Kairos Expanding Bridge-Loan Team

Kairos Investment Management is looking to beef up its bridge-lending team ahead of an anticipated increase in originations this year.

The firm expects to fund $200 million to $300 million of senior mortgages, mezzanine debt and preferred equity financings tied to commercial properties across the U.S. in 2023, up from about $150 million in 2022 and $100 million in 2021.

Plans call for adding up to four staffers by yearend to Kairos’ 10-member lending unit, led by senior investment director Raymond Hu, the firm’s head of real estate credit. The recruits would join Kairos in Irvine, Calif., where the fund operator plans to open its new headquarters in April. It’s currently based in nearby Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

The firm already is recruiting for an asset management pro with at least 10 years of experience who would report to Hu and Jonathan Needell, the firm’s president and chief investment officer. Candidates can apply on the careers page of the company’s website (kimc.com). It also might add a more junior staffer later this year to help with asset management.

The firm also is seeking a closing and transaction specialist with at least five years of experience, and a credit analyst with at least two years of experience.