LOS ANGELES – January 31, 2023 – Manhattan West Real Estate, a division of Manhattan West, a Los Angeles-based global strategic investment firm offering an integrated platform of investments and services, announced today the $16.5 million acquisition of Talbert-Mount Washington Industrial Park, a two-building multi-tenant industrial asset totaling 59,754 square feet (sf) in Fountain Valley, CA. The property is situated on 2.9 acres and includes 18071 MT Washington Street, a 28,754-sf building, and 11190-11240 Talbert Avenue, a 31,000-sf building.   

Talbert-Mount Washington Industrial Park is fully occupied by six quality tenants including OC Art & Home, Harwood Galleria, The Drawer Shop, and RADCO, a twining company. Both freestanding buildings are two-stories and feature large outdoor storage yards, 18’ to 23’ clear heights, fire protection, oversized ground-level doors, and HVAC. The property also includes  113 parking spaces.

“This asset’s diversified tenant mix from a use perspective, and staggered lease expirations provide Manhattan West with the opportunity to capitalize on a mark-to-market investment strategy in a supply-constrained Orange County industrial submarket,” said Grant Fisher, vice president of real estate acquisitions at Manhattan West.

Adam Norvell, managing director of real estate at Manhattan West added, “This region has seen dynamic rent growth over the last two years to the tune of approximately 20% year-over-year. In addition, the presence of both local and national credit tenants in the property’s wholesale, showroom and manufacturing spaces provide Manhattan West and its investors an intriguing hedge against a potential economic downtown.”

The property features a unique location that is proximate to residential and commercial density which keeps the property busy throughout the day and well into the evening. Additionally, it is adjacent to The Shoppes at Costco Plaza, one of Fountain Valley’s largest shopping centers, and provides excellent access to the 405 and 55 freeways and SR-73. 

Manhattan West was represented by Joseph Harmon and Charles Johnson of Daum Commercial Real Estate Services. The seller, DDK Investments Ltd, who has owned the property for several decades, was represented by Devin Ray and Mike Barreiro of Daum Commercial Real Estate Services.

About Manhattan West Real Estate

Manhattan West Real Estate is a community-focused real estate group uniquely positioned as an owner, operator and manager of multifamily and industrial properties and has sought to add value to the communities it operates in and positively impact the tenants and residents of its buildings. Since inception, the group has focused on targeting value-add and core plus assets. 

Alternative investments veterans bolster Manhattan West’s leadership team as the non-traditional RIA continues to aggressively build its future-ready wealth management platform

LOS ANGELES – Manhattan West, a global strategic investment firm, today announced the promotions of Jim McCoy, who assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer, and Vik Sasi, who is appointed Chief Strategy Officer. McCoy and Sasi join Manhattan West’s diverse and experienced leadership team alongside CEO and Founding Principal, Lorenzo Esparza.

“I truly believe that our dynamic team is what makes us world-class. I’m thrilled to congratulate Jim and Vik on their well-deserved promotions,” said Esparza. “As Manhattan West maintains its focus on alternative asset management and a technology-enabled future, I could not think of two better people to power our growth.”

Manhattan West differentiates itself from traditional wealth management firms with its in-house portfolio managers, who build and direct its bespoke alternative investment strategies in Private Equity, Venture Capital, Real Estate, Digital Assets and Private Debt. This modern approach to portfolio diversification has proven effective given the declines in equity and fixed income markets this year and is a key differentiator of the firm’s investment approach.

McCoy is appointed the firm’s new COO after serving as Executive Director – Investor Relations on Manhattan West’s Private Equity team for the past year and a half. In his new position, McCoy will play a key role in building out Manhattan West’s alternative asset management distribution strategies while continuing the evolution of its vertically integrated platform of services and investments. McCoy brings over two decades of financial services experience, having served as COO at several alternative investment firms following senior level roles at J.P Morgan and Bear Stearns. McCoy graduated with a double major, earning a B.A. in Business and English Literature from the University of Washington.

“Manhattan West is a truly unique place, and I’m grateful to Lorenzo and the rest of our top-notch team for cultivating and sustaining a highly collaborative, innovative business,” said McCoy. “Our people, strategy and culture are the backbone of our firm’s rapid growth and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of its continued evolution.”  

