Charles Leisure
Managing Partner, Consulting Industry
Charles Leisure, a financial executive based in New York, NY, has spent over a decade in the global financial services industry, specializing in helping both public and private companies raise capital. His expertise lies in guiding businesses through selling equity to investors, enabling them to secure the necessary funding for growth, acquisitions, and strategic expansions. Over the years, he has built a solid reputation for his keen understanding of capital markets and his ability to create tailored strategies that meet the complex financial needs of his clients.
A native of Irvine, California, Charles graduated from Georgetown University in 2010 with honors in history and political economics. His education and diverse geographic background, spanning both coasts, have played an essential role in his successful career, enabling him to forge strong relationships with clients in financial hubs like New York and Los Angeles.
Building Relationships and Navigating Market Trends
Charles’ career has been marked by his exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships with investors, financial professionals, and business leaders. He has a unique skill for identifying emerging market trends and tracking key economic indicators, allowing him to manage investor risk and capital returns effectively. These skills have been crucial in developing capital-raising strategies that help businesses secure the funding they need to succeed.
Throughout his career, Charles has worked on raising billions of dollars in capital, playing an instrumental role in over 1,000 transactions, including more than 500 IPOs. His understanding of financial risk management and ability to create long-term strategies for clients has made him a trusted advisor to many corporations seeking to optimize their economic position.
Entrepreneurial Success and Business Consulting
In addition to his work in the finance industry, Charles has also successfully ventured into entrepreneurship. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Gravity Strategic Partners. This business consultancy firm offers various services, including strategic advice on public relations, capital markets, and business growth. As Managing Partner, he oversees the firm's daily operations and manages his firm's daily operations to navigate the complex world of finance and business development.
Charles is also the President and CEO of Leisure Properties, a real estate business founded by his family. In this role, he applies his financial expertise to manage the company’s real estate portfolio and ensure its success. As an advisor to multiple startups, he enjoys helping new businesses find their footing and expand their operations.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Success
Born and raised in Irvine, California, he spent much of his youth near the scenic beauty of Newport Beach. He often enjoyed walks along the harbor, watching the boats and surfers take to the water. This laid-back coastal environment helped shape Charles’ approach to life, balancing ambition with a deep appreciation for nature and community.
Charles attended University High School in Irvine, a top-tier public school, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Known for his leadership and athleticism, he actively participated in sports and achieved distinction on the football field. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts of America, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout, which required him to complete numerous merit badges and take on leadership roles within his troop.
After high school, Charles attended Georgetown University, where he pursued a history and political economics degree. After graduating with honors in 2010, his academic studies gave him a solid foundation in understanding the global economic systems that would later shape his financial career. His international trade and political economics coursework gave him valuable insights into how economic policies affect financial markets, which would prove essential when advising clients on equity raising and capital markets.
Financial Consulting Career: Shaping Global Markets
After graduation, Charles began his professional career at Morgan Stanley in the financial services industry. He held various roles within the firm, progressing from Analyst to Executive Director over a decade. He managed significant IPOs at Morgan Stanley for the world’s largest companies, such as Facebook, Alibaba, General Motors, and Moderna. His work in the Equity Capital Markets division gave him a deep understanding of the processes and strategies that drive large-scale capital-raising efforts.
Charles later transitioned into more entrepreneurial pursuits, founding his investment consulting firm, Gravity Strategic Partners. At Gravity, he provides comprehensive financial and strategic advice to clients in various industries, helping them navigate the complex and ever-changing world of capital markets. The firm serves a diverse clientele, including public and private companies, institutional investors, and family offices. With his extensive experience in capital markets, he has been able to guide clients through the challenges of raising funds, whether it involves IPOs, mergers, or private investments.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
In addition to his work at Gravity Strategic Partners and Leisure Properties, Charles remains deeply involved in business and technology through advisory roles. He is a member of the Advisory Board for Tagup, an artificial intelligence startup focused on providing solutions to large industries, including defense. He is also a Senior Advisor to Surf Air, a company revolutionizing air travel by concentrating on electric aircraft solutions.
These roles allow Charles to continue his work at the cutting edge of emerging technologies and industries, helping to guide innovative companies as they grow and expand. His ability to offer strategic guidance across a wide range of sectors makes him a sought-after advisor for organizations looking to navigate the complexities of modern business.
Giving Back and Personal Interests
Besides his professional achievements, Charles is dedicated to giving back to the community. He supports several charitable organizations, including Walk for Water, a nonprofit focused on raising funds to create clean water wells in developing countries. He also invests in several successful restaurant ventures, backing entrepreneurs passionate about starting businesses and contributing to the economy.
In addition to his business interests, Charles is an avid wine collector and enthusiast. He enjoys engaging with the global wine community, often forging partnerships between producers, collectors, and restaurants. His passion for wine has allowed him to combine his business acumen with his interests, furthering his network and influence in the culinary world.
A Lasting Impact
Throughout his career, Charles Leisure has proven himself a leader in the financial industry, a successful entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. His work in equity capital markets, consulting, and real estate has impacted countless clients, helping them achieve financial growth and navigate the complexities of global markets. As he continues to expand his entrepreneurial ventures and advisory roles, he remains committed to helping businesses succeed and giving back to the communities he cares about.
His story is of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. His impact on the financial industry and beyond will continue for years.
