Silicon Valley Bank: An Autopsy

Silicon Valley Bank 101

Founded in 1983, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) catered to California’s burgeoning tech scene. It earned Silicon Valley’s trust by working with unproven companies that most lenders ignored. Providing white glove customer service forged tight-knit relationships with startups, founders, and VCs. SVB built a sterling reputation by offering a one-stop-shop for founders, including cash management, loans, wealth management, mortgages, and — this being California — vineyard finance. Over 40 years, SVB went from a fledgling to the nation’s 16th…