‘I want to build a best-in-class lender with integrity, speed, and expertise at its core’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Dani Spitzer Founder and CEO at Momentus Capital.

With over 15 years of experience in the private banking and finance sectors, Dani Spitzer has become a reputable name in bridging and has delivered over £500 million in loans over the last 10 years alone. In early July 2025, he unveiled the launch of Momentus Capital, a new boutique principal bridging lender that specialises in the property sector.

What is the best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business?

It’s the pace and creativity. No two deals are ever the same, and the ability to structure fast, pragmatic solutions where others see obstacles is incredibly satisfying. You’re often helping to unlock value in real estate that wouldn’t be realised without specialist finance. It’s entrepreneurial, strategic, and high-impact, all at once.

What keeps you focused?

Responsibility. When you’re deploying capital, whether institutional or your own, there’s no room for complacency. I’m also driven by the opportunity to build something meaningful with Momentus: a best-in-class lender with integrity, speed, and expertise at its core. That vision keeps me sharp, even on the tougher days.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

I look for people who take their work seriously, not just as a means to get paid, but as something they genuinely care about. I value individuals who want to build something, who feel a sense of responsibility for the outcome, and who understand and align themselves with the broader goals and vision of the company. It’s also important they have the awareness that they’re part of a team – a team that’s striving together toward a shared objective. That mindset is what sets apart someone who simply does a job from someone who drives impact.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m definitely an optimist, but a realistic one. I don’t walk around assuming everything will go smoothly, but I do believe that most challenges can be overcome with the right mindset, effort, and team. I’m solution-driven by nature. Whether it’s launching a new lending platform, pushing a complex deal over the line, or navigating setbacks, I always believe there’s a way forward, even if it’s not the easiest route. That optimism is what keeps me moving, building, and pushing for better outcomes.

What did you want to be as a child?

I didn’t have a specific job title in mind, but I always had a vision to build something meaningful, and something that would last, create value, and make an impact.

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging and development finance industry in the coming months?

On the development side, we’re seeing increasing pressure from cost overruns, delays in construction, and developers running out of time or funds before practical completion. Development facilities are often reaching maturity before the project is ready, and with sales slowing down in many areas, exit strategies are becoming less reliable.

On the bridging side, the key challenge is margin compression driven by intense competition, more lenders are entering the market, who are often chasing deals aggressively. At the same time, institutional funding is tightening, interest rates remain high, and refinancing is taking longer as banks become more cautious. This all means loans are staying on the loan book for longer, redemption risk is higher, and borrowers often have less liquidity to service interest or inject capital if things go off-plan.

It’s a tough environment, and success depends on disciplined underwriting, strong borrower relationships, and active portfolio management.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Sitting around with friends and just having a good chill, that always gets me laughing. It’s those unfiltered, silly moments where nothing’s too serious. My kids also crack me up constantly, often without even meaning to, together with my family as a whole. We’ve got that kind of humour that only works because we know each other so well – it’s the everyday moments that make me laugh the most.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not at all I actually love Monday mornings. I wake up excited to get to work. It’s a fresh week, new opportunities, and a chance to move things forward. I genuinely enjoy what I do, so Mondays aren’t something I dread, they’re something I look forward to.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Probably my impatience. I like things moving fast and done properly — which drives results, but I’ve had to learn to slow down, trust others, and not expect everyone to operate at 100mph.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Probably Elon Musk or Donald Trump. Both have completely reshaped industries and global narratives in their own ways. I’d be fascinated to hear how they think, how they handle pressure, and what really drives them behind the scenes. Whether you agree with them or not, you can’t ignore the scale of what they’ve built.

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