Stifel Financial has announced a significant expansion of its Venture Banking division, welcoming a group of seasoned professionals who previously held leadership roles at Silicon Valley Bank. This strategic move reflects Stifel’s deepening commitment to supporting companies and investors focused on innovation in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.
The new team brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, positioning Stifel to play an even more influential role in helping businesses navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of biotech, diagnostics, medical devices, and health technology.
The newly appointed Managing Directors include:
— Jackie Spencer (former Head of Life Science & Healthcare Relationship Management)
— Anthony Flores (former Credit Risk Manager for all LS/Healthcare)
— Milo Bissin (former Market Manager)
— Julie Ebert (former Managing Director)
— Timothy Lew (former Director of Business Development for SVB Startup Banking, life sciences)
— Sam Subilia (former Market Manager)
Each of these individuals has built a strong reputation in venture banking, corporate finance, and strategic advisory, having worked with hundreds of early-stage and growth-stage companies. Their backgrounds span commercial banking, venture debt, and investment banking, and they have held key roles at some of the most respected institutions in the financial services industry. Joining them are Vice Presidents Tessa Dibble, Lindsey Seidner, and Ariana DaCruz, who also bring valuable expertise and leadership to the senior team.
This expansion builds on the recent momentum of Stifel Bank’s Venture and Fund Banking group. Over the past year, the team has grown to include more than 100 bankers. The division has surpassed $10 billion in loan commitments and has seen venture client deposits more than double, signaling strong demand for Stifel’s services and a growing footprint in the venture ecosystem.
Stifel’s focus on life sciences and healthcare extends beyond venture banking. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes equity research, capital raising, and mergers and acquisitions. It also hosts proprietary conferences and events that bring together thought leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the industry. Since early September, Stifel has served as joint bookrunner on four biopharma financings that collectively raised $1.1 billion. Notably, this includes the first biopharma initial public offering in seven months, underscoring the firm’s active role in facilitating capital formation in a challenging market environment.
By integrating this new group of experienced bankers into its platform, Stifel is enhancing its ability to serve the needs of innovative companies at every stage of growth. The firm’s expanded capabilities will help founders and management teams access the financial tools and strategic guidance they need to scale their businesses and bring transformative healthcare solutions to market.
KEY QUOTES:
“Stifel is proud to be a leading partner to the innovation ecosystem. Adding this talented team further strengthens our capabilities in healthcare and life sciences and expands the resources we provide to founders and investors.”
Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel
“The life sciences and healthcare sectors are at a critical inflection point, driven by the transformative potential of AI. We are excited to bring our expertise to Stifel’s broader platform, which is uniquely positioned to provide founders and management teams with the resources and solutions to scale from inception to exit.”
Jackie Spencer
