Justin Bakes

Justin Bakes is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Forward Financing, a fintech company established in 2012 that specializes in providing working capital to small and medium-sized businesses across the United States. Under his leadership, Forward Financing has facilitated over $1.6 billion in funding to more than 40,000 businesses, focusing on those often underserved by traditional financial institutions. The company has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by various organizations, including the Boston Business Journal.12

Before founding Forward Financing, Justin served as the Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at Watsco, Inc., where he played a significant role in doubling the company's revenues through strategic acquisitions. His background also includes experience as an investment banker at UBS Investment Bank, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions for various financial institutions and corporations in Europe and Latin America.12

Originally from South Florida, Justin holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston College. He is actively involved in the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) and currently resides in Boston with his family.12