Dr. Tejesh Patel
Dr. Tejesh Patel, DDS, is a professional with a unique blend of expertise in dentistry and private equity investments. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs deeply rooted in the hospitality real estate industry, Dr. Patel's upbringing instilled in him a passion for entrepreneurship and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the business world.
Alongside his Enliven Capital partner, Nish Patel, Dr. Tejesh Patel has collectively invested in numerous private equity opportunities over the past 18 years. Together, they have forged strong relationships, affording them access to a diverse range of investment opportunities and enabling them to build a successful track record in the industry.
With over two decades of experience in dentistry and an additional 25 years of exposure to and investing in the hospitality real estate industry, Dr. Patel has not only built a thriving dental practice known for its exceptional patient care but has also demonstrated success in strategic investments.
After graduating with top honors from UNC-Chapel Hill with a double BA degree in Chemistry & Economics, followed by a DDS degree, Dr. Patel began his journey in dentistry, where he cultivated a commitment to excellence and patient-centric care. Leveraging his background and his own experiences, he seamlessly transitioned into finance, emerging as a seasoned investor with a discerning eye for lucrative opportunities in dental healthcare, hospitality real estate, and numerous other private equity investments.
Drawing upon the precision demanded in dentistry and the strategic vision essential in private equity, Dr. Patel has integrated his expertise from both fields to drive value creation and growth for Enliven Capital and its partners.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Patel remains deeply engaged in the dental community, offering mentorship to aspiring professionals. He is equally dedicated to philanthropy, serving as an Advisory Board Member for A Kid Again, a charity focused on supporting children with life-threatening conditions and their families. Additionally, Dr. Patel is honored to serve a four-year term as a Board of Visitors member for his alma mater, UNC-Chapel Hill.
In his leisure time, Dr. Patel treasures moments with his family and friends, indulging in travel, literature, and outdoor adventures.
Nishith Patel
Nishith Patel, as the Co-Founder and Co-Manager of Enliven Capital since its inception in 2022, has been instrumental in identifying and pursuing unique investment opportunities across Latin America. With a keen eye for potential, he meticulously oversees all aspects of Enliven Capital's investments. Patel's deep connection to Costa Rica, dating back to 2003, led him to acquire 40 acres of prime beachfront property in the Guanacaste region in 2007. Leveraging his extensive network and rapport cultivated over the years, he has gained access to exclusive off-market ventures within the region.
Having delved into Private Equity investments since 2006, partnering with top-quartile and mid-market fund managers, Patel's acumen in the financial realm is well-established. Alongside his role at Enliven Capital, he assumes the position of CEO at Beacon IMG, a company specializing in hotel operations.
In 1995, Patel founded Beacon IMG with a vision to actively manage commercial real estate investments. The company's success stems from its strategic positioning of properties in high-barrier markets, coupled with efficient operations and unwavering commitment to quality. Through these strategies, Beacon IMG consistently delivers above-average returns with below-average risk for its investors.
Patel's current focus lies in steering properties managed under Beacon IMG through the challenges posed by the pandemic, aiming to restore their profitability. Additionally, he is dedicated to enhancing sales, marketing, communication, and quality initiatives within Beacon IMG, foreseeing these improvements as catalysts for the company's financial strength and risk mitigation.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BS degree in Financial Management, Patel also holds certifications in hotel management. He has previously served as the Chairman of the NC Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance.