Why Partner with Elysian?

Legacy Preservation

We understand the sentimental value that comes with building and operating a business. Our team is committed to preserving your legacy, maintaining brand integrity and upholding values you’ve instilled.

Growth Expertise

With a proven track record of operating and growing businesses, Elysian brings strategic insights and financial resources to help your business reach its full potential. We are not just investors – we are partners in your journey.

Flexible Solutions

We’ve acquired companies before – 8 times. We know each business is unique, and we tailor our approach to suit your timeline. Whether you are looking for a near-term retirement or a transition over the course of a few years, we work closely with you to create a personalised plan.

Our Process

Day 1

Intro Call

Opportunity for us to get to know one another, learn more about your journey and explore how we can add value.

Days 2 - 7

Initial Evaluation & LOI

We’ll work with you to understand your key business metrics and fundamentals. Within a week, we’ll be able to share a “Letter of Intent” (LOI), outlining valuation and deal structure tailored to your goals.

Weeks 2 - 8

Due Diligence

After signing the LOI, we’ll enter into a deeper review of the business, including technology, accounting and legal. While this process goes on, we’ll work with you to finalize the purchase contract for the business.

Weeks 8+

Seamless Transition & Close

Once the purchase contract is signed, we’ll wire over funds and work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, mitigating disruption to your team and customers.

Meet our Founders

James Serena

James is a co-founder of Elysian. Prior to Elysian, James founded Telos Brands, an eCommerce company that went from $0 - $8M of revenue in the first nine months of operations. As the CEO of Telos, he was responsible for building the team to 19 people, overall strategy of the brands and communications with both industry peers and investors.

Prior to founding Telos, James worked in a variety of tech investing/ advisory roles across Silver Lake and Credit Suisse. He graduated from the Ivey Business School at Western University with a B.A. in Business Administration.

Outside of work, James enjoys great food and wine, he’s studying to become a certified sommelier and traveling to (slowly) complete San Pellegrino’s list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two cats.

Ed Buser

Ed is a co-founder of Elysian. Prior to Elysian, Ed was the VP of Growth at Telos Brands. In that role, Ed built Telos’ agency business, eventually growing it to over $25M in gross merchandise value managed. Before Telos, Ed was a management consultant for nearly a decade across Berkeley Research Group and Ankura Consulting.

As a Managing Director at Ankura, Ed led wide-ranging business transformation projects at both public and private companies, both advising executives and implementing solutions. Ed holds a B.S. from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in Finance and Business Economics & Public Policy.

Ed in his spare time enjoys watching Indiana Basketball, attending Formula 1 races and getting out of the city for long hikes. He resides in San Francisco with his wife.

Fed Marchese

Fed is a co-founder of Elysian. Before Elysian, Fed co-founded Telos Brands with James and was responsible for the firm’s acquisition strategy and all elements of financial planning and reporting.

Prior to Telos, Fed worked in technology investing and advisory roles at Bridgepoint, TCV, and Credit Suisse. He graduated with a B.A. in Statistics and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley and Haas School of Business.

In his spare time Fed enjoys watching Liverpool, cooking and traveling the world. Fed lives in San Francisco.

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