TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Christopher Borden​

​

Christopher Borden, CEO and co-founder of Rise Capital Investments, is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in operational, financial, and marketing strategies. His career includes leading a major retail food chain in Hawaii to consistent mid double-digit net profit growth and earning recognition as a top employer by Forbes.

​

In 2021, Christopher moved to Utah with his wife, Harmonie, marking a new chapter as he founded Rise Capital Investments in 2023. Under his leadership, the company has rapidly established itself as a premier real estate investment firm, focusing on debt investments and commercial properties.

​

Rise Capital Investments is dedicated to helping busy professionals create passive income and achieve financial peace of mind through strategic real estate investments. The company values integrity, honesty, and transparency in all aspects of their work, building strong relationships with investors. This commitment sets Rise Capital Investments apart, enabling them to deliver superior returns.

​

Since its inception, Rise Capital Investments has facilitated over $14 million in investment debt loans and Christopher serves as a general partner in 507-unit properties valued at $99 million. His extensive experience and strategic vision have been instrumental in the company's success, driving it to achieve remarkable growth in a short period.

​

Christopher granted us an exclusive interview, in which he shared his insights on successful real estate investment, the challenges he's faced and overcome, and his commitment to philanthropy.

​

Christopher, what inspired you to start Rise Capital Investments?

​

I came from very humble beginnings, growing up on a farm where my parents worked tirelessly, yet we still had very little. I was fortunate to attend a good college and embark on a great career. Before my wife and I started this investment fund, I was the CEO of a billion-dollar corporation in Hawaii. This role afforded me opportunities that many, including some of my siblings, never had the chance to experience.

​

Starting Rise Capital Investments was driven by a desire to uplift others and provide investment opportunities to those who might not typically have access. We cater to seasoned investors, but we have a special affinity for new investors—people whose journeys resonate with mine and who share our values. At the end of the day, our mission is to help people and make the world a little better than it was yesterday.

​

What sets Rise Capital Investments apart from other investment firms?

​

There are a few key aspects that make Rise Capital Investments stand out. First and foremost is our commitment to tailoring our investments to meet the specific needs of our investors. Instead of offering generic investment options, we provide customizable investment funds that align with each investor's unique journey and goals. Some investors might be comfortable with higher risk, while others may prefer more conservative options, depending on their life stage and financial objectives.

​

Additionally, we aim to deliver higher returns than what is typically seen in the stock market and traditional equity investments. For example, while the S&P 500 has yielded an average return of around 15.5% over the past decade, private equities, such as those we offer, have seen returns closer to 20-25%. This diversification between risk and return profiles is something you usually don't find in standard private equity investments. By focusing on the individual needs of our investors and offering competitive returns, we provide a unique and valuable investment experience.

​

You are also deeply committed to philanthropy and helping people all over the world through your nonprofit, Elevate. Can you share some of the wonderful work you’ve done for communities in Africa?

​

Harmonie and I are very passionate about philanthropy. For us, it's about having a greater mission and making a positive impact in the world. Elevate, our nonprofit in Africa, focuses on bringing economic opportunities to underserved communities. We're fortunate to be at a point in our lives where we can dedicate our extra time and resources to this cause.

​

We were fortunate to meet Stephane Akoki, the founder of our nonprofit. Together, we started this journey and helped bring Stephane's vision of transforming lives to reality. We began our work with Elevate in Ivory Coast, and now we’re also active in Nigeria and Ghana. Initially, Elevate focused on donating food to local communities, but we wanted to do more. We expanded our efforts to include training programs, job creation, and economic development initiatives. With my business background, we started by creating virtual assistant jobs and gradually moved into areas like real estate, affordable housing, and professional skills education

​

Over the past two years, we've grown Elevate significantly. From having just one or two people working for us, we now employ 25 individuals, and we aim to increase that number to 100 by the end of the year. We recently met with major colleges and other nonprofit organizations at the U.S. Embassy to explore collaboration opportunities and further expand our impact.

​

One of the most memorable moments was when we spoke with a local woman who broke down in tears and thanked us for changing their lives for the better. It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Our ultimate goal is to revolutionize these communities by providing sustainable economic opportunities and making a lasting difference in people's lives.

​

 

Christopher Borden

CEO and Co-Founder

Rise Capital Investments
Company Website: https://risecapitalinvestments.co/home  

Nonprofit Website: www.oneelevate.org 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-borden-99b361105