, and London (www.paladincapgroup.com).
“We have an excellent team and are proud to announce these four promotions, reflecting their commitment to Paladin and our goals and responsibilities to our investors,” said Mr. Steed. “These individuals will continue to work closely with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Kenneth Minihan, Mark Maloney, Paul Conley, Philip Eliot, Dan Mudd, and Alex O’Cinneide towards achieving excellent returns for our investors.”
Mr. Steed joined Paladin in 2008, and he currently leads the development and implementation of the firm’s multi-stage, national security-related investment strategy, particularly in Paladin’s global IT and cyber security portfolios. He is also responsible for deal sourcing, deal execution, and portfolio company management. Prior to joining Paladin, Mr. Steed worked in Merrill Lynch’s Private Banking and Investment Group – the ultra high net worth division of its Private Client Group. He graduated from Duke University with a BA in Political Science.
Mr. Yesayan joined Paladin in 2009 after being a Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at Pacific Ethanol where he was part of the founding management team, leading the company’s financial planning and risk management functions while revenue grew from $80 to $700 million. Mr. Yesayan received his MBA and BS degrees from California State University.
Mr. Witham joined Paladin in 2011. Prior to joining Paladin, he worked as an engagement manager in IBM’s strategy consulting practice where he advised technology, life sciences, and retail clients on growth strategies for emerging business units. Mr. Witham graduated from Columbia University with a BS in Chemical Engineering.
Tom Clute joined Paladin in 2010 and works with a number of Paladin’s cyber security companies. He joined Paladin after earning his MBA and his BA from Duke University.
© 2015 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 9-21-15
