Ariel Shlien is the Founder and CEO of SureFire Payments, a division of Surefire Capital, a Montreal-based family office specializing in alternative investments for Canadian, US and international investors. Ariel established SureFire Capital in 2012 and has built it into a pioneering organization offering access to highly sought-after, niche opportunities globally for accredited investors. Over the last decade, he has established award-winning programs that have facilitated $1B+ of deployed capital into private equity, venture capital, hedge fund and cryptocurrency investments for SureFire Capital’s invite-only Investment Club of 1100+ investors. In 2021, SureFire’s multi-strategy platform was ranked #1 by Preqin in the Hedge Fund of Funds categories.

 

Ariel is also Chief Executive Officer of The Mad Science Group, a company that he conceived and launched at the age of 15. Since then, the venture has grown into the world leader in educational enrichment services with 140+ franchise owners across most markets in North America. He also initiated the firm’s industry-first strategic partnerships with organizations including NASA, Crayola, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Previously, Ariel founded a holding company that operated a children’s daycare roll-up business model. Over the course of seven years, he led the company’s M&A-centric strategy to acquire and optimize 10 properties with 200+ cumulative staff. After achieving the distinction of becoming Quebec’s largest daycare operation, Ariel exited the company in 2012 via a sale to multiple buyers.

 

Ariel has been recognized for his impact and leadership. In 2000, Ernst & Young awarded him EY Entrepreneur of the Year. He was also named as the BDC Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 and a Fellow of the Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at Dobson Institute in 2005. From 2013 to 2018, Ariel served as a Board Member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). In 2020, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, the Governor General of Canada for outstanding achievement and service to the nation.

 

Ariel has frequently spoken at and been featured by McGill University, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Success Magazine, The Globe and Mail, and USA Today. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University where he graduated as a Faculty Scholar.