Andrew Bender
Managing Partner
- Responsible for shaping strategic direction, managing capital allocation, and strengthening investor and business development relationships.
- Over 20 years of experience and success in specialty finance. Deep knowledge across leasing, financing, risk management, servicing, legal and management. Financed over $1.5 billion in equipment finance and private credit with less than 0.1% credit losses.
- Founded and exited multiple companies including GSG Financial to the OnPoint Group, 36th Street Capital, and Milestone Funeral Partners.
- Graduated with a BA from Brown and a JD and MBA from Duke. M&A and Securities attorney at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich and Rosati in Palo Alto, CA.
Justin D’Appolonia
Partner & Chief Growth Officer
- Responsible for advising and partnering with portfolio company CEOs and management teams to drive growth and execute commercial strategy.
- Over 20 years of experience working with high growth, private equity backed companies in various leadership roles.
- Co-Founder and current Board Member of Milestone Funeral Partners and previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer at Allied Power Group, Senior Executive at the OnPoint Group, and as President of Total Fleet Solutions.
- Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's in Education and Counseling from Duquesne University.
Case Matheis
VP, Private Investments
- Responsible for thesis development, investment sourcing & diligence, deal execution, and portfolio company oversight & strategic support.
- Previously spent 6 years as an Investment Manager at MA Asset Management (Moelis Australia) focusing on private credit and private equity investments in specialty finance. Began career at Brownstone Investment Group as an analyst on the Structured Products trading desk.
- Graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from Duke University and is a CFA Charterholder.
Kealan Watters
Chief of Staff
- Responsible for managing internal operations, enabling cross-functional collaboration, and advancing strategic and people-focused initiatives.
- Over 10 years of leadership and strategic operations experience. Previously led HR and supported business development and executive leadership at Notch Partners. Began career in education leadership, serving as a school principal, before transitioning into private sector roles focused on operations and organizational growth.
- Graduated with a B.Sc. in Education with Honors from Queen’s University Belfast and an MBA from the University of London.
Alexander J. Dorn, CPA
VP, Finance and Accounting
- Responsible for all accounting functions and supporting portfolio investments in accounting, tax, and compliance matters.
- Previously was a Controller overseeing all accounting functions, including billing, cash receipts, state compliance, and taxation for portfolios of over $1B. Spent a decade in public accounting, specializing in tax compliance, tax planning, and multijurisdictional tax compliance.
- Graduated with a BS in Accounting, Cum Laude from Le Moyne College, and an MBA.
Senior Advisors:
Experience You Can Trust
Our senior advisors are industry veterans who provide strategic guidance, market insight, and deep expertise to support our investment decisions and long-term growth across key sectors.
Managing Partner
Andrew Bender
- Over 20 years of experience and success in specialty finance. Deep knowledge across leasing, financing, risk management, servicing, legal and management. Financed over $1.5 billion in equipment finance and private credit with less than 0.1% credit losses.
- Founded and exited multiple companies including GSG Financial to the OnPoint Group, 36th Street Capital, and Milestone Funeral Partners.
- BA, Brown; JD and MBA Duke. M&A and Securities attorney at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich and Rosati in Palo Alto, CA.
Chief Growth Officer
Justin D’Appolonia
◦ Over 20 years of experience working with high growth, private equity backed companies in various leadership roles. Was a Co-Founder and is a current Board Member of Milestone Funeral Partners and previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer at Allied Power Group, Senior Executive at the OnPoint Group, and as President of Total Fleet Solutions.
◦ Graduated from University of Rhode Island in 1999 with a B.A. in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology. Earned a Masters in Education Counseling from Dusquesne University in 2002.
VP, Private Investments
Case Matheis
◦ Previously spent 6 years as an Investment Manager at MA Asset Management (Moelis Australia) where he focused on private credit and private equity investments in specialty finance. Began career at Brownstone Investment Group as an analyst on the Structured Products trading desk.
◦ Graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Sociology and is a CFA Charterholder.
VP, Private Investments
Case Matheis
◦ Previously spent 6 years as an Investment Manager at MA Asset Management (Moelis Australia) where he focused on private credit and private equity investments in specialty finance. Began career at Brownstone Investment Group as an analyst on the Structured Products trading desk.
◦ Graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Sociology and is a CFA Charterholder.
Contact
We are partners, not just investors
Whether you’re an investor seeking strong returns, a founder looking for a growth partner, or an advisor with valuable insights, we welcome the opportunity to connect. Let’s explore how Bender Equity can support your vision and create lasting value together.