Oliver B. Swig is a distinguished Co-Founder and Managing Director at SOJA Ventures, a key facet of the Swig Family Office headquartered out of New York City and San Francisco. With a rich background in entrepreneurship and business management, Oliver has expertise in navigating the complexities of the real estate markets as well as intangible assets, particularly within the budding IP lending sector. His focus spans several critical industries, including real estate, insurance, AI, sustainable technology, and blockchain. At the helm of SOJA Ventures, Oliver is instrumental in driving the company’s strategic direction, ensuring the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its multi-million-dollar portfolio through expert account management, infrastructure development, and the forging of successful collaborations with investors and founders alike.

Within the broader scope of his family’s legacy, Oliver also plays a vital leadership role in The Swig Company, contributing his strategic insight to the Swig Family Council, the Nominating and Governance Committee, and the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of the Swig Company. Established in 1936, the Swig Company, a family-owned pillar in real estate and hospitality, has a prestigious portfolio that includes over 10 million square feet of prime commercial office space across the United States and the founding, ownership, and management of the iconic Fairmont Hotels since the mid-1940s. Oliver’s vision and governance have been pivotal in perpetuating the innovation and excellence that the Swig name has represented for decades.

Additionally, Oliver also serves as the Vice President of A. Logan Insurance, a division of Acrisure, where he plays a crucial role in securing and managing insurance underwritings for a diverse portfolio of real estate assets, construction projects, and operating companies throughout the United States. His extensive background also includes notable roles in business development for PropTech in the United States, real estate brokerage, and real estate development, underscoring his comprehensive expertise and commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships both domestically and internationally. Oliver Swig’s multifaceted career illustrates his unwavering dedication to enhancing the value and reach of his enterprises, making him a respected figure in the overlapping realms of real estate, technology, and beyond.

Can you share with us what role you play at SOJA Ventures?

At SOJA Ventures, my role is multifaceted, encompassing everything from account management and infrastructure development to strategizing for business growth and capital optimization. My primary goal is to ensure the sustained growth and profitability of our diverse, multi-million-dollar portfolio, which spans real estate, insurance, technology, and blockchain industries, amongst others.

Can you give us a brief overview of SOJA Ventures and its mission?

SOJA Ventures operates as a New York City-based Family Office and alternative investment firm, with a specific focus on investing venture debt and equity in technology-focused growth companies. Our mission is to leverage our unique combination of growth advisories and expertise in structured debt, alternative credit financings, and equity investments to steer our portfolio companies toward accelerated growth trajectories.

It sounds like innovation is at the core of SOJA Ventures. Are there any specific industries or specialties you’re particularly focused on?

Innovation is definitely one of our core focal points at SOJA and it continues to drive us and propel our firm and our portfolio forward. One of our main focuses remains unlocking the IP Portfolio value of EBITDA-positive technology companies, which includes a wide array of overlapping sectors from consumer and service company platforms to other such industries like AI, blockchain, quantum computing, technology-enabled services, precision manufacturing, aerospace, medical tech, logistics, and media.

With such a vast array of achievements, what would you say stands out as your greatest professional accomplishment?

Founding SOJA Ventures in Q4 2021 and growing it into a $100M+ AUM business in under two years certainly stands out. Additionally, the acquisition of Singapore-based Falcon Capital’s intellectual property and integrating its several hundred-million-dollar portfolio of assets under the SOJA Ventures brand, alongside our significant co-financing initiatives, are milestones I hold in high regard.

Beyond your work with SOJA Ventures, you also have a prominent role within The Swig Company. Could you elaborate on that?

Yes, my involvement with The Swig Company is deep-rooted. As a family-owned venture, my contributions span strategic insights on the Swig Family Council, the Nominating & Governance Committee, and the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. This role allows me to influence our expansive real estate portfolio directly, ensuring that legacy and innovation go hand in hand, while complementing our efforts at SOJA.

Your career is a testament to your dedication to excellence and governance. Before we conclude, could you share any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Professionally, embracing innovation and understanding and harnessing the value of strategic partnerships have been key elements to my growth as a business leader. It is also important to never underestimate the power of a well-diversified portfolio, and to surround yourself with trusted advisors and partners who both foster your strengths, while also helping to complement areas in which you may lack expertise. The path to success is always paved with challenges, but as cliché as it sounds, with a bit of perseverance and a forward-thinking attitude, the possibilities are limitless. And on a personal note, I would also highly recommend meditation for anyone interested in becoming an entrepreneur! It has been an essential component for me to allow myself some concerted reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily life, if even for just a few minutes, and to provide some perspective on both the micro and the macro of the many stresses that come with starting your own business. Balance is key.