Nima is a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Centurion One Capital. He has over 10 years of investment banking, merchant banking, venture capital, wealth management and directorship experience.

Former Director at a leading independent investment bank where he helped lead the institutional equity sales, capital markets, advisory, restructuring, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions mandates across the firm’s North American platform. Prior experience in wealth management across various managerial roles. His transactions have totaled in excess of $10 billion during the span of his career.

Nima holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History from Western University, a Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) from the University of Sheffield, a Master of Laws in International Business Law from King's College London, University of London (Dr. Peter Dyne Scholar), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Corporate Finance) from the University of Law (UK). Nima is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. He has completed the Canadian Securities Course, Conduct and Practices Handbook Course, Chief Compliance Officers Qualifying Exam and the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Course through the Canadian Securities Institute. Nima was nominated for the Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) Top 40 Under 40 Award in 2020, recognizing professionals whose accomplishments have brought distinction to the investment/financial industry.

Kia Besharat, MSc.

Executive Chairman

At the helm of Centurion One Capital, Kia Besharat is redefining the art of investment banking. As Founder and Executive Chairman, he leads with a singular mission: to ignite the world’s most visionary entrepreneurs to conquer the greatest challenges of tomorrow, fueling their ambitions with transformative capital, unparalleled expertise, and a global network of influential connections. Guided by core values of respect, integrity, commitment, excellence in execution, and uncompromising performance, Centurion One Capital stands as a beacon for growth companies across North America, delivering a superior approach to merchant banking through aligned incentives and enduring partnerships.

With over 17 years of private equity and investment banking expertise, Kia has orchestrated transactions exceeding $50 billion, earning his reputation as a titan in the industry. His journey includes pivotal roles as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director at leading independent global merchant and investment banks, where he honed his ability to identify and amplify potential. Kia’s entrepreneurial instinct, technical acumen, and relationship mastery empower him to propel early-stage companies—those valued at $5 billion and under—to unprecedented heights. Through personal investments and strategic guidance, he has catalyzed the growth of hundreds of public and private enterprises, transforming bold ideas into market-defining realities.

Kia’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom. A lifelong advocate for community impact, he has championed causes such as the Daily Bread Food Bank, Sick Kids Hospital Foundation, Royal Columbian Hospital, Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation, Face of Today Foundation, Victim Services Toronto, Bahamas Red Cross, Cancer Society of The Bahamas, Bahamas Humane Society, and The Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel. His commitment to excellence is matched only by his dedication to uplifting others.

A graduate of McGill University (Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Management) and the University of Edinburgh (Master of Science in Finance and Investment), Kia’s intellectual rigor is complemented by his athletic prowess. A former NCAA Division 1 tennis player and professional competitor on the global stage, he brings the same discipline and tenacity to his professional endeavors. In 2018, Kia’s transformative contributions earned him a nomination for the Investment Industry Association of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award.

Raphael Yeung, CFA.

Managing Director,

Head of Investment Banking

Mr. Yeung is Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking, and Co-Founder of Centurion One Capital, the premier independent Investment Banking firm dedicated to fueling the success of growth companies in North America. Previously, Raphael served as Senior Vice President of Investment Banking at a leading independent investment bank, where he built and led a team executing capital markets, advisory, restructuring, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions mandates across the firm's platform. Prior to that, he held an Investment Banking role at BMO Capital Markets, specializing in transactions in metals & mining, technology, and diversified industries, totaling over $2 billion in aggregate closed value.  Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Yeung is passionate about fostering the next generation of financial leaders. He serves on the Executive Team for YCIF's Vancouver Chapter, a national finance network founded by Paul Desmarais III in 2006. He was also nominated for the prestigious IIAC Top 40 Under 40 Award, recognizing professionals whose accomplishments have brought distinction to the investment/financial industry.  Mr. Yeung holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics from the University of British Columbia and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Shamira Kavanagh

Vice President,

Operations & Events Manager

Shamira has over 5 years of operational, financial and event management experience for large corporations.  Former Operations Manager at a leading independent investment bank, where she managed the daily operations and executed numerous conferences across North America.

Shamira has prior event management leadership experience with a global international hotel chain where she led the event planning, logistics and budgeting initiatives.

She is a graduate of the Carlow Institute in Ireland with a specialization in events management.