Brianna McDonald has been an active leader and angel investor with Keiretsu Forum since its launch in Seattle in 2005 and supporting its growth to become the largest and most active group globally.  She has proven specifically adept at screening companies for angel investment, coaching companies on presentation and investor relations, sales strategy execution, relationship management, and leading due diligence teams. Brianna has established a reputation for achievement in all phases of the Keiretsu process: risk management, market anticipation and response, regional/national business development, organizational development, angel investing, and overall enterprise management.
 
She brings an impressive record of leadership in both the private and public arenas.  She has proven herself the consummate professional through her ability to build and develop diverse, productive and loyal teams through consensus building and mutual respect.  She has shared this focus on team building with members and clients so that whatever their role is in Keiretsu they feel valued and important. 
 
Brianna believes that business leaders should also be community leaders.  As such she sits on a variety of public and nonprofit boards, is a dedicated charity fundraiser, and a mentor to business and entrepreneurial educational programs including the University of Washington and Seattle University.  Brianna and her husband live in Seattle, Washington and with their three young children.
 

Nathan McDonald is a Managing Partner and CEO of Keiretsu Capital and currently manages over $24M in across four funds with over 200 investors and 165 investments to date.  Keiretsu Forum is a worldwide investment community of capital, resources and deal flow with over 50 chapters on 3 continents comprised of accredited private equity angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate/institutional investors. Keiretsu Forum members invest in high-quality, diverse investment opportunities. Keiretsu Forum and Keiretsu Capital (the exclusive worldwide fund partner of Keiretsu Forum) are ranked as the most active venture investors in the USA according to PitchBook.

Nathan brings a unique entrepreneurial business and organizational development background developed during seventeen years of hands-on, active leadership and operational experience. Nathan co-founded and currently oversees as Chairman the Northwest Region of the Keiretsu Forum global angel investment group. He wrote the business plan and designed the organizational structure, which led to the initial license agreement with global Keiretsu Forum. He recruited the team, implemented policies and procedures, and designed and coordinated hundreds of multifaceted events. As part of his overall regional growth strategy, he created and implemented controlled expansion activities in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Boise ID, Portland OR and Vancouver, B.C. Nathan's leadership and personal networking skills combined to quickly build the region into the fastest-growing angel investment group in the nation, adding over 800 investor members and facilitating over $400 million in funding for more than 500 companies. Nathan received a BA degree from the University of Washington, Foster Business School in Business Administration & Finance with an emphasis in entrepreneurial leadership and venture finance and currently serves as President of the Buerk Center Entrepreneur Alumni Committee.

Follow Nathan online on Twitter @NateMcDonald or connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmcdonald1/

Angel Investor | 5X Founder | Strategic Growth Advisor

As a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, I bring a wealth of experience in leadership, strategic growth, and financial acumen to the angel investment space. With a track record of founding, scaling, and exiting multiple ventures, I specialize in identifying high-potential opportunities and fostering partnerships that drive long-term value.

I’ve built and sold companies across diverse industries, including Kinderland—a childcare facility serving 300 families, which I scaled and exited for $1.2 million—and SES Energy, an electrical company focused on energy efficiency. Currently, I lead Beanstalk Partners, where I help B2B companies unlock growth through strategic alliances.

My expertise lies in capital management, investment strategies, and connecting the right opportunities with the right people at the right time. I thrive on recognizing market trends and aligning investment strategies with business objectives to maximize returns.

Beyond business, I’m passionate about building communities and fostering meaningful relationships. Whether through angel investing, mentoring entrepreneurs, or cultivating strategic partnerships, I believe in the power of collaboration to fuel innovation.

When I’m not analyzing deals or helping businesses scale, you’ll find me embracing adventure—whether dancing, kayaking, hiking, traveling, or enjoying live theatre.

Being curious by nature I have always been intrigued by the science and art of marketing and sales. With over 8 years of experience in digital marketing and sales, I am still learning the art of content marketing and the science behind what drives people to buy. My curiosity has made me dabble with multiple domains such as content marketing, performance marketing, email marketing, key account management, business development, and sales.

Over the last few years being observant, which again is a byproduct of my curiosity, has helped drive the analytical side of me towards product marketing and drive performance marketing. In the past in my agency life, I've managed multiple accounts from real estate, beauty, lifestyle, restaurants & tourism. While I have also worked on tech product brands to define brand communication and grow the user base by 5x. 

