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Priya Rajan

Managing Director at MUFG

Priya Rajan is a senior executive with extensive experience in international sales, marketing, and corporate finance, currently serving as the Managing Director of National VC Coverage and Business Development at MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group).3 She joined MUFG in June 2023, based in Menlo Park, California.3

Professional Background

Prior to joining MUFG, Priya had a long and successful career at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), where she worked for over 16 years.1 Her roles at SVB included:

  • Managing Director of Global Markets and Strategic Channels (March 2019 - June 2023)
  • Director of Startup Banking (June 2015 - March 2019)
  • Group Controller (September 2007 - May 2015)3

Current Role and Responsibilities

At MUFG, Priya leads the National VC Coverage and Business Development efforts for the bank's Growth & Middle Market Tech Banking division.3 Her team consists of over 30 professionals across relationship management, credit solutions, and VC relationship management.1

Education and Qualifications

Priya holds impressive academic credentials:

  • MBA from Cornell University
  • Master's degree in International Business from Queen's University
  • Bachelor's degree from the University of Madras
  • California CPA in accounting and business administration2

Board Memberships and Advisory Roles

Priya is actively involved in various organizations:

  • Advisory Board Member for Entrepreneurship at Cornell University (since June 2018)
  • Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area (since June 2015)
  • Former Advisory Board Member of Women Who Code (March 2018 - June 2023)
  • Former Co-Chair of Founders and Funders Committee at Neythri.org (January 2020 - June 2022)3

Areas of Expertise

Priya specializes in:

  • Venture capital relationships
  • Business development in the tech sector
  • International market entry advice
  • Cross-border engagement in the innovation ecosystem
  • Early-stage startup support and banking services23

Her experience and connections make her a valuable asset in championing a more inclusive innovation economy.2

Highlights

Aug 29 · linkedin

Thrilled to announce our next #MUFGinConversation featuring Laura Boyd, Head of M&A & Capital Markets at Norwest Venture Partners 🚀 💎 on an important topic of 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿.

Laura oversees the firm’s M&A and capital markets functions. As a member of the Portfolio Services team, provides advisory support for their portfolio companies with the goal of optimizing outcomes.

Few key insights from the discussion:

💎 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: Engage with potential buyers early and continuously. M&A is a process, not an event, and building strategic relationships can significantly enhance your exit opportunities. Being proactive in these conversations can position your company favorably for future opportunities.

💎 𝗕𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘀: Understand the type of exit you are seeking and be realistic about the size and buyer universe. Tailor your approach based on whether you are targeting sponsors or strategic buyers.

💎𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: In volatile markets, buyers prioritize stability. Ensure your capital and cost structures are right sized to support sustainable growth without excessive dilution.

💎𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀: Use quantitative metrics like public comparable and trading comps to gauge your valuation. Building long-term relationships with potential buyers can also lead to better valuations.

💎 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆: When considering debt, prioritize lenders who understand your business and are long-term participants in your asset class. Avoid over-leveraging and ensure your lender can support you through challenging periods.

💎𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝘂𝗹: Given the backlog of M&A deals, be prepared for a potentially lengthy process. Sustaining a healthy macroeconomic environment is crucial for a significant increase in deal volume.

💎 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀: Be flexible and ready to adapt your strategy based on current market conditions. In healthier markets, focus on growth potential, while in volatile times, emphasize stability.

Thank you Laura Boyd for your insights and your partnership!

Listen to the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gp5GpbCV

#GrowthandMiddleMarket #M&A #IPO #StateofMarkets #Debt MUFG

Aug 19 · linkedin

Scaling #SaaS in the #AI era is a critical topic that we recently delved into at a dinner discussion co-hosted by MUFG Tech Banking team alongside, Arvind Ayyala and Jon Rezneck from Geodesic Capital and Weston Rice from Stifel Bank, we had the privilege of gathering CEO's and other C-Suite Executives in our community for candid conversations. ✨

Thank you all for joining us and sharing your insights! 🚀

Brian Fitzpatrick Chick Runkel Justin Yue Will Horyn

#GrowthandMiddleMarket #scaling #GTM #Intergration #Partnerships #StateofMarkets #Global

Related Questions

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Priya Rajan
Priya Rajan, photo 1
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Experience

Managing Director, National VC Coverage & Business Development at MUFG since June 2023
Group Controller at SVB Financial Group, Finance Manager at Charles Schwab, Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank

Education

M.B.A. from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, Master's Degree in International Business from Queen's University, Leadership Communications at Harvard Business School Executive Education,

Location

Menlo Park, California, United States