Sasi takes on the newly created CSO position after leading Manhattan West’s overall investment strategy in the blockchain and crypto economy as its Managing Director of Digital Assets. In his new role, Sasi will develop and implement strategic plans to build toward a technology-enabled future for Manhattan West’s comprehensive private wealth and alternative investments platform. He’ll also work closely with McCoy on critical growth initiatives. Sasi joined Manhattan West in July 2021 after several years in early-stage venture capital at premier firms including Dreamers VC, AmFam Ventures, Healthbox, and others. Previously, he served as a strategic advisor to the Ministry of Health in Haiti, where he lived for several years, starting as an analyst with the Clinton Foundation. He holds a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“Manhattan West is a veritable pioneer when it comes to embracing alternative investments — including digital assets — and bringing them to high-net-worth clients,” said Sasi. “I want to thank Lorenzo for this opportunity to build alongside our accomplished and highly intelligent team. I couldn’t be more optimistic for our shared future.”

In 2022, Manhattan West celebrates six years in business after Esparza broke away from J.P. Morgan to launch the firm. Since inception—buoyed by the maturation of its Private Wealth, Business Management, Tax and Alternative Investments verticals —Manhattan West has substantially grown its head count, AUM, and revenue year-over-year.

An immersive storytelling experience, the exhibition tells the extraordinary story of motorsport’s greatest spectacle, produced by Round Room Studios in collaboration with Manhattan West

LOS ANGELES – Manhattan West, a global strategic investment firm, has announced that Manhattan West Private Equity is the lead investor in the Formula 1® Exhibition through the firm’s partnership with world-renowned production company, Round Room Studios. Formula 1 reached an agreement with Round Room Studios to produce a first-of-its-kind international traveling exhibition covering the exciting past, present, and future of the FIA Formula One World Championship™, and Manhattan West’s investment will power the development of this immersive experience for Formula 1 fans across the world.

The first official Formula 1 Exhibition will open in Madrid on Friday, March 24, 2023. Hosted at the renowned IFEMA MADRID venue and running until Sunday, July 16, 2023, this first-of-its-kind exhibition is set to provide an adventure through the extraordinary world of Formula 1. The show boasts a wide range of never-before-seen artefacts and contributions from the sport’s most legendary teams, experts, and personalities.

The exhibition is delivered across six purpose-built rooms, each specially designed in partnership with award-winning artists, filmmakers, and craftsmen. Delving far beyond what fans have ever seen before, the show uses bold, technology-led design features and large-scale interactive displays to lift the lid on Formula 1’s past, present, and future.

Several years in the making, the stunning 90-minute experience neatly combines spectacular audio-visual design, rare film and imagery, engineering and educational displays, sculptural pieces, and iconic grand prix cars to deliver an immersive experience for everyone – from avid followers to younger fans and families.

“To partner with Round Room Studios and help the sophisticated team there develop the Formula 1 Exhibition is a thrilling opportunity for Manhattan West,” said Matt Gibbons, Managing Director and head of Manhattan West Private Equity. “Formula 1 is a sport that needs to be experienced in-person, and the state-of-the-art Formula 1 Exhibition will be an unforgettable opportunity for fans around the world to see, discover, and feel the power that is the world’s fastest-growing sports brand.”

Manhattan West’s Private Equity team specializes in the media, entertainment and sports verticals and its investor network of executives, entertainers, and athletes are strategic partners in this investment.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit f1exhibition.com. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, December 1.

About Round Room Studios & Round Room Live

Round Room Studios and its US affiliate Round Room Live are the producers and promoters of travelling exhibitions and theatrical shows. They specialize in transforming iconic intellectual property into unique, technology-led entertainment experiences that are tailored to the distinct character of each rights holder and which can engage audiences all around the world.

Round Room Live specializes in transforming iconic intellectual property into unique, technology-led entertainment experiences that are tailored to the distinct character of each rights holder and which can engage audiences all around the world. Round Room Live’s current roster of travelling exhibitions and immersive entertainment experiences includes Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free, and Mandela: The Official Exhibition. Round Room is a leading player in the family theatrical touring business and its show roster includes: Baby Shark Live!, Blippi The Musical, Peppa Pig Live, Blues Clues Live, and PJ Masks Live! Save the Day.

About Formula 1®

Formula 1® racing began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world’s most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1® and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship^TM. Formula 1® is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, BATRA, BATRK, FWONA, FWONK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock. The F1 logo, F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.

NEW YORK – Round Room Live, one of the world’s top family entertainment producers, has announced that founders and executives, Stephen Shaw and Jonathan Linden, have completed a management buyout of its lead investor, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. The acquisition was backed by Manhattan West, a Los Angeles-based strategic investment firm.

“This deal is a significant milestone for Round Room, which has become one of the most dynamic live entertainment producers and promoters in the world,” said Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-President. “This new partnership with Manhattan West will fuel our ambitious growth plans to distribute exciting entertainment experiences on a global scale.”

