Steven Dipasquale of Comerica Talks about Financing Startups
Where are you from originally?
Houston
What university did you go to?
Texas A&M University. BBA in Finance.
What brought you to Austin?
I spent about 10 years in Atlanta and decided it was time to get back to Texas.
Austin of course was our first choice given the quality of life.
What is your passion and strength?
Not to sound contrived, but helping people - helping entrepreneurs succeed who are changing the way we live our lives.
What need does it fulfill?
Assisting entrepreneurs with big ideas as an advisor is very rewarding in itself.
What exactly do you bring to startups?
Finance background working with early stage and late stage tech and life science companies. Understand the various types of debt financing available throughout a company’s life cycle and thorough understanding of venture capital and private equity. Experience includes identifying new business opportunities, due diligence, market research, analytical capabilities and financial analysis, and contacts in the private equity and venture capital communities.
What type of startup would benefit from your strengths?
I believe I could add value across various industries and stages. My background working with startups has been broad.
What was the most challenging aspect of starting up a business?
My only direct experience has been working to grow tech practices at various institutions. I believe the biggest challenge is reminding the market that there are actually commercial banks that focus on working with early stage companies. Hiring the right team to deliver the message is key. (I don’t think you want to hear about my childhood lawn business or paper route…)
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Like the question above, follow your passion enthusiastically.
What Austin-based resource have you found to be the most helpful and why?
ATI--the resources, events, etc.
Best regards,
Hall T.
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