About

About Adrian Alexander of New York

Adrian Alexander of New York was born in Bucharest, Romania, in 1946 and emigrated to the United States in 1964 after completing his high school education. Holding dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Italy, his life took a dramatic turn when, just six months after their arrival, his father passed away. This event forced him to take on significant responsibilities, supporting himself and his mother. His academic journey led him to NYU Engineering School, where he earned a Master’s in Electrical Engineering in 1970. He didn’t stop there; he furthered his education at Harvard Business School, obtaining an MBA in 1972.

During these formative years, despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and losing his father, he thrived academically. He took great care of his mother, displaying remarkable resilience and determination. These traits got him through his studies and paved the way for his successful career.

Career

Post-MBA, he entered the world of investment banking, recruited by Morgan Stanley & Co. from Harvard, where he worked for three years. His career path led him to Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb, where he served as VP of Mergers and Acquisitions until 1978.

Off to Italy

His career took an international turn in 1978 when he moved to Milan to work for the executive search firm Egon Zehnder. His role involved recruiting executives for multinational corporations in Italy and various countries, contributing significantly to his global business understanding.

Back in the U.S.

He returned to the U.S. in 1978, driven to explore new business opportunities. In 1980, he took on the challenge of revitalizing Minneapolis Sport, a struggling sporting goods franchise. He restructured the company and sold it to its franchisees, earning recognition for this achievement.

1987-1990 Polly Peck

In 1987, he was appointed Vice President of Acquisitions at Polly Peck International, Plc, significantly expanding the company’s U.S. operations. His efforts included strategic acquisitions in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, highlighted by the $875 million purchase of Del Monte Fresh Fruit Company.

Additionally, he played a crucial role in developing and launching the company’s strategy in Eastern Europe.

From 1991 to 1994, he advised the founder of a regional corporate stationery, helping it grow into a $2 billion multinational office products distributor.

1995-1996 EC/American

He served as the principal of a boutique investment bank, focusing on securing venture capital for emerging healthcare companies, aiding firms like Trinity Biotech and CTSO.

1996-1999 Phoenix Real Estate Fund

In 1996, he founded the Phoenix Real Estate Fund in New York, managing over 200 rent-controlled and rent-stabilized apartments, and successfully concluded this venture by selling the fund in 1999.

Technology Seed Capital

In 2000, Adrian Alexander of New York initiated Technology Seed Capital, a venture capital fund dedicated to nurturing early-stage technology startups, aiding a dozen new enterprises over three years.

2004-2006 Limores-Online Platform for Ground Transportation

He also became a partner in Limores.net, an innovative online platform for ground transportation, a precursor to services like Uber and Lyft.

2006-2014 AMI, LLC

He revitalized an ailing imaging center in Astoria, New York, turning it around and selling it in 2014.

2010-2021 Health Settlement, LLC

He established a lending service for personal injury cases, collaborating initially with local professionals and eventually partnering with U.S. Claims, a leader in the sector.

On the Personal Side

Adrian Alexander of New York looks forward to celebrating his 29th wedding anniversary with his wife, Susi, in July 2025. He is a proud father of a son, who recently celebrated his 25th birthday, and a daughter who just turned 21. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys chess and poker, games that require a sharp mind, strategic planning, and the ability to anticipate and counter opponents’ moves.