History
Swell Capital Inc. was founded in January 2019 by CEO Felipe Cusnir, building on nearly two decades of experience connecting international markets. Before launching Swell, Felipe spent five years leading international trade and investment initiatives for the City of Los Angeles and the Mayor’s Office, after a career spanning roles with chambers of commerce, multinational corporations, and investment partners. Drawing on this foundation - and his track record working with funds, asset managers, and global enterprises - Felipe established Swell to merge business development, international trade, and investment advisory into a platform for growth, innovation, and long-term prosperity.
From the outset, Swell has focused not only on raising capital and diversifying portfolios but also on expanding international trade flows. We connect producers, exporters, and buyers across global markets, structuring trade transactions and supporting market entry strategies that link natural resources, commodities, and industries with international demand. This dual approach - capital introduction and trade development - enables us to deliver holistic solutions that drive investment, commerce, and competitiveness.
Our clients include institutional investors - sovereign wealth funds, endowments, and pensions - along with companies and organizations operating in infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, health, sports, entertainment, and global commodities. Today, our core markets span the Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), the Middle East (Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates), and Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam).
Our Advantage
Our strength lies not only in experience but also in people. Swell counts on a network of highly qualified professionals, consultants, and partners across industries and regions. We are fortunate to be guided by extraordinary mentors and advisors - leaders who are committed not only to our success, but to championing innovation, progress, sustainability, and prosperity for the markets and communities we serve.
Swell’s credibility is built on decades of international experience, market intelligence, and an expansive network of investors, companies, producers, and partners worldwide. From Felipe’s early career at the American Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo to his leadership as Director of International Trade and Investment for Los Angeles, he has consistently combined performance with vision, helping companies expand globally, securing foreign investment, and shaping trade strategies that strengthen industries and communities across continents.
Today, Swell Capital works closely with governments at every level, economic development agencies, trade and investment promotion organizations, chambers of commerce, business councils, multinational corporations, family offices, industry associations, and global institutions. This extensive reach enables us to forge impactful partnerships, unlock investment and trade opportunities, and drive sustainable prosperity across diverse markets.
Get in touch
At Swell Capital, we approach every connection of investors, projects, and trade opportunities with precision, diligence, and strategic intent. From investment structuring to international trade development, our focus is on delivering accurate, transparent, and value-driven outcomes. We invite you to connect with us to explore how we can align with your goals.
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Executives
FOUNDER & Chief executive officer
Felipe Cusnir
Felipe Cusnir is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Swell Capital Inc., bringing nearly two decades of experience building bridges between global markets, governments, and investors. He specializes in structuring cross-border opportunities in infrastructure and transportation, sustainability, agriculture, health, and the creative industries.
Before founding Swell, Felipe served as Director of International Trade & Investment at the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, where he designed and led initiatives that attracted foreign direct investment, expanded global partnerships, and generated business leads worth over $100 million. He also organized trade missions across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, fostering international partnerships, generating new business opportunities, and contributing to Los Angeles’ global engagement around the 2028 Olympic Games.
Earlier in his career, Felipe advanced international trade development at the Port of Los Angeles, where he helped craft the Port’s International Expansion Strategic Plan and promoted Southern California as a hub for infrastructure, renewable energy, food, and cleantech. His private-sector background includes leadership roles in Brazil, where he managed large-scale operations in the food services and agribusiness industries, and in New York City, where he developed market entry strategies for companies in infrastructure, finance, ICT, shipping, and entertainment.
Today, Felipe also serves as President of the Brazil California Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Los Angeles Business Council’s International Trade Advisory Committee. His work is guided by a long-term vision for innovation, sustainability, and prosperity, supported by an extraordinary global network of investors, advisors, and partners.
