Empowering growth across AI, Out of Home Advertising, SaaS, Commercial Pay TV, Commercial Real Estate, and Professional Services.
TEAM
Meet the leadership of Saffar Capital
As the Managing Director at Saffar Capital, Babak leads the firm’s investment strategy across sectors including Commercial Pay TV, Out of Home Advertising, Artificial Intelligence, Multi-Location Organizations, SaaS, Commercial Real Estate, and Professional Services. He brings a wealth of experience in private equity, emphasizing growth, operational efficiency, and market scalability for portfolio companies. With a hands-on approach, Babak aligns Saffar Capital’s investments with transformative business models and technology-driven innovation. Previously, he held leadership roles in major investment firms, where he directed successful transactions and value creation initiatives, equipping him with deep insights into Saffar’s core sectors. Known for his expertise in adapting traditional industries like media to the digital age, Babak also brings a tech-forward focus in AI and SaaS, helping shape sustainable growth strategies. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and accountability, fostering talent within the firm and its portfolio companies. Under his guidance, Saffar Capital builds a portfolio that drives sustainable growth and impacts key industries, reflecting Babak’s commitment to excellence in private equity.
Mr. Cane is the principal at VLC. He has more than 25 years of experience as a business attorney and advisor, specializing in representing individuals, entrepreneurs and companies in corporate, media, entertainment, technology and financial transactions. Mr. Cane routinely handles public and private securities transactions, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, private equity and debt financings, film financings, intellectual property creation, registration, protection and licensing transactions, technology and on-line agreements, corporate formation and governance matters, executive compensation matters, board and investor relations and corporate and securities compliance. As part of his practice, Mr. Cane acts as general counsel and business advisor for many of his clients, including various start-up companies, wherein he is typically involved in all major business initiatives and transactions. Mr. Cane is also an experienced litigator and trial attorney, and outside of his law practice, is involved with various businesses. Prior to VLC, among other things, Mr. Cane was a partner of Arendsen Cane Molnar LLP, a senior executive at Sony Connect, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (Sony), and held roles with national law firms Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP, Preston Gates & Ellis, LLP and Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP. Mr. Cane received his BA from Cornell University in applied economics and business management (1990), his JD from Loyola Law School (1994), and his MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (2006). Mr. Cane is licensed to practice law in both California and Texas.
Experienced technology leader and entrepreneur with a proven track record of co-founding and leading innovative startups across various industries, including marketing, e-commerce, and tech-driven platforms. Currently, Co-founder of CETV Now!, an Arizona-based company revolutionizing commercial environment TV marketing with data-driven strategies that help brands engage targeted audiences in real-time. Prior to this, served as Contract CTO for multiple startups, including Uptracker, a global inventory management system for orthodontic offices. With a background in architecture, API development, and team management, I have consistently driven the development of scalable solutions, from Yoroomie, a roommate matching app, to Codeity, a job-matching platform for developers. Known for fast execution, I have delivered high-quality apps in record time, such as Livby, a live-streaming e-commerce platform, Vidfly, a consumer video competition platform, and Showgo, a live-streaming video synchronization app. I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit, consistently delivering value for startups and driving growth through strategic tech solutions.
Tagan is an accomplished Chief Operations Officer (COO) with over 15 years of experience driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Known for his ability to streamline processes, optimize performance, and lead cross-functional teams, Tagan has a proven track record of delivering results in complex, fast-paced environments. His leadership style is focused on fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, helping organizations navigate change while achieving long-term business objectives. With a deep commitment to operational excellence and a forward-thinking approach, Tagan continues to make significant contributions to the success of his company, positioning it for sustained growth and competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Siddney is a skilled Chief of Staff with experience supporting senior executives in dynamic, fast-paced environments. She brings a proven ability to anticipate needs, streamline operations, and drive strategic initiatives that keep leadership teams focused and effective. Highly organized and detail-oriented, Siddney excels at managing complex calendars, coordinating executive travel, and facilitating high-level meetings with precision and discretion. Known for her sound judgment and calm under pressure, she ensures seamless communication and alignment across departments. Trusted for her professionalism, resourcefulness, and integrity, Siddney is dedicated to creating efficiency, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the overall success of the organization.
