Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Berry.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Denise Berry, a business leader with a diverse background that’s taken me from the battlefield to the boardroom. I began my career as a U.S. Army combat medic, serving in Iraq. That experience shaped who I am—resilient, mission-focused, and committed to leading under pressure. After my military service, I moved into the tech startup world while earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business.
From there, I transitioned into the insurance industry, where I deepened my understanding of risk, operations, and organizational structure. Eventually, I stepped into my first executive role as the CFO of a latex manufacturing plant in Alabama—an experience that challenged me to balance strategic financial oversight with day-to-day operational leadership.
Today, I’m the founder and CEO of Luciano Equity, a consulting firm based in Los Angeles. We help businesses around the world find and raise capital, but our work goes beyond the numbers. I believe that financial readiness and personal development go hand in hand, so I also work closely with founders and teams to ensure they’re prepared—mentally, structurally, and strategically—for the growth that capital can bring. I partner with private companies and government entities globally, bringing a hands-on, grounded approach to every engagement.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My path hasn’t been easy. I grew up with very little, raised by a single father who did his best but couldn’t shield me from the weight of poverty or the feeling of being on my own. After serving as a combat medic in Iraq, the transition back to civilian life was jarring—I carried the invisible wounds of war into a world that moved on without understanding what I had just survived. In business, I’ve always been action-oriented, driven to lead and execute, but time and time again, I was told to “slow down” or “stay in my lane”—coded language too often reserved for women with ambition. I was consistently paid less than my male counterparts and rarely saw women in positions of leadership who looked like me or had walked a similar path. Without mentors, I had to learn through failure, trial, and persistence. But those struggles became my foundation. They taught me not just how to succeed, but how to create space for others to rise.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Luciano Equity, Inc. is a rare kind of firm—equal parts strategic connector and personal coach. What sets us apart is not just the ability to move capital (over $200 million connected to projects and companies worldwide), but the way we do it: with honesty, clarity, and a deep commitment to helping founders and executives navigate the parts of business they’re just “supposed to already know.” We talk about the hard stuff—money, budgets, uncertainty, and growth—not with judgment, but with truth and strategy. My personal global network has allowed us to open doors for clients across continents, while our coaching approach ensures leaders are prepared internally for the external opportunities we create. At Luciano Equity, we don’t just raise capital—we raise capability.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my most cherished childhood memories is of the house where I grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. My bedroom window sat just above the river, and every night I would crack it open—just enough to let the world in. I’d fall asleep to the steady, calming sound of the water moving over rocks, the earthy scent of dirt and river air drifting in, and the gentle chill of the mountain breeze brushing against my face. It was my sanctuary, a place that made me feel both wild and safe, connected and completely free. Even now, when life gets loud, I go back there in my mind—to that quiet moment where everything felt still and real.
Pricing:
- Business Consultation: $250
- Personal Coaching 1-on-1: $500/session
- Business Capital Connection: Fee determined based on company and funding needed
- Speaking Opportunities: $5k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucianoequity.com
- Instagram: @officialdeniseberry
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-a-berry-80a91b51
