Podcast

How has the macroeconomic environment impacted venture capital funding for health tech startups?

In this episode, Megan Scheffel, the Head of Healthcare and Life Science Lending, shares her insights on the current state of SVB and how they are navigating the ever-changing landscape of the innovation economy. She discusses the recent acquisition of SVB by First Citizens Bank and how they are continuing to operate and serve clients in the same way. Megan also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in the funding environment, particularly in the health tech sector. With her extensive experience in the financial services industry, Megan provides valuable advice on not only surviving but thriving in the ever-evolving world of finance. 

Tune in to this episode to hear the inside scoop on the state of SVB and the future of funding for startups in the healthcare industry.

About Megan Scheffel:

Megan Scheffel is a highly collaborative executive with deep experience in finance, venture capital, and technology who enjoys tackling complex organizational challenges, creative problem-solving, and communicating crisply and authentically. Based in DC, she is responsible for the investment and credit decisions for the focus on delivering venture debt, investment management, treasury and payment solutions for all stages of healthcare companies. SVB's mission is to be the premier financial services firm for innovation executives, and their investors.

Since joining Silicon Valley Bank in 1997, Megan has served in a number of offices around the US. She began her career at Silicon Valley Bank’s Silicon Valley headquarters, where she was responsible for handling credit functions and compliance and providing analyst support for lenders in the Northern California and Northwest regions. Scheffel later moved to Silicon Valley Bank’s Boulder office, working with local technology companies. In 2002, she moved to the East Coast to join her husband and to focus on the growth of technology and venture firms in the Mid-Atlantic region.

In 2015-2016, Megan was selected to help with the launch of SVB's JV bank in Shanghai, China. From October through January, she moved to China and spent time in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai doing business development with technology, life science clients and investment firms and helped build out and organize the teams at the JV.

Scheffel is active in supporting and speaking on behalf and with the entrepreneurial organizations and events throughout the Washington D.C. Scheffel earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in finance, from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

When not at work, you can find her cheering on her kids at a variety of sport complexes around DC and running on the trails. 

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Things You’ll Learn:

• SVB's acquisition by First Citizens Bank in March hasn't changed its focus on the innovation economy. They continue to acquire and service clients in the same way as before.
• SVB's value proposition lies in its extensive expertise in the life science and healthcare sectors. 
• SVB specializes in lending to pre-profit and cash-burning companies, offering unique financial services to startups.
• Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, there is still funding available for healthcare startups. M&A activity is expected to increase, and SVB is actively monitoring trends and providing valuable insights to their clients.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Megan Scheffel on LinkedIn.
• Follow SVB on LinkedIn and visit their website.