About Paul Inouye

Paul Inouye, born in San Francisco and raised in San Carlos, grew up as one of three brothers in a close family. His early academic journey took him through Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose, followed by undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley. Later, he pursued an MBA at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, equipping him with a strong foundation in finance and business strategy. This education set the stage for his remarkable career, where his dedication to excellence and passion for the finance industry have defined his professional path.

 

Paul's interests are as varied as they are vibrant. A dedicated athlete, he enjoys cycling, running, swimming, and CrossFit, maintaining an active lifestyle that also includes skiing, traveling, and immersing himself in the beats of 80s music and EDM. He often unwinds with classic 80s movies, books on military history, and fantasy football. His athletic commitment extends beyond regular exercise; he has competed in high school and collegiate rugby and numerous endurance events, including The Vineman Ironman, the Vineman Half Ironman, the Hawaiian Half Ironman, and marathons in iconic locations like San Francisco, Avenue of the Giants, and New York City. This dedication reflects his philosophy of pushing his limits and embracing the discipline of sports.

 

With more than three decades of experience in West Coast technology banking, Inouye has accumulated a wealth of expertise, particularly in M&A transactions for software and internet technology companies. His extensive domain knowledge, combined with sharp negotiating skills and a deep understanding of both strategic and financial buyers, has enabled him to guide clients through the complexities of the M&A process. His career has taken him through significant roles at premier financial institutions, including Robertson Stephens, Morgan Stanley, Piper Jaffray, Lehman Brothers, Perella Weinberg, and Moelis & Company. His real-world experience in helping businesses grow and achieve successful outcomes has been invaluable to his clients, who benefit from his profound understanding of the dedication and hard work required to build a successful enterprise. Balancing his professional and personal life, he takes great pride in being a father to two children.

 

The inspiration behind Paul's firm can be traced back to his early days in banking, particularly at Robertson Stephens, where he collaborated with some of Silicon Valley's pioneering entrepreneurs. Though he served in senior roles at large firms, his true passion has consistently been advising and empowering tech founders and entrepreneurs. He also shares his expertise beyond the financial realm, appearing in Sportztalk to discuss training strategies and tips for first-time marathon runners. As a founder and CEO, his drive remains rooted in pushing boundaries, whether in his career or his athletic pursuits.

 

Paul Inouye's commitment to pushing personal and professional limits serves as an inspiration to others. His lifestyle reflects a philosophy of constant improvement and determination, principles that he continues to share through his guidance and example.