An American-Brazilian citizen, Felipe is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. He holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Anderson School of Management
MBA, International Management
UNIVERSITY OF SÃO PAULO (USP)
School of Economics, Business, Accounting
B.A., Business Administration
Activities & Affiliations
• Brazil California Chamber of Commerce, President
• Los Angeles Business Council, International Advisory Committee
• Welinder Shi Venture Capital, Advisor
• Los Angeles Blockchain Lab, Advisor
• Tycho Ventures, Advisor
PARTNER, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT - LATIN AMERICA
Douglas Lucio e Silva
Douglas Lucio e Silva is Swell Capital’s Infrastructure Development Associate, overseeing the Latin America desk, bringing his years of experience and a successful career in Strategy and Commercial Development in Infrastructure, Energy, Sanitation, Transport, Pharmaceutical, Insurance and Food. Mr. Lúcio e Silva's expertise working with Brazilian and International companies in Latin America, tied to his vast knowledge in strategic business development, institutional relations and consultative sales are strong components of his role further connecting Swell Capital's network of investors, projects, developers, companies and technology partners.
Douglas holds a Masters Degree in Business Planning and Management from FAE Centro Universitário and a Bachelor of Business Administration from FESP - Fundação de Estudos Sociais do Paraná.
Education
FAE CENTRO UNIVERSITARIO
School of Business
Masters of Business Management
FESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE ESTUDOS SOCIAIS DO PARANÁ
School of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & Program DIRECTOR
Monica Cusnir
Monica Cusnir serves as Business Development & Program Director at Swell Capital, where she leads efforts to prospect, identify, and connect investors, opportunities, and business partners across the firm’s global portfolio. With a focus on Latin America, she manages projects and facilitates international partnerships, expanding Swell’s reach across multiple industries and geographies. Her experience adds strategic depth to the company, opening new sectors and practices in corporate real estate, building and facilities management, hospitality, education, creative industries, and sustainability. Prior to joining Swell Capital, Monica was a Project and Facilities Manager for Selina, overseeing hotel retrofit projects across the region.
With over a decade of experience in facilities and project management, Monica has held leadership roles at Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, and Walmart.com, and managed complex projects for multinational clients including Johnson & Johnson and UBS Bank. Her career reflects a proven ability to deliver high-value projects with precision, operational excellence, and cross-cultural expertise.
Education
MIDWESTERN CAREER COLLEGE CHICAGO
School of Business
Business Certification
CENTRO UNIVERSITÁRIO BELAS ARTES - SÃO PAULO
School of Architecture & Interior Design
Masters of Sustainability
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
Business development associate
Mohammad Khaled Aljassar
Mohammad K. Aljassar is Business Development Associate at Swell Capital, prospecting, identifying and connecting investors, investment opportunities and business partners within Swell’s portfolio. Mohammad works directly with funds, project owners and companies forging foreign direct investment, collaboration and knowledge transfer. He currently oversees the Middle East desk and his main projects are in Infrastructure, Transportation, Sustainability, Health, Education and the Creative Industries.
Prior to joining Swell Capital, Mohammad was studying for his Masters of Science in Finance at the University of San Diego/CA, and prior to that he was getting his Bachelor of Science, Finance at the USD School of Business. Mohammad worked at the Financial Planning Department at Dakheel Al Jassar Electrical in Kuwait City.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
School of Business
Masters of Science in Finance
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
School of Business
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Market intelligence analyst
Loulou M. Alharbi
Loulou Alharbi is Swell Capital Market Intelligence Analyst, conducting strategic marketing analysis, identifying trends and opportunities for market entry and development, and providing recommendations regarding local and international businesses practices and strategies. Additionally, Loulou is responsible for researching, preparing and presenting market intelligence reports to facilitate investors’ access to high-quality information in different sectors and for a variety of investment and business development opportunities.
Loulou’s attention to detail and proficient analysis skills, tied to her 15 years of experience with financial analysis, accounting, revenue generation and business growth provides Swell Capital’s partners and clients with unique perspectives and knowledge about their specific areas of interest, allowing for deep understanding of market dynamics, strategies and processes, ultimately enabling well-informed decisions geared towards superior returns and success.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS, CA
School of Business
Master of Science in Information Technology
Strategic Partners, Advisors & Consultants
PROJECT FINANCE
Marcos Amin Telles, MAT Partners
Marcos Amin is Swell Capital’s Project Finance Consultant and the Managing Partner of MAT Partners Consultoria e Investimentos, a Brazil based consulting firm specialized in project finance and deal structuring. With extensive experience in capital markets and financial modeling, having held executive positions such as CEO, CFO, Fiscal & Tax Advisor, Mr. Telles brings his 35 years of expertise structuring deals, providing financial analysis and debt restructuring in publicly traded companies like Aracruz Celulose (Suzano), CSN, Oi and Light SA. Mr. Telles works on financial modeling and deal structuring on behalf of Swell Capital’s clients and partners, mainly in the Agriculture, Transportation Infrastructure and Real Estate sectors.
