Benvolio Group

The wealth originates from Lew Frankfort's tenure as Chairman and CEO of Coach, Inc. He joined the company in 1979, led a buyout and subsequent IPO, and transformed it into an accessible luxury powerhouse. His equity compensation over roughly three decades created the capital base that Benvolio Group now manages for the Frankfort family.

No. Benvolio Group functions as a family-backed investment office for Lew Frankfort and his family. It has not publicly registered as an investment adviser nor marketed a fund to external investors. All indications point to a single-family office structure managing proprietary wealth.

The firm focuses on early-stage venture, where Lew and Sam Frankfort's operating backgrounds in brand-building provide direct value. Evidence also points to later-stage venture participation and opportunistic private placements. Direct startup equity sits alongside real-asset holdings and commitments to specialized venture funds.

The Frankfort Family Foundation is a separate philanthropic entity funded by the family. It supports causes including the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation and Columbia Business School. While legally distinct, both the investment office and the foundation stem from the same wealth source and are directed by the Frankfort family.

Lew Frankfort, the founder, and his son Sam Frankfort, a partner, lead investment activity. They are supported by operating partners Larry M. Segall and Ernest Odinec. The small team structure means sourcing and diligence are highly centralized, with decision-making reflecting Lew Frankfort's direct brand-development experience.