DeMarcus Williams

Based in our Santa Monica office, DeMarcus Williams is the Director of SVB’s Early Stage Practice, joining by way of Zealot Networks, where he served as Vice President of Business Strategy. DeMarcus’s work at Zealot, including strategic planning, corporate development, and business development, is directly relevant to his current role at SVB, where he is focused on fostering collaboration within LA’s early stage technology/innovation ecosystem and leveraging SVB’s brand to add value to early stage entrepreneurs. Prior to joining Zealot Networks, DeMarcus was a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch’s Private Bank and Investment Group, where he focused on cultivating relationships with entertainment and technology communities.

A scholar-athlete, DeMarcus played basketball at the University of Washington. His playing days were unexpectedly cut short by a career-ending injury, which ultimately led DeMarcus to transfer and complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Irvine. His experience as a student athlete gave him first-hand insight into the importance of securing a future beyond sports, initiating his curiosity with technology and finance.

Passionate about charitable causes, DeMarcus has been recognized by the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office for his contributions to the community and, since 2006, has served as an Athlete Ambassador and Steering Committee Member at Cedars-Sinai’s Sports Spectacular. In addition, he has worked with the Challengers Boys and Girls Club, the Brotherhood Crusade and numerous schools in underserved communities.

Currently residing in Los Angeles with his family, DeMarcus is a loyal Philadelphia Eagles fan and student of Capoeira, the Brazilian martial arts form. With his passion for startup life, DeMarcus is also actively engaged with a sports technology startup ranked by Fast Company as one of the “Most Innovative Companies of 2016.”