Athena, a home loan provider, is owned by a combination of its co-founders and various investors.
Key Individuals and Investors
The ownership structure of Athena reflects that of a growing financial technology company that has attracted significant investment.
Co-Founders
Athena was co-founded by Nathan Walsh and Michael Starkey. As co-founders, they are integral to the company's inception and likely hold significant ownership stakes. They launched Athena with a vision to revolutionize home loans, focusing on helping people pay off their home loans faster, rather than simply acquire them.
Investors
The company has also secured funding from venture capital firms. For instance, Square Peg Capital participated in a significant investment round, indicating their ownership stake in Athena. Such investments are common for high-growth companies, where venture capital firms provide capital in exchange for equity, becoming part-owners.
To summarize the key ownership parties mentioned:
| Owner Party | Role/Relationship to Athena |
|---|---|
| Nathan Walsh | Co-founder |
| Michael Starkey | Co-founder |
| Square Peg Capital | Investor (participated in Series B) |
Understanding Company Ownership
In modern companies, particularly those that have undergone multiple funding rounds, ownership is often distributed among:
- Founders: The individuals who started the company.
- Employees: Through stock options or equity grants.
- Venture Capital Firms: Institutional investors who provide funding in exchange for equity.
- Angel Investors: Individuals who provide early-stage capital.
This distributed ownership allows companies like Athena to access the necessary capital to innovate and expand their services, such as their approach to home loans where the focus is on repayment rather than just acquisition.
