Juan Zarate

Juan Zarate is the CEO and founder of Fratelly Capital, a private equity firm focused on acquiring and growing well-established, recession-resistant service businesses. Specializing in lower middle-market companies with EBITDA between $1-5 million, Fratelly Capital emphasizes the acquisition of essential service businesses characterized by recurring revenue and low capital expenditure. The firm’s guiding principle is the “30/20/10 rule,” consistently assessing the reliability and growth potential of each business model to ensure high-quality revenue.

Juan’s entrepreneurial journey began early; at 16, he co-founded his first company and later sold it for a profit. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, he came to the U.S. with just $400 as an exchange student. Working three jobs, he saved to invest in real estate, purchasing his first apartment building by age 25. His three decades of experience now span real estate development, construction, asset management, and private equity.

At Fratelly, Juan’s focus extends beyond acquisition, leading the firm in operational change post-acquisition. Fratelly Capital takes an active role in its businesses, often bringing in key leadership roles. Under Juan’s guidance, the firm drives innovation, improves efficiency, and optimizes operations and pricing strategies to reduce costs and support growth.

A devoted husband to Amber and father to twin babies, Juan also has two adult daughters and three grandchildren. His values and work ethic stem from his parents, self-made attorneys, who instilled the importance of education, ownership, and calculated risks. Living in Virginia Beach, VA, Juan continues to empower people and businesses to achieve their goals through structured growth and innovation.