Xtellus

About Xtellus

Xtellus Partners is a global financial firm that operates through six distinct business groups: Xtellus Capital, Xtellus Europe, Xtellus Private Credit, Xtellus Ventures, Xtellus Advisors, and XTS Commodities. The company was established in 2018 following a management buyout of the U.S. operations of VTB Capital. This strategic move was a response to international sanctions, allowing Xtellus to operate as an independent entity focused on U.S. and emerging markets.

The firm was co-founded by a team of seasoned professionals, including CEO Paul Swigart, COO/CCO Stephen Zak, and Head of Fixed Income Pavel Lvov. Mr. Swigart brings extensive experience in private equity and venture capital from his time as the Founding Principal of Steep Rock Capital and CEO of VTB Capital's U.S. operations. Mr. Zak's background includes roles as COO for VTB Capital's U.S. operations and senior positions at firms like Cowen and Company and the SEC. Mr. Lvov previously created and ran a successful Fixed Income Sales desk at VTB Capital.

Xtellus serves a diverse client base that includes institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, business owners, and entrepreneurs. The firm's business model is multifaceted, generating revenue through advisory services, principal investing, and cross-asset trading. Xtellus Capital, its U.S.-based broker-dealer, focuses on connecting entrepreneurs with investors for capital raising, private placements, and securities trading. Xtellus Europe, based in Cyprus, offers brokerage and custody services to professional clients. Through Xtellus Ventures, the firm deploys its own capital and provides strategic advisory to tech-enabled companies, often taking equity stakes in return. Xtellus Advisors offers a curated pipeline of global investment opportunities, while Xtellus Private Credit provides specialized financing solutions like asset-backed lending and trade finance.

A key differentiator for the firm is its focus on complex, cross-border opportunities in markets that others might overlook, including emerging economies and out-of-favor industries. They emphasize a lean structure, which allows for agile and decisive action in fluctuating markets. The firm's partners invest their own capital alongside clients, ensuring an alignment of interests. Xtellus has demonstrated expertise in sectors ranging from global energy and commodities to film finance and technology, leveraging a global network across five offices on three continents. They have a track record that includes raising significant capital for sovereign and corporate issuances and trading billions in fixed income and equity.