Early Life and Education
Antonio Gracias was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Grand Rapids. He attended Georgetown University, earning a joint degree with honors in International Economics and Finance from the Walsh School of Foreign Service in 1993. He also studied at Waseda University in Tokyo. He later graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with a J.D. in 1998.
Rise to Success
Gracias founded MG Capital, a private equity firm, while in law school. MG Capital served as the foundation for Valor Equity Partners, which he established in 1995. Valor Equity Partners is a Chicago-based growth equity firm with a strong focus on technology and innovation. Gracias's investment strategy often involves actively participating in the operational aspects of the companies he invests in. He is known for his close relationship with Elon Musk and early investment in Tesla in 2005, which significantly contributed to his wealth. He served on Tesla's board of directors from 2007 to 2021 and on the board of SpaceX.
Key Business Strategies
Valor Equity Partners focuses on high-growth companies, often in the technology sector. Gracias's approach involves a hands-on strategy, working closely with the management teams of portfolio companies to solve problems and drive growth. Valor Equity Partners has invested in numerous companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Bird. His investment philosophy focuses on operational involvement, long-term partnerships, and strategic guidance to support scaling companies.
Philanthropy
Gracias is actively involved in philanthropic activities, including a $5 million donation to Georgetown University through the Gracias Family Foundation to support students impacted by the war in Ukraine. In 2020, he donated $1 million to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and in 2023 contributed $16 million to psychedelics research at Harvard University.
