Early Life and Education
José E. Feliciano was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and moved to Spanish Harlem, New York City, at a young age. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering and later earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. These educational experiences provided a solid foundation for his career in finance.
Rise to Success
Feliciano began his career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, gaining experience in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. He later served as CFO at govWorks. In 2006, Feliciano co-founded Clearlake Capital Group with Behdad Eghbali. The firm has grown to become a significant player in private equity, with over $85 billion in assets under management as of December 2024. Clearlake is known for its investments in the technology, industrial, and consumer sectors.
Key Business Strategies
Clearlake Capital Group employs a hands-on approach, known as O.P.S. (Operations, People, Strategy), to create value beyond financial backing. This strategy focuses on operational improvement, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation. Feliciano's leadership has driven numerous successful investments across both private and public sectors. A notable investment was the acquisition of Chelsea Football Club.
Philanthropy
Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones, founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Supercharged Initiative. The initiative focuses on education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment, committing over $200 million to these efforts. They have made significant donations to Princeton University and other organizations, demonstrating their commitment to societal betterment.