Chris Rowland Email and Phone Number

Provides global CFO, consulting, and SME (subject matter expert) services for investors, hedge funds, and companies.

Recruited for this vertical/indoor agricultural venture capital portfolio company with operations in the U.S. and UAE (Dubai). The Company competes in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) space. Directed convertible preferred stock raising efforts and obtained project level equity/debt commitments from an infrastructure investment fund to finance multiple new facilities in the U.S. Established an Incentive Stock Option Plan (ISO) and performed 409 (A) valuation. Oversaw and negotiated several real estate transactions (triple net long-term leases vs. buy), the construction and build-out, and capital expenditures required for a large scale agriculture facility in the U.S. Includes pricing contracts with architects and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms. Collaborated extensively with Business Development team to secure long-term off-take agreements. Managed the finances for a JV with a large scale presence in the UAE serving airlines, hotels, and food distributors. Responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, accounting, ERP/IT systems, cash management, insurance, legal, taxes, and risk analysis. Created complex Excel financial models and PowerPoint presentations for investors and management showing investment economics (IRRs and other metrics). Worked effectively and closely with plant scientists to determine product launches, yields, profitability, and KPIs.

Played a key role in the formation, investment, and closing for this start-up and environmentally friendly pharmaceutical/biotech CDMO (contract, development, and manufacturing organization) backed by a global private equity/venture capital firm. Responsible for international capital raising, investor relations, financial reporting, budgeting, accounting, cash management, human resources, legal, taxes, and risk analysis. Set-up and established the legal structure, incorporation documents, registered agent, and bank accounts in the U.S. Created complex Excel financial models and PowerPoint presentations for investors and management showing investment economics (IRRs and other metrics). Implemented from the ground up Sage 50 ERP cloud-based accounting software system used to manage equity investments, debt, inventory, fixed assets, accounts payable, account receivable, cash, payroll, and 401(k) matching plan. Established rapport with PhD scientists and set up Quartzy’s on-line lab management software to purchase and track chemicals, supplies, and equipment. Completed a complex sale-leaseback for a 10-year triple net lease on a 54,000 state-of-the-art (class A) lab chemistry facility. Obtained bids from general contractors to build-out lab space, Worked with commercial real estate attorneys in negotiating lease agreements, and secured required financing, guarantees, insurance, Phase1 Environmental Study, and standby letter of credit for security deposit. Implemented and managed comprehensive insurance program to cover all potential corporate liabilities. Effectively held remote meetings and presentations in the U.S., India, and China using Zoom video technology and conferencing. Managed H-lB and J-1 Visa hiring programs working with applicants, sponsors, and immigration attorneys. Sourced major equipment purchases through vendor financing programs, liquidation companies, and bankruptcy auctions.

Worked primarily on highly structured corporate debt and loan valuations for domestic and global clients.

Corporate finance, investment management, economics, and accounting.

Raised private equity capital and bank debt for a newly created company (zero revenues and assets) established to monetize long-term leases and assets for wind power and solar projects. Created detailed custom Excel models to determine economics of investment and exit scenarious with various private equity firms. The company was sold to Hannon Armstrong Capital for $106.5 million.

Provided corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, investment, and capital raising services to start-up and middle market companies.

Originated and managed M&A and fundraising mandates for specialty finance companies seeking equity and debt capital.

Start-up investment company focusing on global energy projects. Structured and underwrote a $235 million investment in a power project in the United States. Performed financial and economic modeling, risk analysis, and due diligence support. Managed capital raising activities with investment bankers and legal documentation review with outside attorneys and bankers. Project sold off and group disbanded.

Negotiated and structured domestic, international and cross border mergers & acquisitions and financings. Constructed valuation and cash flow models to determine economics of transactions. Coordinated due diligence process with in-house and external attorneys, accountants, and consultants. Completed $2.5 billion acquisition of a real estate investment trust; $1.5 billion of equity and debt financing to domestic and foreign airlines; $800 million acquisition of a Japanese leasing company; $120 million acquisition of a Japanese loan portfolio; and $50 million acquisition of a U.S. loan portfolio.

Managed merger & acquisition engagements in a wide range of industries including textiles, apparel, automotive, injection molding, chemicals, and specialty manufacturing. Conducted auctions and negotiated transactions with financial and strategic acquirers. Created financial models to establish client valuations. Developed transaction pitch books and marketing materials to be presented to potential acquirers.

Completed business and asset valuations for mergers & acquisitions, bankruptcies, litigation support, and tax and other special purposes. Applied rigorous valuation models and concepts including Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and discounted cash flow, market multiples, and historical transactions analysis. Valuation assignments included: a distressed loan portfolio of a failed savings and loan bank; a consumer loan portfolio of a specialty finance company; foreign subsidiaries (Brazil, Mexico, UK and Canada) of a major European utility; a retailer in bankruptcy; a theme park; and a division of an Italian auto manufacturer.