Lenin is a valuable member of our team handling Operations/Events for Keiretsu forum NW and an Executive Assistant for Nathan McDonald.

Lenin holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has continuously pursued professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. His unwavering commitment to excellence, combined with his strategic vision and operational expertise, has made him a trusted leader in operations management.

In his role as Director of Operations, Lenin is dedicated to driving continuous improvement, optimizing operational efficiency, and achieving outstanding results for the organization. With his strong leadership skills and keen business acumen, he is poised to make a significant impact and contribute to the long-term success of any organization he serves.

For the past fourteen (14) years I have garnered high-level experience working directly with many of the worlds leading entrepreneurs, chief executives, family-business operators and global strategic partners to host internationally acclaimed programs for Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).

Stephanie joined Keiretsu Forum as the Membership Director in June 2022. As the Director of Membership, I support over 500 members across several regions in their journey to become better angel investors. I have been working in this role for more than a year and a half, leveraging my 15 years of experience in membership strategies, life science, and education sectors.

My core competencies include assessing operational needs, developing revenue growth solutions, conducting data analysis, and driving member and client satisfaction. I hold certifications in diversity, inclusion, and belonging, business writing, and data-driven learning design. I thrive in environments that encourage open communication, shared inspiration, and collaboration. My mission is to empower our members with education, mindshare, and mutual success.

Simran is the Entrepreneur and Due Diligence Director at Keiretsu Forum Northwest and Rockies, where she has overseen more than 130 startup due diligence processes, supporting investor decision-making and high-quality investment opportunities. With more than three years of progressive leadership at Keiretsu Forum, Simran has developed deep expertise in managing robust startup deal flow, supporting effective funding strategies, and streamlining due diligence processes.
Before joining Keiretsu Forum, she served as Client Relationship Manager and Project Manager, supervising and supporting social-development marketing projects with major international organizations, including the United Nations, UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF, and TATA Trusts. Earlier, at the beginning of her career, she worked with Smart Group in India, spearheading head office operations and coordinating large-scale in-house events, while strengthening her abilities in vendor, employee and event management.
She holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies from GJU Delhi, and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Delhi University, where she actively participated in the English Literature Society and served as Joint Secretary of the Film and Photography Society. Additionally, she has diploma certifications in Public Relations and Event Management.
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Simran is a dynamic Talent Acquisition and HR Partner known for her ability to build high-performing teams that fuel business growth. With expertise spanning the full hiring lifecycle—strategy, sourcing, interviewing, and negotiation—Simran has a proven track record of optimizing hiring processes to be both scalable and engaging.

Her experience extends across Technology, Product, Marketing, Finance, Sales and HR roles, allowing her to adapt and deliver tailored recruitment solutions for diverse teams. Her global reach includes successful talent acquisition in India, the US, and Southeast Asia, where she has demonstrated a keen understanding of market dynamics and cultural nuances.

In addition to her talent acquisition expertise, Simran plays an active role in broader HR initiatives, enhancing organisational culture and driving people-centric strategies. She is passionate about creating exceptional candidate experiences. Simran believes that HR and talent are more than just filling roles—it’s about finding the right people to bring a company’s vision to life. With a strong commitment to diversity and innovation, she combines technology with a personal touch to ensure that companies find the best fit for their needs.

Connect with Simran on LinkedIn to explore how she can help you navigate the evolving world of talent acquisition and HR.

Vinita Khomne is a multifaceted professional with a Master’s in Economics and a diverse academic background in Economics & Statistics, Commerce, and Cyber Law. With a proven track record in roles of increasing responsibility, she excels in data interpretation, fostering strong connections, and managing high-visibility projects.

As Senior Associate - Due Diligence & Deal Flow at Keiretsu Forum Northwest & Rockies, She plays a critical role in evaluating investment opportunities, managing due diligence processes, and facilitating informed decision-making for investors. She collaborates with entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors to conduct in-depth market analysis, risk assessment, and financial evaluations. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, she ensures thorough and objective assessments that drive successful investments and long-term growth.

Kahaan holds a Bachelor of Management Studies (Finance) and he is proficient in Bloomberg Terminal, Microsoft Office and Investment Research.

