Raymond James expands healthcare technology investment banking coverage
ST. PETERSBURG, FL. – Raymond James is expanding its investment banking capabilities by hiring Alexander Despo as a managing director in the healthcare investment banking practice where he will lead coverage of the life sciences IT sector.
Despo joins Raymond James from Union Square Advisors, where he founded and built its life sciences IT investment banking practice. He has advised on multiple marquee transactions, including leading the pending sale of Scientist.com to GHO Capital and the sale of Science Exchange to Waud Capital Partners, among others.
“Our goal with each new hire is to add another area of sector specialization to create a comprehensive healthcare practice able to serve the entire healthcare economy and deliver invaluable insights and essential guidance for our clients,” said Doug Brown, senior managing director and head of healthcare investment banking at Raymond James. “Alex’s arrival further enhances our ability to support growth companies, private equity sponsors and strategic buyers across the entire healthcare technology ecosystem. With the addition of Alex, we now have one of the broadest healthcare technology coverage efforts in the industry with five senior bankers representing coverage focus to all relevant sectors.”
Despo has more than a decade of investment banking experience focused on healthcare technology and services, with a particular focus on lab technology, supply chain and manufacturing, regulatory and compliance, and eClinical software within the life sciences space. He previously held roles at Crosstree Capital, Houlihan Lokey and Jefferies before joining Union Square Advisors.
Cason Searan also joins Raymond James as a vice president from Union Square Advisors and will work with Despo to support the continued growth of the life sciences IT franchise. Together, they will partner with other healthcare sector senior bankers to deepen Raymond James’ coverage across healthcare technology and pharma services.
“Raymond James has a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare space, and given the team’s effort to expand strategically and thoughtfully in recent years, I truly believe we have one of the deepest and most talented healthcare technology investment banking teams,” said Despo.
About Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. Total client assets are $1.69 trillion. Public since 1983, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange