Mike LoPresti

Mike serves as an Investment Banking Associate at Ascend, supporting transaction execution, financial modeling, and diligence workstreams across the firm’s software and technology verticals. He works closely with founders and executive teams to navigate complex M&A processes from initial positioning through closing.

Prior to joining Ascend, Mike was an Investment Banking Analyst at Canaccord Genuity in New York, where he advised on middle-market M&A transactions across the Technology, Media, and Information Services sectors. His deal experience spanned enterprise commerce, digital transformation, and specialized marketing technologies, with transaction values ranging from $75 million to $250 million. He began his investment banking career at Drake Star Partners, supporting M&A and capital advisory mandates within the tech-enabled ecosystem.

Mike graduated with a B.S. in Finance from St. John’s University, where he was a pitcher for the NCAA Division I Men’s Baseball team. During his tenure, Mike was a two-time Big East Champion, a back-to-back NCAA Tournament participant, and a three-time Big East All-Academic Team honoree. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2018 MLB Draft, he spent three seasons pitching professionally before transitioning to investment banking.

Outside the office, Mike is an avid golfer, fitness enthusiast, and guitar player.