David Steward II founded Polarity in 2018 to build a larger platform to manage various subsidiary companies and investments in media and entertainment. David assembled a team of experienced professionals to formalize business operations functions and to build out and formalize the investment and M&A capabilities. Polarity is based in St. Louis with offices in Boston and Portland.

The Polarity family of companies began with the founding of Lion Forge in 2011 with a vision to create content for all audiences. The goal: anyone regardless of constituency would find something of appeal. David has since founded or invested in multiple companies and assets with different media platform approaches and content types. Content developed within Polarity its subsidiaries and/or investments has received industry recognition and accolades.

Before starting Lion Forge, David founded and operated Photographx.com. Started in 2000, the company grew from a photography solutions provider into a multimedia company providing photography, filmmaking, animation and design to its clients. He also worked as a film producer for a Christian media company based in Los Angeles, and later formed and managed The Chi Rho Group, a private equity firm focused on making acquisitions in consumer-packaged goods, technology, and media & entertainment.

David graduated magna cum laude from American University with a B.S.B.A. in International Marketing. In addition, David served as an executive board member for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He is a current board Chairman of the St. Louis public media outlet The Nine Network and a board member of American Public Television.

Edward Hamati joined Polarity in 2018 as President to lead the firm along with David Steward II and to lead strategy and corporate development. Edward has 20 years of experience in company building, investing and M&A in multiple industries.

Before joining Polarity, Edward was a Director at BioGenerator. He was part of the investment team, led capital formation efforts, and was an operating partner supporting multiple portfolio companies in the tech, healthcare and agriculture sectors.

Before joining BioGenerator, Edward served at The Chi Rho Group, a private equity firm led by David Steward II. The firm’s focus included investment interests in CPG, tech and media & entertainment. Edward previously worked at The Broadband Group, a management consulting firm focused on the telecom industry. Client work included consulting four various Fortune 500 clients and founding and leading the financial services platform. Earlier in his career, Edward worked in medical research at the Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine at UC Davis.

Edward has a B.S. degree in Cellular Biology from University of California, Davis. He earned his M.B.A. from California State University, Sacramento in Finance and Business Strategy and attended University of Oxford, United Kingdom with a focus in business strategy. He also attended the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy, further enhancing his knowledge and experience in providing due diligence, business plan development and corporate startup models.

Carl Reed joined Polarity in 2018 as Chief Creative Officer and President of Lion Forge Animation. Carl contributes to areas including portfolio and subsidiary company creative strategy and oversight.

Carl’s career includes 20 years in media creation. Over the course of his career, Carl has worked with high-profile clients to produce a variety of different types of content, from comic books to broadcast animated series, toys and videogames. He has worked with clients such as Disney, MTV, Spin Master Toys, Warner Media, Global TV (Canada), Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and more.

Alongside founder David Steward II, Carl co-founded Lion Forge Comics in 2011, with a focus on leading creative operations. Some of his many roles at Lion Forge have included overseeing editorial and production; establishing and serving as president of the B2B services sister company, Lion Forge Labs; and his current role leading the efforts of the newly created company, Lion Forge Animation (LFA).

In his role at Lion Forge Animation, Carl jointly oversees the studio’s film, television and digital units. He directs LFA’s robust production and distribution practices as well as establishes and cultivates relationships with key creators and industry partners.

Shonagh Clements joined Polarity in 2018 as Chief Legal Officer. She leads legal efforts including IP asset management and corporate oversight across the Polarity family of subsidiaries and investments. Shonagh’s work contributes to areas including portfolio and investment strategy as well as deal execution.

In her career, Shonagh has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, respected business strategist, and experienced attorney. She has built a distinguished career on the concept that any challenge is a chance to collaborate, connect and solve complex problems. With her differentiated background in legal affairs, strategic communications, crisis management and business development, Shonagh is a valued resource.

Before joining Polarity, Shonagh was on the executive team at a consulting firm that specialized in developing and executing strategic initiatives for public and privately held companies, including Fortune 500s. Prior to that, Shonagh had her own law practice, representing a broad client base in the areas of corporate counsel, civil litigation, public affairs and government relations.

Shonagh began her career with the law firm of Stinson Leonard Street LLP as a Litigation Associate, having completed a clerkship with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston and holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Shonagh’s leadership contributions extend beyond her professional successes and include serving on the boards of several St. Louis nonprofit organizations.