Sam Heshmati is a seasoned financial expert with over 18 years of experience in the PE/VC/startup space. Graduating with a BS in Business from San Jose State University, Sam has been a critical component of various financial institutions over the years, including the likes of Square 1 Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and most recently First Republic Bank. With a particularly strong focus on Emerging Manager Practice, Sam has worked with some of the most notable VC firms like SoftTech VC, Floodgate Fund, and Blumberg Capital. His primary focus at First Republic Bank is to continue building out their Tech, VC, and PE banking practice where he helps advise portfolio companies of all stages on fundraising as well as debt financing solutions.