CIBC Innovation Banking has opened a new office in Austin, TX with Sara Johnson as managing director.

Johnson, a seasoned market leader in M&A debt financings. She brings with her more than a decade of experience working for major U.S. financial services firms providing leveraged financing solutions to public and sponsor-backed software companies.

“Austin is home to a bustling startup and technology community and as we look to grow in strategic markets in Canada and the U.S., this region has long been known for nurturing innovative companies and attracting both leading venture and growth equity investors,” said Mark McQueen, president & executive managing director, CIBC Innovation Banking.

CIBC has also expanded its offices in Menlo Park, CA and Denver.

Holly Dungan, managing director, joins the team in Menlo Park, bringing more than 15 years of experience working with high growth technology companies as an executive at major U.S. financial services firms.

In Denver, the team recently welcomed Kevin Grossman, who joined as managing director, Corporate Finance in June, after honing his skills in venture lending for over two decades, working with tech and life sciences companies at every stage.

“We’re thrilled to have Sara, Holly and Kevin join our team as we look to help innovation companies across North America achieve their goals,” said McQueen. “With decades of experience of identifying and supporting the growth of early, middle-market and late-stage companies, we know they will have an immediate impact on our growing CIBC Innovation Banking team.”