Melissa plays a key role in coordinating our Latin American team as well as supporting Saffar Capital’s leadership and daily operations. With a background in administration, HR coordination, and project management, she ensures smooth communication, organization, and execution across multiple business functions.
She brings a proactive, detail-oriented approach to managing priorities, coordinating internal initiatives, and fostering collaboration across teams. Known for her professionalism and adaptability, Melissa helps keep complex projects and leadership objectives on track.
Fluent in English and Spanish, she contributes to Saffar’s global reach and client engagement efforts, bringing efficiency and clarity to every task she handles.
Kenin M. Spivak is a highly regarded executive, entrepreneur, financier, author, and attorney known for innovative leadership, sophisticated deal-making, deep financial markets expertise, marketing strength, and hands-on management. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of SMI Group LLC and chairman of its operating units.
Mr. Spivak has led multinational companies with billions of dollars in worldwide sales and operations across 30+ countries, including serving as CEO of a NewsCorporation affiliate, a wireless technology company, and an investment banking firm, as well as principal operating officer of major studio MGM/UA, founding chairman of the Paul Mitchell cosmetology schools, and an officer and director of Merrill Lynch media and entertainment partnerships.
He has structured, negotiated, and closed $10+ billion of complex transactions ($20+ billion in current dollars), spanning acquisitions, divestitures, financings, restructurings, licensing, and joint ventures. He also led the development, financing, production, marketing, and distribution of hundreds of feature films and television series grossing $3+ billion ($7+ billion in current dollars), along with consumer products and services generating many additional billions in revenue.
Mr. Spivak is founder and chairman of SMI Entertainment and has held leadership and advisory roles across entertainment, energy, finance, technology, real estate, and international ventures. After starting his career as an attorney, he joined Merrill Lynch investment banking, then was recruited by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian to revitalize MGM/UA, driving record revenues before its sale for nearly $2 billion ($4.5 billion in current dollars). He later rebuilt Island World to profitability and was recruited by financier Michael Milken to develop media opportunities for Archon Capital.
Mr. Spivak co-founded and served as CEO of Archon Communications, brought in Rupert Murdoch’s NewsCorporation as an investor, and helped acquire and grow major media assets. He also led the sale of Metro Traffic Networks to Viacom for $1.9 billion ($3.5 billion in current dollars), and has been active in healthcare, gaming, marketing, and publishing, including leading businesses with 30,000 supermarket clients and distribution in 12 states.
In technology, Mr. Spivak served for over a decade as chairman and CEO of Telemac Corporation, expanding it from 25,000 analog customers to 30+ million digital customers worldwide, with 212 patents/patents-pending in 41 countries, offices in the U.S., China, and the U.K., and relationships with major wireless operators on six continents, before selling the company to a strategic licensee.
He also served on the executive committee of a $4 billion bank during a nationwide banking crisis and has held senior roles at multiple public and private companies. Mr. Spivak earned an A.B., M.B.A., and J.D. from Columbia University with honors, is admitted to practice law in California and New York, holds multiple U.S. securities licenses, and is a U.S. citizen.
Kurtis Barton is a Principal at Voice Media Group, one of the nation’s leading alternative media companies. With more than three decades of experience in media and advertising, Kurtis has built a reputation as a visionary leader and trusted expert across every major advertising medium — from traditional print to cutting-edge digital platforms.
Throughout his career, Kurtis has cultivated deep expertise across print publishing, online advertising, programmatic media, Google campaigns, AI-driven marketing, digital out-of-home (DOOH), and connected TV (CTV). His strategic insight and hands-on experience enable him to bridge legacy media with modern technology, helping brands connect with audiences more effectively in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
Known for his forward-thinking approach and operational acumen, Kurtis brings a wealth of industry knowledge, innovation, and value to every organization and partnership he engages with. His leadership at Voice Media Group continues to shape the company’s position as a dynamic, data-driven force in the national media landscape.
