Abhi Rao
About Abhi Rao
Abhi Rao serves as the Director of Investment Banking at Piper Sandler, specializing in life sciences and M&A transactions. With a robust background in investment banking and a strong educational foundation in accounting and finance, he has executed transactions totaling approximately $200 billion.
Work at Piper Sandler
Abhi Rao has been serving as the Director of Investment Banking at Piper Sandler since 2021. In this role, he focuses on core coverage areas within life sciences, including life science tools, diagnostics, and biotechnology. His responsibilities include leading investment banking transactions and providing strategic advisory services. Rao also contributes to Piper's Fairness Opinion Committee as a Technical Reviewer, where he evaluates public company mergers and acquisitions.
Previous Experience in Investment Banking
Prior to his current role, Abhi Rao worked at UBS as Vice President in Investment Banking from 2014 to 2021. He also held a position as Vice President at Barclays for a brief period in 2021. Earlier in his career, he served as an Analyst at P&M Corporate Finance from 2013 to 2014 and as an Analyst for Small-Cap Equities at Benzinga from 2011 to 2012. This extensive experience in investment banking has equipped him with a diverse skill set in financial analysis and transaction execution.
Education and Expertise
Abhi Rao earned a Master of Accounting from the University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business, completing his studies from 2012 to 2013. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, which he obtained from 2007 to 2011. His educational background supports his expertise in life sciences and investment banking.
Achievements in M&A Transactions
Throughout his career, Abhi Rao has executed approximately $200 billion worth of mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. His experience spans various healthcare verticals, including managed care, healthcare IT, facilities/providers, and retail pharmacies. This extensive transactional experience highlights his capability in navigating complex financial landscapes and delivering value in investment banking.
Research Experience
Before entering the investment banking sector, Abhi Rao worked as a Research Scientist at the University of Michigan from 2009 to 2010. This role provided him with foundational research skills and a deeper understanding of scientific principles, which complement his expertise in life sciences within the financial industry.