José E. Feliciano: A Visionary Investor and Philanthropist Shaping the Future

José E. Feliciano, a Puerto Rican-born American businessman and investor, has emerged as a prominent figure in the financial world and beyond. As the co-founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital Group, he has significantly influenced private equity, credit, and related investment strategies. His journey from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, to the pinnacle of global finance is a testament to his dedication, vision, and commitment to societal betterment.

Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Feliciano demonstrated an early aptitude for academics. He pursued mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University, earning his degree in 1994. His academic journey continued at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he obtained his MBA, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

Feliciano’s career commenced in investment banking, where he honed his skills in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance at Goldman Sachs. He later served as the chief financial officer at govWorks and held a senior position at Tennenbaum Capital, an alternative investment management firm. In 2006, he co-founded Clearlake Capital with Behdad Eghbali, focusing on sectors such as technology, industrials, and consumer goods. Under their leadership, Clearlake has managed over $85 billion in assets and executed more than 400 investments.

A notable achievement was Clearlake’s acquisition of Chelsea Football Club in May 2022, valued at over £4.25 billion. Feliciano serves on the boards of several Clearlake portfolio companies, including Chelsea Football Club and WellPet.

Beyond his business ventures, Feliciano is deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2020, he and his wife, Kwanza Jones, donated $20 million to Princeton University to support student housing, marking the first time the university named residence halls after Black and Latino donors. Their philanthropic organization, the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, focuses on education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment, with over $200 million committed to these causes. In 2017, they matched donations up to $500,000 for Puerto Rico disaster relief following Hurricane Maria. Feliciano also serves on the boards of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Robert Toigo Foundation, and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and is a trustee of the J. Paul Getty Trust, Stanford University, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino.

In October 2024, Feliciano publicly condemned disparaging remarks about Puerto Rico made at a Donald Trump rally, emphasizing the island’s rich culture and the pride of its people. He urged Americans to recognize the power of their voice and vote, highlighting his advocacy for Puerto Rican interests.

Married to artist and philanthropist Kwanza Jones, Feliciano balances his professional commitments with a dedication to social causes. Their collaborative efforts through their philanthropic initiative reflect a shared vision for societal improvement.

José E. Feliciano’s journey from a young student in Puerto Rico to a leading figure in global finance and philanthropy underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence and societal betterment. His strategic investments, philanthropic endeavors, and advocacy work continue to inspire and influence various sectors, leaving a lasting impact on communities worldwide.