Top 10 Banking Choices for Startups: Insights from Founders and Investors

Startups traverse a complex financial landscape from inception to exit, requiring strategic banking partnerships for effective money management, deal-making, and alleviating financial obstacles.

Engaging with 15 entrepreneurs and investors, we identified leading banks adept at catering to startups in 2025. Many contributors opted for anonymity to safeguard ongoing banking relations.

According to some venture capitalists, in transactions requiring discretion, particularly in small to medium M&A situations, selecting a banker with specialized knowledge in the industry proves essential.

Micah Rosenbloom, a managing partner at Founder Collective, emphasizes the importance of the individual banker over the institution in certain cases.

However, when it involves tasks beyond specific transactions, such as managing checking accounts or negotiating a public listing, the bank's overarching capabilities and network matter more.

In response to Silicon Valley Bank's collapse in 2023, more financial institutions have started offering high-touch services to startups, aiming to attract venture-backed clients and nurture the innovation economy.

Allen & Company

Famed for M&A and fundraising, this boutique investment bank keeps a low public profile. Despite its secrecy, it remains a powerful player in tech and finance through strong industry relationships.

Events like the exclusive Sun Valley Conference underline Allen & Co’s influence in deal-making, attracting prominent figures from around the globe.

Axom Partners

This relatively young firm, founded by ex-Qatalyst professionals, is gaining traction in small to midsize sell-side M&A, especially in tech.

Axom's focus on emerging tech and AI has allowed it to facilitate several high-profile transactions, thriving amid the AI market boom.

Citi

Renowned for international commercial banking, Citi aids startups with global operations, simplifying financial operations across multiple countries under one roof.

The bank boasts an expansive network, operational presence in over 90 jurisdictions, and targets firms with annual revenues from $10 million to $3 billion.

Goldman Sachs

Known for its distinguished status, Goldman Sachs serves as a key ally for tech enterprises seeking IPOs and substantial mergers and acquisitions.

Despite its broad reach sometimes leading to less personalized service, the strength of its brand continues to attract top-tier tech companies.

JPMorgan Chase

The largest US bank by market cap, JPMorgan excels in handling major transactions, particularly IPOs, driven by its comprehensive suite of financial services.

Reactions to its commercial banking services are mixed, but its robust commitment to venture-backed startups is widely acknowledged.

Mercury Technologies

A fintech innovator rather than a traditional bank, Mercury has carved out a niche in online banking for startups, praised for its user-friendly digital interface.

Its adoption rate surged post-Silicon Valley Bank’s downfall, and it continues to attract fledgling tech companies.

Morgan Stanley

Dominating the field in large M&A and IPO advisory, Morgan Stanley is noted for its adept handling of tech public offerings, often outshining peers in the sector.

It has significantly contributed to the success of prominent tech IPOs, reinforcing its reputation as an industry leader.

Qatalyst Partners

Esteemed in VC spheres for orchestrating high-value tech acquisitions, Qatalyst Partners excels in securing premium returns for its clients in large M&A deals.

Its strategic approach to the market ensures it remains a favored adviser in the tech sector's critical sell-side transactions.

Silicon Valley Bank

Despite its dramatic collapse, SVB remains influential in commercial banking and venture debt, having rebuilt post-crisis while retaining much of its customer base.

Its expertise in venture financing and personalized customer service continues to receive accolades even amidst lingering trust issues.

Stifel Financial

Emphasizing support for early-stage ventures and offering venture debt funding, Stifel has expanded its team significantly post-SVB collapse to enhance its venture banking capabilities.

The firm aspires to be a holistic service provider throughout a startup’s lifecycle from inception to IPO and beyond.