As principal of Aspire Capital in Chicago, Erik Brown draws upon more than two decades of financial consultancy and investment experience to originate and negotiate private placements in publicly traded life sciences and technology companies. In addition to conducting due diligence and overseeing investments, Erik Brown works with the CEOs and management teams of the companies in which Aspire Capital invests to determine strengths and growth potential.

Erik Brown previously served as vice president of Fusion Capital Partners where, over the course of seven years, Fusion completed more than 70 transactions totaling $500 million in investments. Erik served in advisory capacities at AVID Commerce, Working Person's Store, and the Chicago Public Education Fund. He also served as principal at CGI Capital and began his career as a consultant with the Private Client Group of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith.

Mr. Brown holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor's degree in finance from Michigan State University (MSU). He also served as vice president-internal of the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi at MSU.