Sean Salas
Executive Chairman at nuDesk
Los Angeles, California
Overview
Work Experience
Executive Chairman
2024 - Current
As Executive Chairman of nuDesk, I drive the company’s strategic vision and spearhead business development to expand our client base. Working closely with Kenny Salas (CEO), I help shape our innovative approach to AI-augmented growth teams, ensuring financial services firms can scale efficiently and maximize their growth potential. My day-to-day focus is on forging high-impact partnerships and accelerating revenue growth by aligning nuDesk’s nearshore talent and AI solutions with the evolving needs of our clients.
Managing Partner
2024
Actively building a holding company shaping the future of financial services at the intersection of human ingenuity and AI transformation. We launched our first platform company in 2024, nuDesk.ai, empowering financial services companies via AI-augmented growth teams.
Partner
2015
Role as an Investment Partner. Xochi Ventures is a venture investment vehicle transforming the lives of people in the Americas by investing in innovative companies predominantly in the pre-seed and seed stages. Portfolio companies include Bitso, Mattilda, FinKargo, Melonn, Collective Academy, Lvna Capital, Moons, and Ignite (acquired). All investment partners are top tier executives, fund managers and entrepreneurs; translating their institutional knowledge and network as value-add, non-intrusive investors.
Advisor
2022
Serve on Advisory Board. Founded in 2021 as a Community Development Financial Institution, Champions Funding LLC is a nationwide wholesale lender that provides non-traditional access to mortgage financing.
Champions Funding is an institution that provides non traditional access to mortgage financing.
Senior Advisor (Post Merger)
2023 - 2024
Senior Advisor focused on facilitating integration of newly combined entities, Camino Financial and Fundation. I am also supporting growth through strategic business and community development initiatives.
Co-Founder & CEO of Camino Financial (Pre Merger)
2014 - 2023
In my capacity as CEO, I raised and deployed $250+ million, or 12,000+ in loans, to overlooked entrepreneurs predominantly in the U.S. Latinx market, along with building a team of 120+ Associates distributed across three country hubs. Our capital delivered an estimated positive social impact of roughly $0.60 for every $1, amounting to $150+ million in fees saved and revenue generated from our member, borrowers. Worked with PE sponsor to acquire Fundation and consolidate into a larger, full spectrum SMB lending platform, effectuating my transition to Senior Advisor to help new leadership build a top 3 SMB lender in the U.S.
Camino Financial is an online finance company that offers business loans and wealth-building solutions to help small businesses grow.
Raised $169,550,000.00 from Community Investment Management and Community Investment Management.
Private Equity Associate
2011 - 2013
Evaluated new investment opportunities, crafted financial models and analyses, led due diligence process in M&A and recapitalization transactions, and coordinated with intermediaries in executing deals. Monitored four ICV portfolio companies as a board observer, reviewed financial quarterly performance, and worked with management in overseeing annual budgets and pursuing strategic initiatives (e.g., add-on acquisitions, financial system implementation, evaluating new products and end markets). Selected Transaction Experience Acquisition of SAFE Security, Inc. (December 2012) Debt refinancing into new $130M debt facility for SAFE Security, Inc (March 2013) Recapitalization of $85.5M senior credit facility for Marshall Retail Group, LLC (October 2011)
ICV Partners is a private investment firm that supports management leaders of strong lower middle market companies in pursuing growth.
Investment Banking Analyst
2008 - 2011
Advised clients on M&A/capital structure alternatives by performing discounted cash flow, leveraged buyout, comparable company, sum-of-the-parts, and accretion/dilution analyses. Performed strategic analysis for leading consumer product companies and retailers by determining key competitive advantages, market positioning, and growth opportunities. Selected Transaction Experience Advised Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. on the sale of Arby’s to Roark Capital Group for $430M (June 2011) Joint Bookrunner on a $175M senior secured notes offering for Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. (April 2011) Joint Bookrunner on a $329M senior secured financing for Centerplate, Inc. (September 2010) Joint Bookrunner on a $406.5M senior secured notes for Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. (November 2009)
UBS Realty Investors is an institutional investment advisor that managed real estate equity assets on behalf of its clients.