Education
FUNDAÇÃO DOM CABRAL (FDC), MINAS GERAIS
School of Business Administration
MBA
PONTIFICA UNIVERSIDADE CATOLICA (PUC), MINAS GERAIS
School of Management
Postgraduate in Accounting and Costs
TRADE, SUPPLY CHAIN & GOODS MOVEMENT
Marshall Rea, Unitrade International
Marshall Rea is Swell Capital’s Special Advisor and Consultant for Trade, Supply Chain and Goods Movement, and is President at Unitrade International. Mr. Rea is an international transportation and supply chain executive with more than 25 years of experience leading business development teams and managing enterprise client relationships with service providers. Mr. Rea began his career in international trade on the shipper side in the aerospace industry, and over the course of his career he has supported customers across multiple industry segments and all elements of the international supply chain, working for major integrators and freight forwarders. He currently supports clients with business development and operational assistance with a primary focus on the Latin America and Caribbean region.
In addition to extensive business travel in 38 countries, Marshall was an expatriate for 4 years in Brazil as Managing Director South America Sales for FedEx. Marshall is trilingual (English, Portuguese and Spanish), is based in southern California and is married with two adult sons.
Education
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Thunderbird School of Global Management
MBA
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
B.A., Latin American Studies
INFRASTRUCTURE, PORT OPERATIONS & COMMODITIES
Roberta Vaz
Roberta Vaz is the Executive Director of Infrastructure at Maralto - Terminal de Contêineres, based in Santos, Brazil’s largest port hub and one of the main gateways for global commodity trade. With over 18 years of legal practice and more than a decade of corporate advocacy within the port and logistics sector, Ms. Vaz brings extensive expertise in regulatory, legal, and institutional relations, as well as in the implementation of large-scale port and rail infrastructure projects.
Her career combines a solid legal background with executive leadership in maritime, port, and intermodal logistics, directly supporting the international flow of commodities such as agricultural, energy, and industrial products. Ms. Vaz has been actively involved in structuring port operations, negotiating regulatory frameworks, and fostering institutional partnerships that enhance Brazil’s role in the global commodities market.
Education
UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DE SANTOS, BRAZIL
School of Law
Postgraduate Degree - Maritime and Port Law
UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DE SANTOS, BRAZIL
School of Law
Bachelor of Law
SUSTAINABILITY & COMMODITIES
Renato Ribeiro
Renato Ribeiro is a Sustainability and Commodities Strategic Consultant with extensive experience in project development, international trade, and market positioning. Throughout his career, he has advised companies and investors in structuring sustainable business models and identifying high-value opportunities in the global commodities market. With a strategic vision that combines environmental responsibility and financial performance, Mr. Ribeiro has been involved in initiatives related to biochar, renewable energy, agribusiness, and large-scale export operations, supporting decision-making and building long-term partnerships.
Education
UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO (USP)
FACULDADE LÍBANO
MBA in Strategic Management of International Trade
ENERGY FINANCE
José Carlos Pinheiro, Neo Energy
José Carlos Pinheiro is Swell Capital’s Energy Finance Consultant and the CEO of Neo Energy, providing business development and capital introduction services for companies and investors focused on the Infrastructure and Renewable Energy sectors. Prior to founding Neo Energy, José Carlos structured and developed wind, solar hydroelectric power projects in Brazil for domestic and international investors and companies. Mr. Pinheiro brings his expertise structuring energy deals, providing unparalleled financial analysis and modeling, as well as negotiating and facilitating off-take and Power Purchasing Agreements (PPA), capital placement and matchmaking services on behalf of Swell Capital’s clients and partners.
Education
FUNDAÇÃO GETÚLIO VARGAS (FGV), SÃO PAULO
School of Business Administration EAESP
MBA, Strategic Management