William Lewis is a creative marketing strategist and skilled negotiator, he helps clients unlock the best real estate opportunities across Arizona. With over two decades of industry experience, his diverse clientele includes international investors, professional athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, and families alike.
William delivers a transcendent level of representation through his deep local expertise, innovative marketing approach, and a trusted network of seasoned professionals. His competitive spirit, commitment to excellence, and genuine passion for real estate have earned him a respected reputation throughout the industry — and continue to open doors for his clients every day.
“William Lewis helps clients access Arizona’s most sought-after properties — from first homes to major investments.”
Cary Flanders is the Founder and CEO of RAC Financial, a payments and merchant services firm focused on helping businesses simplify credit card processing, reduce unnecessary fees, and improve overall cash flow. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cary has built his career at the intersection of sales leadership, payments consulting, and long-term client relationships—bringing a hands-on, performance-driven approach to an industry that is often overly complex and difficult for business owners to navigate.
With more than a decade of experience in the payment processing space, Cary is widely recognized as a practical operator and industry pioneer who understands both the technical side of processing and the real-world demands businesses face every day. Over the course of his career, he has built multiple successful payment processing companies and advised organizations across a range of sectors—from local operators to nationally recognized brands. His experience includes working with household names such as Planet Hollywood and Buca di Beppo, giving him perspective on what scalable, enterprise-level payment infrastructure looks like while still maintaining the service and responsiveness smaller businesses require.
At RAC Financial, Cary’s mission is straightforward: bring clarity, transparency, and measurable value to every client relationship. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, his team focuses on evaluating each business’s unique transaction profile, processing mix, and growth trajectory to recommend the right structure, pricing model, and operational setup. Cary is known for advocating for the merchant first—helping clients understand what they’re paying, why they’re paying it, and where hidden inefficiencies may be quietly reducing margins over time.
Cary’s leadership style is rooted in accountability, education, and long-term trust. He believes merchant processing should be a strategic asset—not an unavoidable cost of doing business—and that when payments are designed correctly, they can support expansion, reduce friction at the point of sale, and create a smoother customer experience. His work emphasizes relationship-driven consulting, where the goal is not simply to deploy a terminal or open an account, but to build a stable, scalable foundation that supports the business for years.
In addition to his role at RAC Financial, Cary is also recognized for advising and contributing to broader payments initiatives and organizations within the industry. His reputation for straightforward guidance, combined with deep operational knowledge, has made him a trusted resource for business owners and executives looking to modernize their payment systems and improve profitability.
Today, Cary continues to lead RAC Financial with a focus on growth, innovation, and service excellence—helping businesses across the country optimize payments, eliminate confusion, and operate with greater confidence and control.
Cole Christen is the President of RAC Financial, where he helps lead the company’s mission to simplify credit card processing and deliver transparent, merchant-first payment solutions to businesses nationwide. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cole brings a disciplined, execution-focused approach to building scalable payment infrastructure in an industry that often lacks clarity.
In his role, Cole works closely with RAC Financial’s executive leadership to drive growth, strengthen internal operations, and ensure merchants receive consistent, high-touch support throughout the entire lifecycle of their payment relationship. His leadership centers on clarity, accountability, and long-term alignment—ensuring clients understand their pricing, trust their processing structure, and can scale efficiently.
Prior to joining RAC Financial, Cole built his career in enterprise software sales, working with complex organizations and high-value clients during periods of rapid growth. That experience shaped his approach to payments: direct communication, operational rigor, and solutions designed to perform in real-world, high-volume environments. He applies that same standard across merchant strategy, partner relationships, and internal execution.
In addition to day-to-day leadership, Cole is recognized as a communicator and educator in the payments space, helping business owners better understand processing economics, fee structures, and provider relationships. His goal is to reduce complexity and bring transparency to an area of the business that is often treated as a black box.
Cole’s leadership style is pragmatic, growth-oriented, and grounded in doing right by merchants while building systems that support long-term, sustainable expansion.
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