Meet our team
Our Core Team
Managing Partners
José Vasquéz
CEO - Managing Partner
Leads Lever Venture, driving global growth and innovation by bridging technology with strategic investments.
• Former Chairman of JumpStart (Venture Capital and Venture Studio with over $200MM in AUM) and Member of the Board of the Cleveland Clinic - AGMC
• Built, scaled and managed multiple business reaching >$150m revenues and serving fortune 500 companies (e.g. Banking, Marketing, AI)
• Entrepreneur and Investor with exits across industries including Media, Nutrition, Real Estate, HR/AI Tech.
• Self made value creator and connector focused on nurturing collaborative communities, economic growth and Impact (co)investments.
• Former Chairman of JumpStart (Venture Capital and Venture Studio with over $200MM in AUM) and Member of the Board of the Cleveland Clinic - AGMC
• Built, scaled and managed multiple business reaching >$150m revenues and serving fortune 500 companies (e.g. Banking, Marketing, AI)
• Entrepreneur and Investor with exits across industries including Media, Nutrition, Real Estate, HR/AI Tech.
• Self made value creator and connector focused on nurturing collaborative communities, economic growth and Impact (co)investments.
Peleg Chevion
President - Managing Partner
Leads growth and strategy at Lever Venture, focusing on innovation, strategic development, and successful business scaling.
• 30+ Years as Operational Leader across Agro, Food, Pharma, Biotech, and Climate Tech Industries
• Managed $1B+ Product Portfolios and Secured $400M in PE Financing, Raising >$150M+ for Startups
• Global Deal Maker with $250M+ in Strategic Partnerships, Licensing, and Distribution Deals
• Company Builder and Operating Partner with Success across Americas, EU, and APAC Markets
• MBA - INSEAD , Corporate Finance and IP Attorney
• 30+ Years as Operational Leader across Agro, Food, Pharma, Biotech, and Climate Tech Industries
• Managed $1B+ Product Portfolios and Secured $400M in PE Financing, Raising >$150M+ for Startups
• Global Deal Maker with $250M+ in Strategic Partnerships, Licensing, and Distribution Deals
• Company Builder and Operating Partner with Success across Americas, EU, and APAC Markets
• MBA - INSEAD , Corporate Finance and IP Attorney
Anthony Donatelli
Chief Finance & Risk Officer
A leader in risk management and capital strategy, driving innovative banking practices at LeverVenture.
• 30+ years of Banking, Finance & Risk experience, including role as EVP, Treasurer, Office of CFO and Chief Risk Officer
• Designed and built-out Risk and Governance Frameworks, real estate, valuation, tech and general finance operations
• Managed $25B Debt/Equity Capital Markets portfolio
• Developed credit/financial modeling and analytics department for large financial institutions
• MBA – University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
• 30+ years of Banking, Finance & Risk experience, including role as EVP, Treasurer, Office of CFO and Chief Risk Officer
• Designed and built-out Risk and Governance Frameworks, real estate, valuation, tech and general finance operations
• Managed $25B Debt/Equity Capital Markets portfolio
• Developed credit/financial modeling and analytics department for large financial institutions
• MBA – University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
Karim Botros
Board Member - Chief Investment Advisor
Karim advises LeverVenture in strategic investments, driving growth and innovation.
• 15+ years of Private Equity / Venture Capital Experience (The Riverside Company, The Jordan Company and Echo Health Ventures)
• 10+ years of Hospital Executive Leadership (The Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth)
• Currently, Managing Partner at Echo Health Ventures ($2BN AUM)
• MBA – Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
• 15+ years of Private Equity / Venture Capital Experience (The Riverside Company, The Jordan Company and Echo Health Ventures)
• 10+ years of Hospital Executive Leadership (The Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth)
• Currently, Managing Partner at Echo Health Ventures ($2BN AUM)
• MBA – Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
Partners
Salvador Vasallo
Senior Partner-Investor Relations
• Extensive Global network of investor relationships and strong connections with established financial institutions.
• Enables identification and engagement in lucrative investment opportunities
• IDG Fund, Strategic Business Consultant Assisted portfolio companies in scaling and achieving sustainable growth.
• Enables identification and engagement in lucrative investment opportunities
• IDG Fund, Strategic Business Consultant Assisted portfolio companies in scaling and achieving sustainable growth.
Pierre Heurtebize
Partner, Due Diligence
• PwC Due diligence and deal vetting on transactions ranging from $10m to $10bn across Europe, Australia, and the US, specialisation in Retail, SaaS, and Tech
• Partner at Mast, leading entrepreneurs and investors through vital financial evolution.
• M&A Transaction Services Director & Investment & M&A Manager at Horizen Capital
• Fractional Strategic CFO at Homezie & Amnesty.com
• Partner at Mast, leading entrepreneurs and investors through vital financial evolution.
• M&A Transaction Services Director & Investment & M&A Manager at Horizen Capital
• Fractional Strategic CFO at Homezie & Amnesty.com
Investment Process
1
Deal Sourcing
Leverage extensive network and partnerships
2
Selection Criteria
Rigorous evaluation based on market potential, team, and innovation
3
Due Diligence
Comprehensive assessment of technology, financials, and scalability
4
Value Creation
Hands-on operational support via Lever Solutions
5
Exit Strategy
Strategic sales, IPOs, or secondary market transactions
Commitment to Social Impact through Lever Foundation
Economic Empowerment
Fostering financial stability and growth in underserved communities.
Health Innovation
Advancing medical research and healthcare solutions.
Venture Ecosystem Development
Building robust support systems for entrepreneurs and startups.