Najafi Companies Commits $100M to Alternative Energy Investments

Najafi Companies, LLC announced today that it will provide $100 million dollars to its new start-up portfolio company, Energy Capital Investments, LLC (ECI). 

According to a release, ECI will deploy the funds as investment capital across a range of energy projects including solar, geo-thermal, biomass and other forms of alternative energy. The company will operate as an investor, originating and acquiring alternative and renewable energy projects with the goal of building substantial portfolios in each of its focus markets.

"This is a very exciting venture for us, and we’ve pulled together a first class management team to spearhead it," said Mr. Jahm Najafi, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix-based Najafi Companies, a private investment firm that takes a long-term approach to its select investments nationwide.

Clifford J. Svoboda will serve as ECI’s CEO. Mr. Svoboda began his career with Honeywell where he spent ten years and last served as Regional Director, Financial Industries Operations. He then joined Finalco, Inc., a firm specializing in tax shelter and income fund products where he served seven years as Marketing Director. Mr. Svoboda moved to Bell Atlantic Leasing, Inc. where he was General Manager for Central and Southern Operations. In 1993, he joined former associates at Information Leasing Corp, (ILC). ILC was sold to Provident Bank which, in 2004, was subsequently acquired by National City Bank. Mr. Svoboda served as Vice President, National City Commercial Capital, LLC and Executive Vice President, National City Energy Capital.

"As an enterprise, ECI is among the new kids on the block," said Mr. Svoboda. "This position offers distinct advantages. We intend to bring innovation where appropriate and, to some extent, a fresh perspective on development. There will, further, be a continuing emphasis on building and maintaining relationships as well as projects."

About Najafi Companies

Najafi Companies is a private investment firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. The firm makes investments up to $2.5 billion in size in companies with strong management teams across a variety of industries, and often in industries out of popular favor. The firm takes a long-term view on its investments and focuses its efforts to create value through growth and superior performance. Najafi Companies funds investments with its principals’ capital, not through a fund.