Our Story

16 years of private lending leadership. One mission: putting real capital to work for real investors.

Matt Rosen — CEO, ALC Funds
Matt Rosen
CEO | ALC Funds
American Lending Conference

A Legacy Built on
Real Relationships

Matt Rosen grew up watching his father, Leonard Rosen, build something remarkable from nothing. Leonard started the Pitbull Conference in 2002 with two attendees in a coffee shop. By the time Matt joined the organization in 2008, it had grown into the nation's most recognized private lending event — drawing hundreds of lenders, brokers, and investors from across the country.

For 15 years, Matt worked at the heart of that machine. He didn't just attend conferences — he built them. He developed the relationships, refined the programming, and cultivated the culture that made the Pitbull Conference a destination for serious private lending professionals.

In 2023, Matt stepped out on his own with a clear vision: create a conference experience that puts deal flow and real capital relationships first. The American Lending Conference was born — and it has grown into one of the most respected events in the private lending industry.

Now, Matt is channeling that same network, discipline, and deal-first philosophy into ALC Funds — bringing institutional-grade financing to real estate investors with the personal touch that only 16+ years of industry relationships can provide.

"I understand the frustration of attending costly events where your story is unheard. For over 16 years, I've been dedicated to changing that — and now I'm bringing that same commitment to private lending."
Matt Rosen
CEO, ALC Funds & American Lending Conference

The Legacy Behind the Name

To understand Matt Rosen and ALC Funds, you must first understand where it all began — with a visionary named Leonard Rosen.

LR

Leonard Rosen — The Original Pitbull

In 2002, Leonard Rosen held his first private lending conference. Only two people attended — and they were both comped. He sat in a coffee shop for five hours, winking at the waitress as she passed, promising her a good tip if she let them stay. That humble beginning would grow into the Pitbull Conference, the nation's largest private lending event.

Leonard didn't just build a conference — he built an industry. He founded the National Private Lenders Association (NPLA) and led the successful campaign to rebrand "hard money lending" as "private lending," fundamentally changing how the industry was perceived by the public and regulators alike.

His philosophy was simple but powerful: treat people like family, build with integrity, and create genuine value. His company never had a single employee leave in nearly 20 years. He called it "capitalism with morals."

Leonard guided countless companies to multimillion-dollar achievements. His legacy isn't just the conferences he built — it's the culture of excellence, transparency, and community he instilled in everyone around him, including his son Matt.

From 2 Attendees to 800+

The Pitbull Conference grew from a coffee shop conversation to an event drawing 600–800 attendees and 50+ sponsors per event, held at premier venues including the Ritz Carlton. Matt was there for every step of that growth.

Redefining an Industry

Leonard founded the NPLA and successfully lobbied to change the industry's name from "hard money" to "private lending" — a shift that reshaped how lenders, borrowers, and regulators view the entire asset class. Matt carries this commitment to professionalism forward.

A Legacy Inherited

Matt didn't just inherit a name — he inherited a philosophy. The same values that built the Pitbull Conference into a national institution now drive ALC Funds: deal flow, community, transparency, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

The ALC Journey

From a coffee shop in 2002 to a national lending platform in 2026.

2002

The Pitbull Conference Is Born

Leonard Rosen, Matt's father, holds his first private lending conference. Only two people attend — both comped — sitting in a coffee shop for five hours. A legend begins from the most humble of origins.

2008

Matt Joins the Mission

Matt Rosen steps into a leadership role at the Pitbull Conference, bringing fresh energy and vision to what was already becoming the nation's premier private lending event. His 15-year tenure begins.

2008–2023

Building the Nation's Largest Private Lending Event

Over 15 years, Matt helps grow the Pitbull Conference from a small gathering to an event drawing 600–800 attendees and 50+ sponsors per event, held at premier venues like the Ritz Carlton. He develops deep relationships with the top lenders, brokers, and capital partners in the country.

2023

A New Chapter: American Lending Conference

With a clear vision for what a private lending conference could truly be, Matt launches the American Lending Conference — a redefined event experience built around real deal flow, credible capital partners, and high-level education. The NPLA Conference is rebranded under new leadership.

2024

National Expansion

The American Lending Conference grows into a nationally recognized event, drawing brokers, investors, private lenders, and fund managers from across the country. Matt's conference app connects attendees with potential leads long after the event ends.

2025

ALC Funds Launches

Building on 16+ years of industry relationships and institutional knowledge, Matt launches ALC Funds — bringing the same deal-flow-first philosophy of the conference to direct lending. Backed by RSC Private Lending, ALC offers investors access to institutional-grade financing with the personal touch of a trusted industry leader.

2026

5th National American Lending Conference

The 5th National American Lending Conference is held at the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino in Las Vegas, March 10–11, 2026. ALC Funds continues to grow its portfolio of funded deals nationwide.

What We Stand For

The principles that guide every deal, every relationship, and every decision at ALC Funds.

01

Deal Flow First

Every decision — from conference programming to lending criteria — is built around generating real, actionable deal flow for our partners.

02

Community Over Transactions

We build long-term relationships, not one-time transactions. The ALC community is a network of professionals who grow together.

03

Institutional Discipline

16+ years of experience means we underwrite with clarity, structure, and the discipline of a seasoned institutional lender.

04

Transparent by Design

No hidden fees. No vague terms. No surprises. Every deal is structured with complete transparency from day one.

Ready to Work Together?

Whether you have a deal to submit or just want to learn more about our programs, we're here to help.