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Alexander Despo
Vice President at Union Square Advisors LLC
Alexander Despo is a Director at Union Square Advisors LLC, a leading technology-focused investment bank. He primarily focuses on Life Sciences & Healthcare IT (HCIT), heading the firm's coverage efforts in these areas.3
Professional Background
Despo joined Union Square Advisors in September 2023 as part of the expansion of the firm's HealthTech practice.1 He brings nearly 10 years of investment banking experience to his role.1 Prior to joining Union Square Advisors, Despo worked at:
- Crosstree Capital as a Vice President
- Jefferies on their investment banking team
- Houlihan Lokey on their investment banking team1
Expertise and Focus Areas
At Union Square Advisors, Despo specializes in:
- Health AI
- Behavioral health
- Value-based care enablement
- Financialization of health care (e.g., cost containment, fraud & abuse, payment integrity)
- Revenue cycle management (RCM)
- Pharma-IT
- Payor / self-funded plans
- Personalized medicine1
Role and Responsibilities
As a Director, Despo is responsible for:
- Heading Union Square Advisors' coverage efforts in Pharma / Life Sciences and Healthcare Payments and Software2
- Providing strategic mergers & acquisitions advice
- Executing transactions in the HealthTech sector
- Collaborating with the existing team to deliver high-quality service to clients1
Despo's addition to Union Square Advisors is part of the firm's strategy to expand its HealthTech practice and enhance its offerings in this rapidly evolving sector.1
Highlights
One of the only drawbacks about living remote is that it's tougher to be in the trenches with your team, be there for the guys (and gals), build comradery, and be there to mentor, which is crucial in a business such as investment banking where its highly competitive and is really an apprenticeship-type model.
Someone asked me what I didn't appreciate earlier in my career which I wish I focused on more looking back: Besides prioritizing your health (physical and mental) and family more, the one thing that's probably more critical than ever is teaming up with the right mentor, someone who is secure in themselves, has a plethora of experience, relationships, a real track record, is truly invested in you, and authentically views you as a partner vs. resource.
For all you younger bankers out there (or really any career), find a quality mentor and don't let go. They will pull you up as they move up in life too.
LinkedIn is great for prospecting and developing relationships. But, what I have found is underrated over the past year is the ability to learn from and tap more experienced folks' knowledge who are where you want to be both professionally and personally. Whether its Mando with great financial advice (thanks for putting up with me man) or Marc Cabrera with great insights into how to build a banking franchise while being fit, there is so much great content!
As someone who is building a business (which is tough and exhilarating but with great momentum with one deal under exclusivity and a couple other great clients) its tough to keep perspective. How do you build a business, be the best possible advisor to your clients (not just a transactional mindset), be the best dad possible, be a loving partner to your mate, and not lose sight of yourself? Would love to trade notes with all of the 20+ yr vets in the market or folks who have built businesses whether advisory, brick n' mortar, etc.!
