Biography of Charles Leisure
Charles Leisure is a seasoned financial industry executive based in New York, NY With years of experience in equity capital raising, he has helped countless public and private companies secure vital funds for expansion, acquisitions, and market positioning. Whether guiding businesses through initial public offerings (IPOs) or structuring equity deals, Charles has been at the forefront of capital markets for over a decade. Known for his strategic approach, Charles has developed a reputation for building long-lasting relationships with investors and financial professionals, enabling him to provide crucial guidance to clients seeking capital to fuel their growth.
Having lived on both the East and West Coast, Charles utilizes his deep understanding of diverse markets, particularly those in New York and Los Angeles, to provide cross-country solutions. His ability to build connections across these influential financial hubs has allowed him to navigate the complexities of capital markets successfully and offer unique perspectives on economic trends and investor behavior
Career Path: From Wall Street to Consulting
His financial journey began at Morgan Stanley, where he worked in the Equity Capital Markets division for over ten years During this time, he worked on some of the largest IPOs recently, including those for Facebook, LinkedIn, Moderna, and Alibaba. Throughout his career, he has raised over $1 trillion in capital across over 1,000 transactions, with over 500 IPOs under his belt.
Rising from Analyst to Executive Director, Charles honed his expertise in capital markets while managing teams in New York and Hong Kong. His understanding of global markets and his leadership skills allowed him to navigate the complexities of large-scale capital-raising efforts successfully
During this time, Charles developed a special focus on financial risk management, helping businesses optimize their capital structure while minimizing potential risks His success in closing high-profile deals made him a go-to expert for companies seeking to expand and enter public markets
After his long and successful run at Morgan Stanley, Charles pivoted to entrepreneurship, founding Gravity Strategic Partners in 2022 As Managing Partner, he leads a team of financial professionals, delivering strategic insights to diverse clients, including family offices, private companies, and institutional investors The firm specializes in capital markets, public relations, and business strategies, providing clients with a holistic approach to financial growth and risk management.
At Gravity Strategic Partners, Charles works directly with clients to develop tailored solutions, navigating the complexities of raising capital while managing investor relations. His ability to provide high-level business strategies while balancing investor interests has helped numerous companies scale successfully.
Diversification and Leadership
In addition to his consulting firm, Charles Leisure is deeply involved in his family’s real estate business, Leisure Properties, where he serves as President and CEO. The company focuses on acquiring, developing, and managing real estate assets across key markets Under his leadership, Leisure Properties has grown its portfolio and expanded into new regions, leveraging his financial acumen and strategic mindset.
Beyond his roles at Gravity Strategic Partners and Leisure Properties, Charles is a Senior Advisor to Surf Air, a Los Angeles-based aviation company focused on developing electric aircraft solutions. He also sits on the Advisory Board of Tagup, an AI startup providing services to the military and large industries. These advisory roles allow Charles to stay at the cutting edge of emerging technologies while helping guide the strategic direction of these companies
Early Life and Education: A Foundation of Excellence
He was born and raised in Irvine, California, where he developed an early interest in leadership and community service As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to his discipline, work ethic, and leadership abilities. His formative years were spent in Newport Beach, where he developed a passion for sports, particularly football.
A dedicated student, Charles graduated Summa Cum Laude from University High School, setting the stage for a successful academic career. He then pursued a History and Political Economics degree at Georgetown University, where he graduated with honors in 2010 His academic training in global economic systems and political policy gave him a strong foundation for understanding the forces that shape global markets a perspective that would prove invaluable in his later career
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Outside of his professional pursuits, he is passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the community He has supported various causes, particularly those focused on global health and clean water. One of the key organizations he supports is Walk for Water, an initiative that raises funds to construct wells in underserved regions worldwide Charles’s charitable efforts demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the financial sector
In addition to his charitable endeavors, Charles is an active investor in the restaurant industry, where he enjoys supporting new ventures and helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life His passion for entrepreneurship extends to wine, in which he is deeply involved as a collector and enthusiast He fosters partnerships between wine producers, collectors, and restaurants, utilizing his business expertise to connect stakeholders in the global wine community.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Charles Leisure has built a career defined by expertise, leadership, and a commitment to strategic thinking. From his work at Morgan Stanley to his entrepreneurial ventures in consulting and real estate, Charles has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver value to his clients As a mentor, advisor, and philanthropist, he continues to impact the business world and the community meaningfully. Charles has solidified
his position as a trusted leader and a force for positive change through his diverse roles and active involvement in various industries.