Denise Thomas

Denise Thomas is the CEO and Co-Founder of ApplePie Capital, a company specializing in franchise financing.12 She founded ApplePie Capital in 2014 with the goal of creating a new, more efficient source of capital for franchise businesses.23

Professional Background

Denise Thomas is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of leadership experience.2 Her expertise spans various industries, including:

• Financial services
• Technology
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Online services

Throughout her career, Thomas has:

• Founded four companies, including ApplePie Capital2
• Held executive and management positions at several companies, such as SharesPost, Healthiest You, Navigenics, and LesConcierges2
• Worked with companies backed by prominent venture capital firms like QED Investors, Kleiner Perkins, Mohr Davidow, and Sequoia Capital2

Achievements at ApplePie Capital

Under Denise Thomas's leadership, ApplePie Capital has experienced significant growth and success:

• Raised over $45 million in equity2
• Overseen loan originations of over $1.6 billion to franchisees across the United States2
• Grown from $60 million in loans to nearly $1.4 billion in just five years3
• Partnered with 42 franchise brands1
• Received recognition as an Emerging Small Business Lender at the LendIt conference1

Expertise and Approach

Denise Thomas is known for her ability to:

• Create viable businesses from entrepreneurial ideas1
• Develop business and market strategies2
• Navigate various financing rounds, including IPOs and acquisitions1

Her approach at ApplePie Capital focuses on:

• Providing financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of franchise businesses3
• Leveraging the stability and predictability of franchise business models1
• Innovating in the franchise financing space1

Thomas has also been a guest lecturer at prestigious business schools, including the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Haas School of Business at the University of California Berkeley.2