Arnaud Karsenti - Managing Principal & Founder, 13th Floor Investments

Built World Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Arnaud to explore his remarkable journey as an entrepreneur. As a first-generation American with French roots, Arnaud inherited a passion for entrepreneurship from his parents, who were also business owners. From an early age, he immersed himself in the world of business, learning invaluable lessons while working alongside his parents.

Arnaud's entrepreneurial spirit was evident even in high school when he ventured into the world of DJing, laying the groundwork for his future ventures. His journey took a leap forward during his time at Duke University when he founded College Boxes, a moving and storage service tailored for college students. The success of College Boxes eventually culminated in its acquisition by U-Haul.

Returning to Miami in the early 2000s, Arnaud and a close friend embarked on his first real estate venture by acquiring small duplexes in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana. They began assembling properties and then flipped them to developers who would then build larger multifamily projects since zoning allowed for more density and height.

Arnaud's pursuit of excellence led him to pursue further education, earning an MBA from Harvard University. Armed with enhanced knowledge and expertise, he returned to Miami and founded 13th Floor Investments in 2008. Initially focusing on distressed assets, Arnaud pivoted the company's strategy in 2011 in response to changing market dynamics.

In 2013, Arnaud embarked on a groundbreaking project, collaborating with Inigo Ardid from Key International to develop 400 Sunny Isles, marking a significant milestone in his career. From that point forward the rest is history.

Throughout the episode, Arnaud shares invaluable insights and wisdom gleaned from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of mentors, cultivating trusted relationships with investors, and leading by example as the water carrier for the 13th Floor Investments team. Tune in for a wealth of inspiration and practical advice from a seasoned entrepreneur and developer.
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