Brian Demmert

Managing Director, Debt Capital Markets

ThinkEquity LLC

Brian has over two decades of commercial lending experience, focused primarily in venture capital and private equity backed life sciences, technology and health care services companies. He has completed in excess of $4 billion in loans and is an expert in structuring and negotiating growth capital, asset and equipment-based, subordinate and mezzanine financings. Before joining Think Equity, Brian was a founding partner at Armentum Partners (a debt advisory firm), prior to Armentum Brian was Head of Life Sciences for Comerica Bank’s national life science lending practice. Prior to Comerica, he was a Director at Oxford Finance LLC and headed their Northern California office. Brian also held various positions at Silicon Valley Bank and Accenture Technology Consulting. He holds a B.S. in both finance and economics and an M.B.A, all from Santa Clara University.

5:05pm - 5:40pm

April 10, 2025

Overview of Differences between Bank and Non-Bank Loan Strategies/Regulation

• Should commercial banks continue to have the right to play in venture lending?
• Should the entire asset class move towards the private credit funds?
• Key differences in terms and structures between banks and private credit
• “Risk” and the different views thereof held by banks vs private credits
• Looking back: Over the past 2 years, how borrowers have viewed banks vs. private lending options
BULLETS
• Looking ahead: How can banks and non-bank lenders work best together over the next 1-2 years?

9:55 AM - 10:25 AM

Wednesday March 6, 2024

Why is Venture Debt a Terrible Idea?

  • The good, bad, and ugly of venture debt
  • When is venture debt a poor plan?
  • Using venture debt wisely to fund growth