Vanessa Gabela Joins Mako Capital Group as Partner and Head of Investor Relations

Vanessa Gabela Joins Mako Capital Group

Mako Capital Group, headquartered in Miami, has officially appointed Vanessa Gabela as a Partner and the Head of Investor Relations. This strategic move comes as the firm looks to solidify its position in the private equity landscape, particularly focusing on lower-middle market companies operating within essential services such as financial and healthcare sectors.

As Mako Capital aims to foster partnerships with founder-operated businesses, Gabela will be pivotal in leading capital formation efforts and nurturing relationships with both prospective and current investors. Her extensive background in the finance sector spans over 25 years, with significant expertise in private equity capital raising and managing client relationships across various markets.

Prior to her role at Mako, Gabela served as the Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations at WM Partners, a firm dedicated to the health and wellness industry. During her tenure, she played an instrumental role in developing the firm from its inception, crafting strategic growth plans, developing operational structures, and leading investor relations and fundraising initiatives. Notably, she successfully raised over $1 billion across WM's three institutional funds. Additionally, her previous position as Director of Investor Relations at Palladium Equity Partners further showcases her capabilities, as she was integral to raising a fund exceeding $1.1 billion in commitments.

Background and Experience

Mako Capital was founded in 2025 with a clear mission: to build a world-class private equity firm that partners effectively with management teams in critical sectors. The addition of Vanessa Gabela as Partner is seen as a major step toward achieving this goal. Co-founder Angel Morales emphasized the importance of her experience in institutional investment and building investor trust. “We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa to Mako,” he remarked. “Her experience and knowledge about investor relations are invaluable.”

Gabela's engagement with Mako goes beyond administrative duties; she will actively participate on the firm's Investment Committee, contributing her insights and expertise to key investment decisions.

In her own words, Gabela expressed enthusiasm for joining the Mako team: “I thrive in entrepreneurial environments and enjoy building lasting institutions that center on long-term growth and impact.” She highlighted the synergy among Mako’s leadership team, which includes seasoned executives like Pete Amaro and Oscar Munoz, collectively bringing decades of experience in private equity and operational excellence.

Commitment to Women in Investment

Vanessa Gabela is also dedicated to advancing women in the finance industry. She is a proactive member of various initiatives aimed at enhancing female representation, serving as a part of the Steering Committee for the Miami Chapter of the Women's Association of Venture and Equity (WAVE) and being involved with the Private Equity Women's Investor Network (PEWIN). Her commitment to uplifting women in finance speaks volumes about her character and leadership philosophy.

Looking Ahead

With Gabela's appointment, Mako Capital is poised to strengthen its market position significantly. “Bringing Vanessa on as a Partner is one of the most meaningful decisions we've made since founding Mako,” co-founder Pete Amaro stated. Her track record of raising over $2 billion across multiple funds and her relationship-building skills will undoubtedly foster a supportive environment for both current and future investors.

In conclusion, Vanessa Gabela’s addition to Mako Capital signifies a robust step forward as the firm embarks on a journey to establish itself as a leading private equity player. With her vast experience and shared vision for the future, Mako Capital Group is set to make significant strides in the investment landscape.

For more information about Mako Capital Group and their initiatives, visit their website.