Kahaan is currently working as a Senior Associate at Keiretsu Forum, where he plays a pivotal role in screening private companies, identifying investment prospects, and facilitating seamless capital-raising processes. He has extensive experience in deal flow, due diligence and investor relations.

Kahaan’s journey in finance began with working in the investment banking industry, where he gained extensive experience by working with hedge funds, conducting market research, and managing client portfolios.

Beyond work, Kahaan is passionate about listening to music, watching movies, traveling, extremely enthusiastic about sports, and continuously expanding his knowledge through reading.
 

Ajay Mihani is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Keiretsu Capital, Portfolio Manager at NWAngel Fund, and Due Diligence Associate at Keiretsu Forum Northwest & Rockies. With experience managing $30M AUM in US-based VC and Angel Funds, he thrives in collaborative learning environments and is deeply passionate about startups and the Deal Flow lifecycle.
His background includes an MBA in Lean Operation & Systems and a degree in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. An independent thinker, Ajay has a strong working knowledge of the service e-commerce industry (Travel & Recreational), Mobility Telecom sector, and Angel investor community. He has successfully worked with cross-functional teams, MNCs, and startups, emphasizing operational efficiency, vendor management, and ethical decision-making.
Ajay’s expertise spans Portfolio Management, Due Diligence, Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management, Vendor Management, Client Project Operations, Logistics, and Data Analysis. He is proficient in Dealum, Tableau, Power BI, Excel, PowerPoint, Shopify, VMS Tools, and other analytic platforms.
Throughout his career, he has contributed to Project Management, Data Analysis, Product Development, Vendor Management, and Client Operations in roles at GSMA, Xoxoday, and Mphasis Limited

With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Aman Kumar Gupta brings a unique perspective to visual design. As a Senior Visualizer, he seamlessly blends creativity with strategy to craft compelling narratives through graphics, motion design, and video editing. His keen eye for detail and deep understanding of visual communication help transform ideas into impactful designs that engage and inspire.
Beyond the world of pixels and motion, Aman has a knack for finding humor in everyday life, which he channels into standup comedy. His ability to observe, create, and entertain makes him a storyteller both on and off the screen.

Kamalika Debnath is a dedicated professional with 6 years of experience in operations management and administrative assistance. She plays a key role in driving operational efficiency and ensuring the seamless execution of events and organizational processes.

Kamalika holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and is committed to continuous professional growth, staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices. Her strategic mindset and operational expertise enable her to manage complex projects, streamline workflows, and enhance overall productivity.

In her role, Kamalika focuses on optimizing event operations, including updating registrations, coordinating promotions, managing event listings across various platforms, and producing detailed event reports. Her ability to plan, research, and manage schedules ensures smooth communication and effective execution of organizational goals.

With her strong organizational skills and a results-driven approach, Kamalika consistently delivers high-quality outcomes, making her a valuable asset to any team or organization she serves.

Tonymon Joseph is a dynamic professional with over three years of experience in the startup ecosystem. Passionate about finance and investing, he brings expertise in valuation methods across various financial instruments. With a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and a self-driven approach, Tonymon excels in data analysis and problem-solving. His growth-oriented mindset and adaptability enable him to tackle challenges with confidence and precision.

Jenny brings a diverse international perspective to our team, having worked in two different countries and graduated from London, United Kingdom. She excels in deal scouting, preparing detailed reports and updates on business development activities, and collaborating with KSN members and affinity partners. With exceptional communication and research skills, she leverages her expertise in business development to drive success and foster valuable relationships.

With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of marketing dynamics, Raunak thrives in the world of content and strategy. His curiosity about how and why marketing works fuels his creativity, driving him to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Raunak specializes in content writing, but his expertise extends beyond the written word. He believes ideation, strategic planning, and data-driven insights are just as crucial in shaping impactful marketing campaigns. Over the past five years, he has honed his skills in blog writing, social media content, newsletters, and whitepapers, delivering high-value content across diverse industries.
His experience spans varied sectors (finance, technology, and recruitment), giving him a holistic perspective on marketing and its role in driving engagement and conversions. By blending creativity with analytics, Raunak ensures that every piece of content informs and inspires action, making a measurable impact in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Venkat is a results-driven Marketing & Sales Specialist with over 5 years of experience in crafting strategies that drive growth and customer engagement. With an MBA and strong proficiency in accounting, he seamlessly blends creativity with data-driven insights to deliver impactful business solutions.

