Lewis Hower, Former Head of Startup Banking at SVB, Joins Orrick

• Lewis Hower, most recently Head of Startup Banking at Silicon Valley Bank, joins Orrick today as a Managing Director, TechCo & Fund Relationships.
• A seasoned leader in the innovation economy, Lewis will leverage his market knowledge and relationships to help our teams provide distinctive commercial counseling to companies and investors, while further building Orrick’s portfolio of 4,000+ venture-backed companies globally.
• A leader at SVB for the past 5+ years, Lewis provides financial and commercial guidance to tech and life sciences founders and investors, including facilitating connections to financing, talent and other opportunities. Prior to joining SVB, he served in numerous other VC firm and corporate investment environments. With a degree in bioengineering, he brings particular insight in the life sciences and healthtech verticals.

Orrick Chair Mitch Zuklie noted: “Lewis operates at the heart of innovation in tech and his hire is a leading example of how we are building strength on strength and thinking differently about adding value for fund and company clients.”

Orrick Tech Sector Leader John Bautista added: “Already a trusted advisor to many of our founder, GC and investor clients, Lewis offers an invaluable perspective on the funding ecosystem and many other commercial questions. He brings a vast network of resources and he and our lawyers are going to be a power team in helping founders succeed.”

Lewis echoed: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to devote my career to working with builders in the innovation economy. I’m thrilled that the next step will be with the extraordinary team at Orrick. I’ve worked with Mitch, John and others at the firm for years and can attest to their passion and talent for helping innovators succeed. I believe we’re going to offer something truly special as companies navigate this pivotal moment in the tech ecosystem.”