Melka Capital, led by Danny Mikhail, is rewriting the playbook of venture capital by defying traditional norms and establishing a distinctive presence in the industry.
This entrepreneurial journey, marked by resilience and a dedication to solving real-world problems, highlights Melka Capital’s impact in both the tech and real estate sectors.
Originating from Detroit amid economic challenges, Mikhail’s inspiration stems from his immigrant parents, resilient entrepreneurs whose work ethic fueled his determination for success. The lessons learned from the daily grind and struggles instilled in him an unyielding drive and a ‘no quit’ mentality.
Embarking on his entrepreneurial journey early on, Mikhail’s foray into high school stock trading provided the capital foundation for him to begin day trading at the age of 16. His success in establishing the booming fintech company Prolific in his early twenties marked his initial triumph, catching the attention of Alvarez & Marsal Capital, a $4.4 billion fund. Five years down the road, he achieved yet another successful exit with his second fintech venture, Zuza.
“With our recent exit from the POS industry, we saw the burden of using 10 different software and aimed to simplify with one comprehensive solution. Zuza eliminated extra costs for merchants, reflecting a commitment to impactful solutions and a personal connection to small business challenges through my parents’ entrepreneurial journey,” Mikhail explained.
Melka Capital’s investments underscore the importance of identifying opportunities to solve real-world problems. In addition to tech ventures, Mikhail’s passion for ethical real estate practices is evident in nationwide multi-family, self storage, retail and industrial projects.
“I envision the firm as a partner to innovators, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance. Our focus on family offices, high-net-worth individuals and impactful startups, including my past ventures at Zuza and Prolific, demonstrates our commitment to fostering genuine, lasting relationships,” Mikhail said.
Currently serving on multiple boards, Mikhail is the CEO and founder of Melka Capital, specializing in real estate investments, technology and SaaS. With two successful fintech exits in the nine figures within the last five years, and numerous others in real estate, Melka Capital is poised to make a significant impact in venture capital.
Looking ahead, Mikhail sees Melka Capital as a catalyst for change, supporting founders in redefining industries. His forward-thinking approach positions him as a mentor and ally for those navigating the challenging entrepreneurial landscape.
Mikhail plans to utilize Melka as a platform for developing and promoting growth in communities. The company not only assists high-net-worth individuals but also supports communities with its real estate projects, featuring several new initiatives aimed at promoting growth, creating jobs and contributing to underprivileged areas.
“In the next five years, I envision Melka Capital as a go-to hub for family offices, high-net-worth individuals and financial institutions looking to grow their investments. We’re equally committed to collaborating with industry-changing founders, offering capital and hands-on consulting and fostering friendships to help them scale and achieve successful exits,” said Mikhail.
For more information on Melka Capital, visit melkacapital.com.
