Investing in the next great business - together

At PE Gate, we’re reshaping private equity by giving individual and corporate investors access to institutional-quality opportunities once reserved for hard to access large funds. Our platform is built on transparency, integrity, and rigorous regulatory standards, empowering investors to participate confidently in the growth of exceptional mid-market companies.

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Our Story: Democratizing Private Equity for All

Founded in 2018 by Ara Sahakian, CPA, CA, ICD.D. PE Gate was built to make private equity more accessible to a wider community of investors. We believe high-quality private investments shouldn’t be reserved for institutions or the ultra-wealthy.
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By connecting discerning investors with exceptional privately held businesses, we offer access to equity and debt opportunities grounded in transparency, integrity, and trust.

As an Exempt Market Dealer regulated by the Ontario Securities Commission, we uphold the highest standards of governance and investor protection.

Our Team

Ara Sahakian, CPA

General Partner & Founder

Ara is a private equity investor and entrepreneur with deep expertise in M&A execution and post- acquisition transformation in North American and the Middle East. He has led 30+ transactions across industrials, services, and consumer sectors, founded and exited his own business, and works shoulder-to-shoulder with management teams to modernize operations and accelerate growth.

Mahima Poddar, MBA

General Partner

Mahima Poddar is a seasoned executive and investor with deep expertise in M&A, scaling operations, and strategic transformation. She previously served as SVP & Group Head of Personal Banking at Equitable Bank (EQ Bank) and began her career at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Mahima was recognized as one of WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and Globe and Mail's Best Executives.

Sarmen Boyajian, MBA

General Partner

Sarmen brings over 15 years of experience in investing and capital markets. Before joining PE Gate, he served as Vice President at RBC Capital Markets and spent six years with J.P. Morgan across Europe and Asia, where he specialized in corporate finance and investment strategy. He holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School and has travelled to more than 45 countries, reflecting his global perspective and deep cross-market insight.

Kevin Laleyan

Operating Partner

Extensive experience in operational optimization and strategic growth for small to mid-sized enterprises. Focuses on driving efficiency and implementing scalable business models across diverse industries.

Jack Maynard

Industrial Operating Partner

Specialized expertise in industrial sectors, with a proven track record in manufacturing, supply chain management, and operational excellence. Leads initiatives to enhance productivity and innovation in portfolio companies.

Matthew Cummings

Analyst

Matt brings a strong foundation in engineering, analytics, and business strategy. He is focused on driving operational efficiency, supporting transaction execution, and applying technology-enabled insights to enhance value creation across the portfolio.

Advisory Team

Caroline Wang

Legal, External Advisory

Called to the bar in 2002, Caroline founded Wang Legal, a boutique business law firm in Toronto. She often partners with Meretsky Law Firm, advising clients on corporate and commercial matters.

John Cleveland-Iliffe

Audit, External Advisory

A Chartered Professional Accountant since 1999, John advises investment dealers and regulated entities. He holds multiple accreditations, including the Brokers and Investment Dealers Course and the Canadian Securities Course.

Jean Desgagne, CPA, CA

Marketplace, Advisory Board

Wojciech Gryc

Artificial Intelligence, Advisory Board