Venkat thrives on building strong relationships with clients and teams, fostering collaboration, and achieving measurable results. Outside of work, his passions include creating art, swimming, and playing the flute — activities that fuel his creativity and bring balance to his life.

Rida is a distinguished professional known for planning, promoting, and producing high-quality events that align with the goals of Keiretsu Forum. With a sharp focus on operations, Rida ensures smooth communication, tracks event progress, and efficiently manages all operational aspects for successful outcomes

 

Aman specializes in Investor Relations at Keiretsu Forum, building strong relationships with investors and supporting their engagement with the community. With expertise in stakeholder management and communications, he ensures a seamless experience for investors. Dedicated to fostering connections and optimizing engagement, Aman contributes to the long-term success of the network.

Loren Lyon currently serves as the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter President for Keiretsu Forum Northwest. Loren is a serial entrepreneur who in addition to his role at Keiretsu is currently CEO at the local DME early stage company, Magic Wheels. He brings a strong skill set in managing start up technology companies.

He was CEO at SelfCHARGE Inc. from 1996 until 2006. The company was consistently listed as one of the fastest growing in the NW and he was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the NW in Manufacturing in 2005. Mr. Lyon orchestrated a sale of the company in 2006 and left the company in early 2007. He was CEO at several other high tech companies in the Northwest and has been a senior manager at companies such as Celerex, Data I/O, Applied Microsystems, Kistler Morse.

Loren has a passion for technology and entrepreneurship that aligns well with Keiretsu. One of the greatest strengths of our country is our creativity and entrepreneurial nature. Putting good deals together with good knowledgeable investors is one of the most powerful things that can be done to bring our economy back to good health.

Mr. Lyon earned a BS in Operations Management from NYU at Albany, NY.

Thealzel Lee is an entrepreneur, angel investor and business strategy adviser to companies with a focus on strategy development and operational alignment. Thealzel is a senior partner with management consulting firm Rocket Builders, co-manages the monthly Vancouver Angel Technology Network (VANTEC) and the Keiretsu Forum Northwest Region-Vancouver Chapter for her fellow angel investors. She is co-founder of Nelsa Investment (VCC) Inc.

Michael Volker is an entrepreneur active in the development of new high technology ventures. A University of Waterloo Engineering grad, Mike started his own company (Volker-Craig Ltd) in 1973. He sold this company in 1981 and then decided to work with entrepreneurs in building new companies. He is presently the director of Simon Fraser University's Innovation Office. His latest two projects are: Greenangel Energy Corp, [GAE.V] a public company that invests in green technologies and WUTIF - the Western Universities Technology Innovation Fund - an "angel" fund for start-ups. To further encourage tech entrepreneurship, Mike runs the Vancouver Angel Network, VANTEC and he's also quite active with New Ventures BC - an annual business competition. Mike was also chairman of the Vancouver Enterprise Forum for several years.

Jolene Anderson is a seasoned business executive working with a global client list seeking to invest in commercial real estate and providing business facilitation for emerging companies, both public and private. Ms. Anderson has facilitated the sales and financing of hotels, resorts, and multifamily properties in WA, OR, ID, CA, FL, and HI since 1989. Her extensive network of business executives and mentors includes key players in industry and commerce. She has advised companies as a business strategist and facilitated expansion into US markets, including advising product companies who desired to expand their product line into the US and Canada and was a principal in a global spa/health education company and corporate travel company. Recent assignments include consulting for a public company, located in Boise, ID, focusing on science, technology, engineering and math for K-12 students (STEM) education, where she served as the Director of Investor and Community Relations. She has also advised companies in the Seattle biotech community and serves on the boards of non profits focusing on healthy communities and education. Ms. Anderson served as a volunteer at the Chris Elliott Fund for Brain Cancer Research, Washington Women for Employment and Education, Table Captain for the Annual YWCA Fundraiser, volunteer for Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and is past President of the Kiwanis Club of Seattle, and Soroptimist International Seattle Metro. She has produced a radio show on healthy families and was the editor of an online magazine. She is a problem solver committed to providing consulting for companies through introducing strategic partnerships and mentorship.