Lauren Poland

Lauren serves as an Investment Banking Analyst at Ascend, supporting financial modeling, market research, and transaction execution across the firm’s software and technology verticals.

Prior to joining Ascend, Lauren was a Corporate Banking Analyst at Texas Capital Bank in Dallas, specializing in middle-market lending within the healthcare sector. During her tenure, she evaluated credit facilities and supported transaction execution for sponsor-backed and publicly traded companies, contributing to numerous transactions across healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, wound care, dental support organizations (DSOs), pediatric autism services, and specialty clinics.

Lauren holds a B.A. in Foreign Affairs & Entrepreneurship from the University of Virginia, where she was a three-time ACC Champion on the NCAA Division I Women’s Rowing team and an ACC Honor Roll honoree. She earned her MBA from Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, where she completed her final year of collegiate athletic eligibility, securing an AAC Championship, AAC All-Academic honors, and a top-10 team finish at the NCAA Championships.

Outside the office, you can find Lauren with family and friends, taking a Solidcore class, and exploring local wineries.