OUR TEAM
Meet the people who make it happen.
HARSHUL SANGHI
Global Head
Harshul Sanghi is a veteran venture capitalist with over 30 years of operating experience and a proven track record in delivering financial returns and strategic value. Harshul has a keen sense for the disruption of traditional industries by digital platforms – media, telco, payments, and financial services.
He is the Founder & Managing Partner of American Express Ventures, overseeing global investment activity across American Express. Harshul has led investments in Abra, Boxed, Instacart, Next Insurance, Retail Next, Stripe and Turo.
Harshul has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Oregon and an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland.
Harshul Sanghi is a veteran venture capitalist with over 30 years of operating experience and a proven track record in delivering financial returns and strategic value. Harshul has a keen sense for the disruption of traditional industries by digital platforms – media, telco, payments, and financial services.
He is the Founder & Managing Partner of American Express Ventures, overseeing global investment activity across American Express. Harshul has led investments in Abra, Boxed, Instacart, Next Insurance, Retail Next, Stripe and Turo.
Harshul has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Oregon and an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland.
MARGARET LIM
Managing Director
Margaret leads Fintech and Web 3 investments, and portfolio partnership initiatives.
Prior to American Express in 2019, Margaret worked across tech-focused Private Equity and Venture Capital at Temasek International and at Credit Suisse’s TMT Investment Banking team. Subsequently, Margaret spent 2 years as the Co-Founder of HEROdyssey, a startup that connected US talent to innovation ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
Margaret earned her BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan.
Margaret leads Fintech and Web 3 investments, and portfolio partnership initiatives.
Prior to American Express in 2019, Margaret worked across tech-focused Private Equity and Venture Capital at Temasek International and at Credit Suisse’s TMT Investment Banking team. Subsequently, Margaret spent 2 years as the Co-Founder of HEROdyssey, a startup that connected US talent to innovation ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
Margaret earned her BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan.
KEVIN TSANG
Managing Director
Kevin leads Consumer Services and Enterprise Capabilities investments, and the portfolio management function.
Prior to joining American Express in 2011, Kevin was part of the diversified industrials investment banking group at RBC Capital Markets, where he focused on M&A and corporate finance transactions. He began his career as an investment banking analyst at New Harbor Incorporated covering the Power/Utilities sector.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Kevin leads Consumer Services and Enterprise Capabilities investments, and the portfolio management function.
Prior to joining American Express in 2011, Kevin was part of the diversified industrials investment banking group at RBC Capital Markets, where he focused on M&A and corporate finance transactions. He began his career as an investment banking analyst at New Harbor Incorporated covering the Power/Utilities sector.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from NYU’s Stern School of Business.
SARAH RENDE
Chief of Staff
Sarah joined American Express in 2019. Sarah serves as Chief of Staff for Amex Ventures. She also oversees ESG investments and initiatives, which includes sustainability and diversity & inclusion efforts.
Sarah joined Amex Ventures in 2020 from Corporate Development, where she was a member of the M&A Integration and Separation team. Prior to American Express, Sarah worked at education technology firm General Assembly, where she drove impact by developing innovative financing options for adults with low-income. Prior to GA, she worked on Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign where she held various organizing & operations roles in battleground states.
Sarah holds a BA from Colgate University.
Sarah joined American Express in 2019. Sarah serves as Chief of Staff for Amex Ventures. She also oversees ESG investments and initiatives, which includes sustainability and diversity & inclusion efforts.
Sarah joined Amex Ventures in 2020 from Corporate Development, where she was a member of the M&A Integration and Separation team. Prior to American Express, Sarah worked at education technology firm General Assembly, where she drove impact by developing innovative financing options for adults with low-income. Prior to GA, she worked on Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign where she held various organizing & operations roles in battleground states.
Sarah holds a BA from Colgate University.
ANATOLY KVITNITSKY
Investment Director
Anatoly joined American Express Ventures in 2020. His responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in Enterprise Capabilities, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Prior to joining American Express, Anatoly was a VP at Trulioo, a leading global identity verification company, and also an Amex Ventures’ portfolio company. He was responsible for Business and Corporate Development, R&D, Investor Relations and Strategic Sales. Previously, Anatoly was on the Corporate Development and Strategy team at Experian’s consumer business.
Anatoly holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Rutgers University’s Rutgers Business School.
Anatoly joined American Express Ventures in 2020. His responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in Enterprise Capabilities, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Prior to joining American Express, Anatoly was a VP at Trulioo, a leading global identity verification company, and also an Amex Ventures’ portfolio company. He was responsible for Business and Corporate Development, R&D, Investor Relations and Strategic Sales. Previously, Anatoly was on the Corporate Development and Strategy team at Experian’s consumer business.
Anatoly holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Rutgers University’s Rutgers Business School.
PARIN SHAH
Investment Director
Parin joined American Express Ventures in 2021. His responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in Consumer FinTech, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Prior to joining American Express, Parin was a Vice President in Citi’s Technology Investment Banking team leading M&A and
Capital Markets’ transactions in Consumer Technology space. Parin has a combined experience of twelve years in Citi’s Investment Banking practice across San Francisco, New York, London and Mumbai offices.
