About Us

NativeFirst Capital was founded with a vision to bridge the gap in access to organized capital for Native American businesses. Under the leadership of Ron Hawk Spoerl, a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and a seasoned entrepreneur, we specialize in turning opportunities into successful ventures that benefit indigenous communities. Our team’s deep roots in tribal economic development and extensive experience in various industries position us to make a significant impact.

INVESTMENT TEAM

Chairman & General Partner

Ron (Hawk) Spoerl

Ron Hawk Spoerl, a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, is the President and CEO of Aambe. His leadership focuses on fostering economic development and creating job opportunities in Native American communities, utilizing his extensive experience in construction and entrepreneurship. Ron's strategic initiatives aim to support sustainable growth and community empowerment, enhancing economic prospects while preserving cultural heritage.

Mike Lyons

Mike Lyons brings extensive venture capital expertise to NativeFirst Capital, having co-founded Zilkha Venture Partners and achieved significant returns, and worked as a Venture Partner at major funds including DFJ and Paladin Capital Group, overseeing deals that created over $50 billion in market value. His strategic insight and proven track record in high-stakes investment environments are invaluable assets for fostering economic growth and innovation within Native American communities.

Christopher Nicholson

Chris Nicholson is a seasoned CFO and entrepreneur with extensive experience in tech and life sciences, known for his strategic roles in manufacturing and marketing innovative medical devices as well as in cloud-based education for elder care. He has successfully founded, scaled, and sold tech companies, and has been instrumental in key financial negotiations and partnerships, enhancing his reputation in investment circles, particularly in emerging technologies.

Keven Kim

Keven Kim serves as the President and Managing Partner at Forstmann & Co., where he brings over 20 years of experience in operations, executive management, and advisory roles. His extensive background includes managing and executing over $900 million in global product and professional services revenues, highlighting his expertise in technology, finance, real estate, international trade, and intellectual property (Forstmann & Co.).

Nigel Taylor

Nigel Taylor, with over 30 years in capital markets and an advisor role at the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD), has a robust entrepreneurial background in media, technology, and manufacturing. His expertise in capital raising is demonstrated through successful market listings and significant deals, such as securing $20m for green energy in Asia and structuring a $100m deal in the UAE for advanced agricultural systems.