Silicon Valley Bank Hires Claire Lee to Lead Corporate Venture Relationship Group

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley Bank, the premier financial partner to innovative companies of all sizes and their investors worldwide, hired Claire Lee to lead its Corporate Venture Relationship Group, which was established in 2009 to build connections between investment groups at some of the world's largest companies and emerging technology and life science startups. As head of the group, Claire is responsible for Silicon Valley Bank's relationships with corporate venture funds, corporate development teams and innovation groups at Fortune 500 companies.

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"Corporate venture plays a significant and increasingly important role in the innovation ecosystem," said John China, Head of Relationship Banking for Silicon Valley Bank. "We are thrilled that Claire is joining us as we continue to expand this area of our business in the US and globally. Her startup and investment experience combined with her proactive approach are a perfect complement to our growth strategy. "

Previously, Claire ran strategic partnerships for Microsoft Ventures, a seed fund which launched in June 2013. As a Principal, she evaluated and invested in early stage startups, working closely with the partners that incubate, invest in and support them. In total, Claire spent nine years at Microsoft in a variety of business development roles in the UK, the EMEA region and the US. Earlier in her career, Claire worked with Compaq at the global distributor, Ingram Micro and with Siemens at Marconi Communications. She began her career as a graduate with IBM Ireland.

The former head of Corporate Venture Relationships at Silicon Valley Bank, Gerald Brady, is now leading commercial banking for Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch.

About Silicon Valley Bank
Banking the world's most innovative companies and exclusive wineries, SVB's diverse financial services, knowledge, global network, and world class service increase our clients' probability of success. With $23 billion in assets and more than 1,600 employees, we provide commercial, international and private banking through 34 locations worldwide. Forbes Magazine ranks us among America's Best Banks and Fortune named SVB one of the best places to work. (Nasdaq: SIVB) www.svb.com.

Silicon Valley Bank is the California bank subsidiary and the commercial banking operation of SVB Financial Group. Banking services are provided by Silicon Valley Bank, a member of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve System. SVB Financial Group is also a member of the Federal Reserve System.

SOURCE Silicon Valley Bank