Parin holds a Master of Business Administration from Cornell’s Johnson School of Business and a Bachelor of Engineering from Mumbai University.
Parin joined American Express Ventures in 2021. His responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in Consumer FinTech, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Prior to joining American Express, Parin was a Vice President in Citi’s Technology Investment Banking team leading M&A and
Capital Markets’ transactions in Consumer Technology space. Parin has a combined experience of twelve years in Citi’s Investment Banking practice across San Francisco, New York, London and Mumbai offices.
Parin holds a Master of Business Administration from Cornell’s Johnson School of Business and a Bachelor of Engineering from Mumbai University.
SARAH KREIFUS
Investment Director
Sarah joined American Express Ventures in 2020. Her responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in B2B FinTech, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Prior to joining American Express, Sarah was an associate in investment banking at Evercore in their Consumer Group, evaluating and advising on M&A and equity transactions in the Food & Beverage and Retail Industry. Previously, Sarah worked at Digitas where she was responsible for managing client portfolios and FP&A.
Sarah holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Sarah joined American Express Ventures in 2020. Her responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in B2B FinTech, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Prior to joining American Express, Sarah was an associate in investment banking at Evercore in their Consumer Group, evaluating and advising on M&A and equity transactions in the Food & Beverage and Retail Industry. Previously, Sarah worked at Digitas where she was responsible for managing client portfolios and FP&A.
Sarah holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Wisconsin - Madison.
VINCENZO SALINA-AMORINI
Investment Director
Vincenzo joined American Express Ventures in 2020. His responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in Consumer Services, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Previously, Vincenzo worked at William Blair in Chicago and London in the financial institutions group, evaluating and advising on M&A and equity transactions in the specialty finance and financial technology sectors. Prior to William Blair, Vincenzo worked for KPMG in their audit practice focusing on financial services and consumer retail companies.
Vincenzo holds an MBA from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and a BSc in Accounting from Georgetown University. Vincenzo is also a certified public accountant.
Vincenzo joined American Express Ventures in 2020. His responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating early and growth stage investments in Consumer Services, and driving partnerships between portfolio companies and business units.
Previously, Vincenzo worked at William Blair in Chicago and London in the financial institutions group, evaluating and advising on M&A and equity transactions in the specialty finance and financial technology sectors. Prior to William Blair, Vincenzo worked for KPMG in their audit practice focusing on financial services and consumer retail companies.
Vincenzo holds an MBA from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and a BSc in Accounting from Georgetown University. Vincenzo is also a certified public accountant.
SARA BARTYNSKI
Portfolio Director
Sara joined American Express in 2017. Sara focuses on portfolio management including portfolio reporting, processes and insights.
Sara joined Amex Ventures in 2020, after completing the Finance Job Rotational Program (JRP) at American Express, where she held various roles across Finance. Prior to working for American Express, Sara worked with Linde group and Heurtey Petro-Chemicals as Process and Proposal Engineer.
Sara holds an MBA from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University.
Sara joined American Express in 2017. Sara focuses on portfolio management including portfolio reporting, processes and insights.
Sara joined Amex Ventures in 2020, after completing the Finance Job Rotational Program (JRP) at American Express, where she held various roles across Finance. Prior to working for American Express, Sara worked with Linde group and Heurtey Petro-Chemicals as Process and Proposal Engineer.
Sara holds an MBA from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University.
MONA PEZESHKI
Investment Manager
Mona joined American Express in 2020 as a member of the company's venture capital team. Mona covers opportunities across Enterprise Capabilities.
Prior to joining American Express, Mona led business operations at StyleSeat, a
software-enabled marketplace for beauty professionals, where she was responsible for driving corporate planning, strategic partnerships, and special projects. Previously, she underwrote fund-of-fund and direct investments as an associate covering venture capital at Albourne Partners. Mona started her career in investment banking at Duff & Phelps, where she provided M&A and advisory services to software companies.
Mona graduated with honors from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business with a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Mona joined American Express in 2020 as a member of the company's venture capital team. Mona covers opportunities across Enterprise Capabilities.
Prior to joining American Express, Mona led business operations at StyleSeat, a
software-enabled marketplace for beauty professionals, where she was responsible for driving corporate planning, strategic partnerships, and special projects. Previously, she underwrote fund-of-fund and direct investments as an associate covering venture capital at Albourne Partners. Mona started her career in investment banking at Duff & Phelps, where she provided M&A and advisory services to software companies.
Mona graduated with honors from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business with a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
CHRISTIAN VELA
Investment Manager
Christian joined American Express in 2018 and is located at the Palo Alto office. Christian covers opportunities across Consumer FinTech.
Previously, Christian was a private equity analyst at K1 Investment Management, focusing on growth equity and buyout investments in SaaS. Christian worked on evaluating, executing and supporting software investments across various industries and stages.
Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a specialization in Computing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Christian joined American Express in 2018 and is located at the Palo Alto office. Christian covers opportunities across Consumer FinTech.
