Launchpad to Leadership: A LIYEC Winner’s Journey from Pitch to Pilot
Alexander Tsunis, winner of the 2012 Long Island Young Entrepreneur Challenge, pictured with Daymond John, Joseph Scaretta, and members of the Capital One Bank team.
“Looking back, the Young Entrepreneur Challenge wasn’t just a competition — it was my launchpad. It gave me validation at a such a young age considering the competition was hosted the day before I started my freshman year of college. Entrepreneurship was not just a dream; it was real and achievable goal.”
At MasonMade Ventures, we believe that early investments in people can generate ripple effects for years to come. In 2012, several members of our founding team — @Joseph Scaretta, @Moses Carrasco, @Desiree Russo, and @Jennifer Bernheim — launched the Long Island Young Entrepreneurs Challenge (LIYEC) in partnership with Capital One Bank to empower the next generation of business builders. Two young entrepreneurs received $10,000 grants to pursue their ideas.
One of those winners was Alexander Tsunis, then an 18-year-old high school student with a pitch for a moped rental service. Today, he’s a seasoned investor, real estate entrepreneur, and co-founder of a drone tech company — and he’s not done yet. We recently caught up with Alexander to hear how LIYEC shaped his journey and where he's headed next.
Q: Tell us more about how you’ve evolved as an entrepreneur.
A: I received my real estate license while attending High Point University and spent six years working in commercial real estate brokerage. In 2018, I started HAM Capital, my own real estate investment firm. Today, HAM Capital owns and manages income-producing properties and land. Every acquisition, every deal, and every asset under management is a result of disciplined reinvestment, long-term vision, and deep commitment to value creation.
In addition to HAM Capital, I also co-founded Elevate Unmanned Engineering Services. We are a U.S. based UAV company that builds custom drone solutions for clients across various industries. Our focus is on autonomous solutions, combining hardware and software into intelligent, real-world applications that solve high-impact problems.
Q: We heard that you are now taking flight – flight school that is… tell us more!
A: I’m now on the verge of completing flight school. I have been training in high-performance single-engine aircraft in order to become a private pilot. The first time I flew an aircraft solo — piloting an aircraft completely by myself without an instructor in the aircraft— was one of the most surreal and empowering moments of my life. That experience was a powerful reminder of how far confidence, commitment, and self-determination can take you.
Beyond business and aviation, I’ve built a life that prioritizes adventure, exploration, and excellence. I travel the world regularly — often chasing thrilling experiences like skiing, golfing, flying, fishing, hunting, and seeking out exceptional food in hidden corners of the world.
Q: Reflecting back, how did winning the LIYEC shape your entrepreneurial journey?
A: Winning the Long Island Young Entrepreneur Challenge in 2012 was a significant turning point in my life. At the time, I was an 18-year-old high school student with an idea for a moped rental service. The $10,000 prize I received from Capital One Bank was more than just seed capital — it was a catalyst that gave me permission to believe that my ideas were not only viable, but worth investing in.
Looking back, the Young Entrepreneur Challenge wasn’t just a competition — it was my launchpad. It gave me validation at a such a young age considering the competition was hosted the day before I started my freshman year of college. Entrepreneurship was not just a dream; it was real and achievable goal.
Courage, preparation, and the willingness to show up can create opportunities that ripple through the rest of your life. It encouraged me to bet on myself and that bet paid off!
I’m proud to now be in a position where I can invest in new businesses and ventures. I also enjoy being a resource, mentor, or inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. With enough hard work, discipline, and confidence, there truly are no limits.
Learn more about our other 2012 LIYEC winner, Rich Dallojacono.