Profile

Sundip Patel

Chief Executive Officer
Ezdaher Financing Company

Sundip Patel is a visionary entrepreneur whose journey embodies resilience and an unwavering commitment to social impact. Immigrating from Zambia as a child, he developed a lifelong dedication to financial equity and community empowerment. His academic credentials—including an MSc in Social Business from the London School of Economics, an MBA from the University of California, Irvine, and CPA and CMA licenses—have provided a solid foundation for his career. In 2002, Sundip brought his vision to life by founding AVANA Companies, a holding entity that has evolved into a dynamic family of seven world-class brands. United by the mission “Capital for a Better Tomorrow,” these brands offer innovative solutions in private credit, fintech, and small business lending. With over $6.5 billion in funding to date and more than 5,500 global jobs, AVANA Companies has become a powerful force in the financial sector. Its regulated arms—AVANA Capital and AVANA Fund—specialize in financing diverse commercial real estate projects, with a focus on hospitality. Sundip’s deep understanding of the hospitality industry is evident in his strategic approach and recent high-profile partnerships with Oaktree Capital and IHG Hotels & Resorts. His fintech influence shines through platforms like LendThrive™ and EqualSeat™, which streamline loan origination and distribution. He is also majority owner of AVANA Bank, regulated by the Federal Reserve Board and the Texas Banking Department, and he leads AVANA CUSO, the nation’s premier provider of full-service solutions to Credit Unions. Additionally, Ezdaher Finance Company marks his strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia. Beyond business, Sundip founded the Giggle Foundation to support underprivileged children. Splitting his time between Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, India, and Phoenix, Arizona, he continues to inspire as a sought-after speaker on socially and environmentally conscious business practices.