Previously, Christian was a private equity analyst at K1 Investment Management, focusing on growth equity and buyout investments in SaaS. Christian worked on evaluating, executing and supporting software investments across various industries and stages.
Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a specialization in Computing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
LYNCY NYANDOCHE
Finance Analyst
Lyncy joined American Express Ventures in 2021. Lyncy focuses on portfolio management activities, specifically fund reporting, analysis, and strategy.
Prior to joining American Express, Lyncy was actively involved in the Microfinance and Impact Investing Initiative at Haverford College as an alumni and student board member of the Impact Investing class with a focus on portfolio management.
Lyncy holds a Bachelor of Art in Economics and Mathematics from Bryn Mawr College.
Lyncy joined American Express Ventures in 2021. Lyncy focuses on portfolio management activities, specifically fund reporting, analysis, and strategy.
Prior to joining American Express, Lyncy was actively involved in the Microfinance and Impact Investing Initiative at Haverford College as an alumni and student board member of the Impact Investing class with a focus on portfolio management.
Lyncy holds a Bachelor of Art in Economics and Mathematics from Bryn Mawr College.
JAMES FRANKLIN
Chief Counsel
Jim joined American Express in 2011 and serves as Chief Counsel. Jim oversees and participates in the structuring, negotiation and execution of American Express’ M&A, joint venture, and venture investment transactions globally, as well as related integration activities.
Prior to joining American Express, Jim worked in the M&A group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where he specialized in private equity and public company M&A as well as corporate governance matters.
Jim received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.A. with Honors from Brown University, where he majored in History.
Jim joined American Express in 2011 and serves as Chief Counsel. Jim oversees and participates in the structuring, negotiation and execution of American Express’ M&A, joint venture, and venture investment transactions globally, as well as related integration activities.
Prior to joining American Express, Jim worked in the M&A group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where he specialized in private equity and public company M&A as well as corporate governance matters.
Jim received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.A. with Honors from Brown University, where he majored in History.
M. PATRICIA LI
Counsel
Patricia joined American Express in 2017 and serves as Lead Counsel for Amex Ventures. Patricia works on American Express’s strategic and venture investment transactions globally, as well as on related integration activities.
Prior to joining American Express, Patricia worked in the Mergers and Acquisitions group at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in London and New York, where her practice included a wide variety of cross-border strategic
transactions across numerous industries, including acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and securities offerings.
Patricia received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her A.B. in Chemistry from Harvard University.
Patricia joined American Express in 2017 and serves as Lead Counsel for Amex Ventures. Patricia works on American Express’s strategic and venture investment transactions globally, as well as on related integration activities.
Prior to joining American Express, Patricia worked in the Mergers and Acquisitions group at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in London and New York, where her practice included a wide variety of cross-border strategic
transactions across numerous industries, including acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and securities offerings.
Patricia received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her A.B. in Chemistry from Harvard University.
AZIZA JOHNSON
Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications
Aziza joined American Express Ventures in 2021. Aziza focuses on building the organization's profile with external and internal audiences and establishing the executive team as thought leaders. She also works across several other businesses to tell holistic stories about American Express' leadership in digital innovation.
Prior to joining American Express, Aziza was Senior Vice President at OutCast, an integrated marketing agency specializing in digital, communications, and creative. At OutCast, she led communication initiatives for clients across a variety of industries, including venture capital, technology, beauty, retail and more. Prior to OutCast, Aziza held roles of increasing responsibility at several communication agencies.
Aziza holds a Bachelor of Art degree in Sociology from Harvard.
Aziza joined American Express Ventures in 2021. Aziza focuses on building the organization's profile with external and internal audiences and establishing the executive team as thought leaders. She also works across several other businesses to tell holistic stories about American Express' leadership in digital innovation.
Prior to joining American Express, Aziza was Senior Vice President at OutCast, an integrated marketing agency specializing in digital, communications, and creative. At OutCast, she led communication initiatives for clients across a variety of industries, including venture capital, technology, beauty, retail and more. Prior to OutCast, Aziza held roles of increasing responsibility at several communication agencies.
Aziza holds a Bachelor of Art degree in Sociology from Harvard.
MARILUZ VILLA
Executive Assistant
Mariluz joined American Express in 2012 and currently supports Julia, Lindsay and Dana as an Executive Assistant.
Prior to joining the Ventures team, Mariluz was a Project Analyst within the Real Estate team, where she worked on a number of initiatives, including the rollout of American Express’s flexible workplace program “BlueWork”.
Mariluz hold a bachelor’s degree in Multicultural Communications and International Marketing from Baruch College.
Mariluz joined American Express in 2012 and currently supports Julia, Lindsay and Dana as an Executive Assistant.
Prior to joining the Ventures team, Mariluz was a Project Analyst within the Real Estate team, where she worked on a number of initiatives, including the rollout of American Express’s flexible workplace program “BlueWork”.
Mariluz hold a bachelor’s degree in Multicultural Communications and International Marketing from Baruch College.