“Treat the next person how you want to be treated.”
Samir Yajnik is a visionary investment executive and seasoned capital markets strategist whose career spans over two decades of leading high-impact initiatives across real estate, private equity, and alternative investments. With a reputation for creating value through strategic partnerships, innovative deal structuring, and disciplined financial analysis, Samir’s influence can be seen across a multitude of complex, large-scale domestic and international projects.
As Managing Partner at Blue Lotus Ventures, Samir leads a multifaceted platform focused on real estate and private equity investing, advisory, and consulting across multiple asset types. His strategic insight and ability to align capital with high-value opportunities have resulted in landmark deals, including the acquisition and capitalization of a $43.5M full-service hotel and advisory roles on hospitality and mixed-use developments exceeding $100M. His vision has extended to structuring an innovative opportunity fund with an EB-5 regional center, further underscoring his expertise in creative capital solutions.
Previously, as Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer of Satori Collective, Samir spearheaded acquisitions and capitalizations across branded and boutique hospitality investments nationwide. Under his leadership, the firm executed over $100M in hotel acquisitions, contributed $120M in assets via a pioneering UPREIT transaction, and launched a groundbreaking GP investment fund capable of funding 100% of equity requirements pre-close—demonstrating his skill in optimizing fund structure and return strategy.
Samir’s tenure as Senior Vice President at Encore Capital Management further highlights his deep capabilities in underwriting, capitalization, and asset management. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition and development of $600M in diversified real estate assets, ranging from hospitality and residential to entertainment and retail complexes, earning a promotion to SVP in recognition of his leadership and performance.
His earlier role as Managing Director at DeBartolo Development emphasized his commitment to strategic growth, where he closed over $400M in acquisitions and led teams in cultivating vital investor relationships. His track record includes transactions yielding IRRs as high as 132%, a testament to his sharp investment acumen.
Samir began his career in high-caliber financial roles with General Electric Capital Services, where he completed GE’s prestigious Financial Management Program and held international assignments structuring complex debt deals across Europe. He contributed to the founding team of NewStar Financial on the West Coast, supporting its IPO, and sourced and funded impactful equity and debt deals at Swerdlow Group.
His academic credentials are equally impressive. Samir holds a Master of Science in Real Estate from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Kentucky. He further enhanced his strategic leadership through the Advanced Management Development Program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. He is a Level II CAIA candidate, reinforcing his commitment to deepening his expertise in alternative investments.
Samir is also a dedicated community and industry leader. He serves on the advisory board of the University of Florida’s Bergstrom Real Estate Center and holds board positions with the Crockett Foundation and the Board of Adjustment for the City of Fort Lauderdale. His engagement with the Playpal health tech startup and Yardstone, a real estate startup that focuses on using AI and automation to streamline monthly finances related to the construction draw process, along with his past involvement with Leadership Tampa Bay and the Society of International Business Fellows, illustrate his belief in mentorship, innovation, and civic responsibility.
A collaborative communicator and analytical thinker, Samir Yajnik brings together people, capital, and ideas to generate sustainable value in every venture he touches. His work reflects a balance of entrepreneurial spirit and institutional discipline, making him a trusted leader in an evolving global investment landscape.
Character
Samir Yajnik exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to both professional excellence and community impact, consistently demonstrating ethical leadership across high-stakes investment environments.
Knowledge
With over two decades of experience in real estate, private equity, and capital markets, Samir possesses expert-level knowledge in investment strategy, complex deal structuring, and financial analysis, strengthened by advanced education from Harvard and the University of Florida.
Strategic
Samir is a visionary thinker who aligns capital with opportunity through innovative investment vehicles, strategic joint ventures, and large-scale development projects that generate long-term value for stakeholders and partners alike.
Communication
Known for his collaborative and transparent style, Samir engages effectively with C-suite leaders, investors, and cross-functional teams to drive alignment, foster trust, and ensure clear execution of complex financial initiatives.
