About Us
Elio Partners is a team of seasoned professionals with extensive real-world experience in evaluating early-stage companies for investor groups seeking to assess potential investment opportunities. Leveraging our success in assessing and managing companies through challenging business situations, Elio Partners offers valuable insights to drive informed investment decisions.
We focus on providing thorough start-up investment due diligence for family offices, angel groups, and venture capitalists. Our experienced team offers customized insights that help minimize risks, validate opportunities, and support well-informed investment decisions. Through our detailed approach and extensive industry expertise, we equip our clients with the knowledge and confidence needed to make meaningful investments.
Our Services
Our goal is to provide unparalleled Due Diligence services to our clients and partners that would ultimately enable them to make more informed investment decisions.
We offer three tailored service packages.
Signature Due Diligence Service
Designed to assist potential investors on whether to move forward and invest in an early-stage company. Each company is unique and evaluation may not require all of these elements.
A Comprehensive Due Diligence Report with a Summary and Recommendations that includes:
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Review of company presentation
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Assessment of Intellectual Property
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Evaluation of Regulatory Issues
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Delineation of Revenue Targets
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Assessment of Market
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Competition Analysis
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Review of Go to Market and Sales Strategy
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Analysis of Financials
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Assessment of issues related to fundraising (current and future)
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Evaluation of M&A and Exit Potentials
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Assessment of the Team-Management, Board, and KOLs
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Evaluation of Deal Terms
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Assessment and classification of Key Risk areas
Deep-Value Due Diligence Service
This service is an add-on to the Signature service and is utilized when additional details in one or more areas of the Signature package are required.
Examples include, interviews with KOLs, industry experts, individual competitors or extensive evaluations of team members at the request of the investors beyond the scope of the original and/or Signature DD service.
Exploratory Due Diligence Service
This service is designed to assist investors in deciding whether to move forward with a full due diligence process on an early-stage company.
This package is comprised of:
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Review of company pitch presentation
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Interview with company CEO
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Oral report and a very short summary report to investors
Meet Our Team
Our team of experts consists of seasoned professionals with a shared passion for empowering clients. Together, we apply a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and insight to every project to ensure exceptional service.
Sima Ghafari, Partner
Sima Ghafari is a highly accomplished technology leader, entrepreneur, angel investor, and board member with over 30 years of experience leading international R&D teams and delivering complex systems in Semiconductor, Aerospace, Medical Devices, Enterprise Software, Network and Cyber Security. Throughout her career, Sima has held key leadership roles, including CEO, CTO, COO, and SVP, driving impactful business strategies, product development, and commercialization efforts that have led to successful M&A transactions. She has spearheaded billion-dollar R&D initiatives for several industry giants like HP and Thales Avionics while also guiding four startups to profitable exits in the fields of semiconductor technology, enterprise software, and medical devices. A dedicated advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship, Sima is actively involved with organizations like the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Applied Innovation Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory Accelerator, and TCA Venture Group.
Larry Wellikson, Partner
Laurence D. Wellikson, MD, MHM, is a board-certified internal medicine specialist and former CEO of the Society of Hospital Medicine (2000–2020), where he spearheaded its growth into one of the fastest growing medical professional organizations, representing 60,000 hospitalists nationwide. He is a Master in Hospital Medicine. Recognized multiple times by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Physician Executives, Dr. Wellikson has extensive experience in healthcare leadership, founding and leading integrated medical groups, IPAs, and consulting practices specializing in physician-hospital-insurer relationships. He has lectured at Wharton and UC Irvine's business schools, serves as an Assistant Professor at UC Irvine Medical School, and advises its Center for Healthcare Management and Policy for over 15 years. A thought leader on hospital medicine, managed care, and physician integration, Dr. Wellikson has guided organizations in navigating complex healthcare landscapes. A graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, he has held leadership roles with the American Society of Internal Medicine and the American College of Physicians. Currently, he is a member of the TCA Venture Group, advising early-stage startups and their leadership teams.
George Carpenter, Partner
George Carpenter is a seasoned executive with over three decades of leadership across healthcare, biotechnology, and technology sectors. Currently serving as CEO of CGI Biomed Investments, George leads investments in AI-driven small molecules and diagnostics, leveraging a platform for med-tech initiatives with companies like Sanofi Aventis, Ambry Genetics, and Johnson & Johnson. Previously, as CEO of MYnd Analytics, he developed the PEER® platform, a breakthrough predictive biomarker for psychotropic medications, culminating in the company’s acquisition and spin-off. Earlier roles include leading WorkWell Systems to profitability as a market leader in physical medicine and serving as Chairman & CEO of CORE Inc., where he grew revenue to $70 million and achieved a 100x shareholder value increase before its acquisition. George also held senior roles at Baxter International, overseeing managed care operations. Renowned for his expertise in strategy, innovation, and operational turnarounds.
Volker Huther, Partner
Volker Huther is an accomplished financial and business executive with over 30 years of international leadership experience across finance, healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, technology, consulting, and consumer goods. He has driven strategic growth, operational efficiency, and financial transformation for companies ranging from $1M to $670M in revenue. Fluent in German, English, and Spanish, Volker's global perspective is shaped by living and working in Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, and the USA. His core expertise includes financial management, accounting (HGB, US GAAP, IFRS), investment strategy, M&A, business development, and corporate restructuring. With a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and navigate diverse cultural landscapes, he excels in driving sustainable growth, turnaround strategies, and business process improvements. Volker’s proven leadership acumen enables him to implement sustainable growth initiatives, facilitate complex turnaround strategies, and drive continuous process improvements. His commitment to operational efficiency, coupled with his strategic foresight, has made him a sought-after executive in both emerging and established markets.
