The Five Minute Interview with Guelane Mansour, Managing Director, Krios Capital Partners

By Tony Sanchez 13th May 2020

Krios Capital Partners are a London based property finance boutique providing bespoke funding solutions for real estate whether it is the acquisition of a property, the recapitalisation of a portfolio or property development.

They operate as a one-stop-shop solution to ensure a seamless process throughout every step of the value-chain: from the early assessment of potential investment opportunities to acquisition, deal structuring, due-diligence and capital raise.

We speak to managing director, Guelane Mansour:

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

It is a fast paced industry with an ever changing landscape heavily influenced by political and economical factors. As a result, there are constant new challenges to overcome; making it an exciting environment to operate.

What keeps you focused?

I’m really passionate about keeping an active lifestyle, so exercise is my way of channelling my attention. I’m also a big coffee drinker and love to write to-do lists! It’s all about staying organised and focused.

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

I think commitment is something that’s definitely important for me. They need to have an open outlook on life, be adaptable, honest and solution-driven.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Forever the optimist! I’m a glass-half-full kind of person, regardless of what’s in the glass! Plus, I do believe that as humans, we are equipped to overcome our challenges and grow from them.

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to be an astronaut so I could travel to space & discover new galaxies 😊. But then I realised it was a bit harder than it seemed.

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

This is a very good question in light of the current COVID-19 crisis. For the majority of the community, in my opinion, it is all about “survival” in the short-term since the market is still in the process of absorbing this unprecedented shock. That being said, I believe in the market’s capacity to ride the storm.

Facts speak for themselves: against all odds, the 2009 financial crisis resulted in the emergence of specialist lenders who have overtaken banks as the main driving force of the lending industry.

Similarly, in the midst of Brexit, lenders were innovative by launching new products to address the slowdown in sales.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Mr Bean since I am a kid, because he makes fun of himself and knows how to take things with a pinch of salt.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

I look forward to Monday mornings so I can carry on with work. I do work over the weekends to prepare for the week ahead so Monday is just another day to me.

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

I can sometimes have really high expectations. I expect a lot from myself, therefore I expect the same thing from the people around me. So maybe I should “take it easy” sometimes because I always want to deliver 110%.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Steven Hawking, this man is not just a genius he is an anomaly. A mind-blowing visionary. I read his recent book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, and honestly what an amazing piece of work.

I think we’d have scintillating conversations over foie gras and a nice bottle of Bollinger.