AJ Gunasena
Managing Partner & Venture Capitalist — Las Vegas, Nevada
AJ Gunasena is a Las Vegas–based Venture Capitalist, entrepreneur, and private money lender. As Managing Partner of AJG Venture Group, he deploys the firm's own capital into startups, small businesses, software, AI, fintech, biotechnology, and select real estate and media opportunities — pairing that capital with hands-on strategic and operational support.
Companies & ventures
AJ Gunasena has spent more than 15 years building and operating businesses across venture investing, real estate finance, media, and professional sports betting. His portfolio of ventures includes:
- AJG Venture Group — a private capital platform investing the firm's own capital in ambitious operators and scalable businesses.
- FlipWithAJ Real Estate Group — a Las Vegas–based private hard money lender providing fix & flip, ground-up construction, and bridge financing to real estate investors nationwide.
- BetWithAJ Consulting — a sports betting consultancy built on AJ's career as a professional gambler.
- Real Vegas Magazine — where AJ serves as Executive Creative Director.
- AJG Ventures & Holdings — the holding company that ties the portfolio together.
Investment approach
AJ operates on an own-capital mandate: AJG Venture Group invests its own money, not a fund's. That independence keeps the firm selective and fast — able to commit in days where committees take months — and aligns it with founders for the long term rather than a fund cycle.
Beyond capital, AJ works as a strategic partner. Drawing on his operating experience across lending, media, and consumer brands, he supports portfolio companies with strategy, brand-driven marketing, digital and performance management, and the systems businesses need to scale and become exit-ready. Read more about what AJG invests in.
Background
AJ Gunasena studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and has built his career in Las Vegas, one of the fastest-growing business markets in the United States. His path — from professional gambling to real estate lending to venture capital — is grounded in the same discipline: pricing risk accurately and acting decisively when the odds are right. Learn more about venture capital in Las Vegas.
Connect with AJ Gunasena
Connect with AJ on LinkedIn or Instagram, or reach the firm directly at contact@ajgventuregroup.com. Founders and operators can review our FAQ for how to submit an opportunity.