About Felipe
Built on a single rowhouse. Scaled into a portfolio.
Felipe Ernst is a real estate investor, developer, and educator in the Washington, D.C. metro area — and the founder of two firms built around one conviction: that disciplined, vertically integrated operators create the most value in high-barrier-to-entry housing markets.
From a Georgetown classroom to a verticallyintegrated platform — the story below.
Career
A decade-plus track record, in order.
Georgetown McDonough School of Business
Begins his BSBA in Finance & International Business, later adding a certificate in Entrepreneurship. Graduates in 2014.
Technology Enablement Group
Joins KPMG's advisory practice, working on a $250M transformation of Fannie Mae's Loan Accounting System — integrating seven platforms covering $3 trillion in loan value, representing 60% of all U.S. loans, and ultimately delivering a 40% reduction in loan processing time.
Ernst Equities, LLC
Leaves KPMG to found Ernst Equities, beginning with a three-unit acquisition in Shaw, Washington, D.C. — funded by a mortgage on his parents' house. The firm grows into a vertically integrated platform spanning acquisitions, development, asset and property management, finance, construction, and leasing.
Master's, Real Estate Development & Finance
Returns to Georgetown University to complete a master's degree in Real Estate Development & Finance, completed in 2017.
Rising Star of Commercial Real Estate
Named a Rising Star of Commercial Real Estate by DCA, alongside recognition as a two-time honoree on the Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal's "30 Under 30" list.
Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies
Begins teaching MPRE 727-01, "Multifamily Value-Add Investment and Development," in Georgetown's Real Estate program — bringing practitioner experience directly into the classroom.
Tropaia Award, Georgetown University
Receives the Tropaia Award as the most outstanding faculty member in Georgetown's Real Estate program.
Capitol Rock Partners
Founds Capitol Rock Partners, a private equity firm focused on acquiring and managing Class-B multifamily real estate with significant value-add potential across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Headquartered at 420 Florida Ave NE, Suite #100, Washington, D.C.
Education
Georgetown, twice.
Master's in Real Estate Development & Finance, Georgetown University (2016–2017). BSBA in Finance & International Business, Georgetown McDonough School of Business (2010–2014), with a certificate in Entrepreneurship.
Licenses & Languages
Credentialed across the full development stack.
Licensed real estate broker (D.C. & Maryland), Class A General Contractor, and licensed Property Manager. Fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Recognition
Awards & honors.
2024
Tropaia Award
Georgetown University — most outstanding faculty member, Real Estate program.
2020
Rising Star of Commercial Real Estate
DCA
Multiple Years
"30 Under 30," Two-Time Honoree
Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal
Questions About His Work?