Walt Sparks
About Walt Sparks
Walt Sparks is the Executive Director of Syndications at CIBC Innovation Banking, with extensive experience in technology and life science start-ups and middle market companies.
Current Role at CIBC
Walt Sparks holds the position of Executive Director in Syndications at CIBC Innovation Banking. Starting in 2022, he operates out of Durham, North Carolina, United States. His role focuses on syndications within the innovation banking sector, contributing significantly to the bank's efforts in supporting innovative ventures.
Previous Experience at PNC
Prior to his role at CIBC, Walt Sparks was with PNC, where he served as VP of Technology Finance from 2021 to 2022 in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area and as AVP of Technology Finance from 2019 to 2021 in the same region. Over these years, he developed a solid foundation in financing technology ventures.
Tenure at Square 1 Bank
Walt Sparks had an extensive tenure at Square 1 Bank, starting in 2014 as a Portfolio Analyst and advancing to roles such as Senior Analyst, Team Lead in Venture Banking, and AVP in Technology Banking. He spent a total of five years with the bank, honing his expertise in venture and technology banking, particularly in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area.
Academic Background
Walt Sparks achieved a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Marketing from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School from 2019 to 2021. He also holds two Bachelor's Degrees from the University of Richmond- Robins School of Business and Jepson School of Leadership, earned concurrently from 2010 to 2014. His undergraduate studies covered Finance and Leadership Studies.
Early Career and Internships
Walt Sparks initiated his professional journey through various internships, including stints at Boxwood Partners and Kinsale Insurance Company in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, he volunteered at Friends Association in Richmond, Virginia, in 2011. These roles provided him with foundational insights and experience in the finance and corporate sectors.
Focus on Start-Ups and Middle Market Companies
Throughout his career, Walt Sparks has focused on working with technology and life science start-ups and middle market companies, particularly those backed by institutional investors. His professional expertise lies in syndications within the innovation banking sector, underpinning his significant contributions to these industries.