J. Christopher Mizer, a 25-year veteran of the alternative investment industry, founded Vivaris Capital, LLC in June of 1998 and serves as President and CEO. Vivaris (formerly Lake Erie Capital) invests in and acquires middle-market businesses in healthcare, life sciences, and technology that are ...more

J. Christopher Mizer, a 25-year veteran of the alternative investment industry, founded Vivaris Capital, LLC in June of 1998 and serves as President and CEO. Vivaris (formerly Lake Erie Capital) invests in and acquires middle-market businesses in healthcare, life sciences, and technology that are leaders in their market niches. He serves as the chairman of the portfolio companies and guides key strategic decisions and their execution. He also serves as operating president on an interim basis when companies are going through periods of ownership succession and new management team members are being assembled. Vivaris Capital’s VICAN Fund is a multi-strategy fund offering hybrid hedge and private equity structures to investors seeking to access institutional quality alternative investments with high-growth, high-return potential while securing their principal. As Vivaris’ investment partner for VICAN Fund, HedgeACT supports the Fund as its primary investment partner for allocation to principal security, including non-traditional, non-correlated markets such as life settlements, medical receivables, and insurance products. Investments are fully secured, non-leveraged, and allow for the return of principal amount at the end of a 5-7 year term. Underwriting is designed to give investors a 15% annualized return on investment plus additional upside from interest, dividends, share redemption, and capital appreciation. VICAN also allows mission-based investors to support innovative approaches to addressing unmet social needs while protecting their principal investment. Mr. Mizer leads the VICAN Fund and is supported by an eight-member team that includes leading physicians, environmental and climate technology experts, alternative investment professionals, and global finance and business specialists. The VICAN Fund is primarily focused on building businesses in climate tech and life sciences, where the principals anticipate adoption of new technologies will drive growth and create value. He is a former Vice President and Officer of the investment banking division of Key Capital Markets where he focused on M&A and financing for Fortune 500 clients, private companies, and successful entrepreneurs. Previously, he was a CPA in Ernst & Young's audit practice. He began his career as a Research Assistant with The Center for Economic Issues, a think-tank focused on economic development. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University. He is a Forbes Contributor, speaks frequently at industry events, and is often quoted in major media outlets.less