Douglas Palmer, Jr. (“DJ”)

Managing Director

About DJ

DJ has over 16 years of experience in global M&A, corporate strategy, private equity, and investment banking. He has advised on over $3 billion in deal volume across software, technology, and services sectors. His deep M&A expertise is a result of having worked with a diverse set of organizations—from start-ups and family-owned businesses to large publicly traded organizations and global private equity funds.

Prior to Ascend, DJ worked for District Capital Partners, Evergreen Advisors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Deloitte. He is a member of the Forbes Finance Council.

Education
  • MBA from the University of Baltimore and Towson University
  • BS in Finance from Longwood University
Awards & Designations
  • 2022 Recipient of M&A Atlas Americas' Rising Star Dealmaker Award
  • 2022 Recipient of The M&A Advisor’s 13th Annual Emerging Leaders Award
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level III Candidate

In a transaction-focused industry, we are driven and defined by our relationships. At Ascend, we are focused on building and sustaining bonds with our clients, founders, and management teams, which extend behind the deal. We take a long-term approach to the dealmaking process and are committed to the companies and people we serve.

No two deals are the same, which makes every transaction unique. I love the strategic creativity involved in helping our clients simplify complex situations and navigate the myriad of moving pieces in a transaction. Every deal requires enormous discipline and rigor, and I enjoy working hand-in-hand with our clients to make 1 + 1 = 5.

Outside the office, I’m usually found skiing in Vermont, paddle boarding along the Potomac River, trying new restaurants around the city, enjoying a competitive game of chess or cornhole, and embarking on new adventures with my wife. As an avid long-distance runner, I can also be found exploring nearby trails and logging my next mile.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” – Warren Buffett

Character and integrity have become increasingly important to me over the years and this quote embodies these attributes. This means doing the right thing even when the right thing is hard to do, and not compromising on your values and beliefs.

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