Led by Stephen Shaw and Jonathan Linden, Round Room Live has been hailed by Billboard as “the new leader in the family show entertainment space,” specializing in transforming intellectual property into engaging and thrilling live events. Round Room Live’s current roster of touring shows and exhibitions include: Baby Shark Live!, Blippi The Musical, Peppa Pig Live, Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage, Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Mandela: The Official Exhibition, Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free and Formula 1: The Exhibition, which will launch early in 2023.

“We are excited to continue to grow this exceptional business together with our new partners at Manhattan West. eOne and Hasbro were a great home for Round Room starting in early 2018, and I want to thank Darren Throop and the eOne and Hasbro teams for their support and partnership.  We look forward to continuing to work with Hasbro on live tours for some of its most iconic brands,” said Jonathan Linden, Co-President of Round Room.

“To partner with the world class management team at Round Room Live in order to grow the company and develop iconic live entertainment is an incredible opportunity for Manhattan West.  As industry leaders in experiential entertainment, the Round Room team has our full support as they continue to expand their global footprint,” said Matt Gibbons, Managing Director and head of Private Equity at Manhattan West.

The share purchase deal closed on Friday October 21^st.

For more information on Round Room Live’s touring theatrical productions or events and exhibitions, please visit roundroomlive.com.

About Round Room Live

Round Room Live is the leading producer and promoter of exhibitions and family show entertainment, specializing in transforming both new and iconic intellectual property into engaging and thrilling live events. Round Room creates unique live experiences tailored to the distinct character of each property and produces the highest quality productions for audiences around the world.

Their current roster of touring theatrical shows includes: Baby Shark Live!, Blippi The Musical, Peppa Pig Live, and Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage. Round Room’s Immersive and Entertainment Experiences division is currently touring: Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Mandela: The Official Exhibition, Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free, and Formula 1: The Exhibition, which is set to launch in early 2023.

LOS ANGELES, CA and WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — Vestigo Aerospace, a space technology company focused on deorbit systems, has closed a seed funding round with an investment of $375,000 from Manhattan West, a Los Angeles-based strategic investment firm. NASA will provide a 1:1 match of Manhattan West’s investment through a Small Business Innovative Research Phase II-Extended (SBIR Phase II-E) contract.

The seed funding and the matching NASA SBIR Phase II-E award will enable Vestigo Aerospace to establish the commercial manufacturing process for Vestigo’s product line of dragsails currently in development. The dragsails are designed to enable the timely deorbit of space vehicles, including CubeSats, small satellites and launch vehicle upper stages. Initial sales are anticipated for 2023.

Vestigo’s dragsails offer standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces to the host vehicle, allowing straightforward integration. The dragsails can be deployed on command or via a backup timer, providing reliable deorbit capability even if the host vehicle is inoperative.

“The Spinnaker product line of dragsails addresses the growing need for reliable end-of-mission deorbit capability in order to maintain the sustainability of low-Earth orbit,” said David Spencer, founder and CEO of Vestigo Aerospace. “Bolt-on dragsails represent an ‘ounce of prevention’ approach to the orbital debris problem that, if left unchecked, could halt the growth of the orbital economy.”

Lorenzo Esparza, founding principal and CEO at Manhattan West, said, “At Manhattan West, we are committed to being active investors in emerging spaces, disruptive sectors, and identifying long-term secular shifts developing in the markets. We’re thrilled that our strategic investment in Vestigo will support the company’s development as it establishes its name as a leading player in deorbit systems and the space industry.”

Spinnaker dragsails are sized to enable the host vehicle to meet regulatory guidelines for deorbit duration. Currently, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission mandates deorbit from low-Earth orbit within 25 years of end-of-mission. The FCC offers streamlined licensing, with cost savings in application fees of over $440,000, for commercial small satellites that can deorbit within six years of launch. The FCC has an upcoming vote on September 29, 2022, which is likely to mandate a 5-year deorbit requirement for all satellites.

Before the seed round, Vestigo Aerospace funded dragsail technology development through NASA SBIR Phase I and Phase II contracts, and matching funds from Indiana-based Elevate Ventures. For more information on the evolution of Vestigo and its commercial dragsail solutions, visit vestigoaerospace.com.

Vestigo Aerospace licensed the dragsail technology through the Purdue Research Foundation of Office Technology Commercialization. The company was a client of the Purdue Foundry, an entrepreneurship and commercialization hub whose professionals help Purdue innovators create startups.

About Vestigo Aerospace

Established in 2019, Vestigo Aerospace has quickly become an industry leader in dragsail technology. Vestigo is committed to preserving the space environment and high-utility orbits through deorbiting SmallSats and CubeSats. For more information, visit: vestigoaerospace.com.