Michael Copty, GB'08
Six years after his graduation from The Richmond MBA, Michael Copty, GB’08, serves as a vice president at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a top commercial bank in the technology space with 31 offices across the country and worldwide.
Copty described, “I work with a team in D.C. servicing Maryland and Virginia, and my position focuses on early-stage and high-growth companies in the technology and life science niche. We offer not only deposit, investment and global cash management products, but also guidance for companies in the startup ecosystem. We partner with these early-stage companies to provide both traditional and venture debt facilities that help innovators manage and accelerate growth.”
He added, “It’s been a wonderful new challenge and has opened my eyes to a completely different side of banking. The people I work with at SVB are experts in the finance and technology fields, so I learn a lot by getting to work alongside these individuals. The job is fulfilling because I get to work with entrepreneurs who are on the forefront of innovation. Sometimes we get to see some really incredible products before the rest of the world sees them.” Last year, SVB clients made up 64 percent of the country’s venture capital-backed companies with an IPO, and Forbes magazine has ranked the firm among America’s Best Banks since 2009.
Prior to working at SVB, Copty was a commercial loan officer with a regional community bank in Roanoke working with clients across a broad spectrum of industries. “I was looking for ways to specialize my work into a specific industry or type of lending. During that time I also developed a friendship with an executive of a technology firm based in Roanoke that works with SVB. He encouraged me to explore the technology lending space, so I spent several months studying the area while developing contacts. When a position opened at SVB in the D.C. area less than a year ago, I applied. Nine months later, it’s been a very good fit.”
After graduating from Hampden-Sydney College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and commerce, he moved to Richmond to work as a commercial banking analyst. “Living and working in Richmond, I was exploring ways to challenge myself and continue my education. Pursuing an M.B.A. was my long-term goal, and as I researched programs, I found the evening programs suited me best. The Richmond MBA’s excellent reputation coupled with the encouragement of several mentors pushed me to pursue the program. When I was accepted to the program, jumping in was an easy decision.”
He reflected on his time as an MBA student, “The Richmond MBA has helped me in a lot of different ways. The curriculum is exceptional in covering the technical sides of business and finance, but the real value for me was in the soft skills I gained that I apply every day at my job, such as working effectively in teams, articulating business plans and strategy as well as managing time and energy. Even more, the access we had to speakers, symposiums, business leaders and other professionals was unparalleled. I was able to grow my contacts list considerably throughout the program.”
As spring approaches, Copty looks forward to reuniting with his former classmates at the annual Richmond MBA Alumni Society Golf Tournament. “We all shared experiences including the Opening Residency, the International Residency and the Capstone Project. Through those times my classmates and I formed strong, lifelong friendships.”