Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank, strengthened its banking team that serves the central U.S. with recent new hires.

Based in Chicago, Jeff Lampe joins Square 1 as managing director, and will oversee the technology banking practice in the Midwest. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in venture capital, private equity funding and startup operating experience to his new role. Prior to joining Square 1, he served in senior roles with two Midwestern-based technology-focused venture funds, where he oversaw equity and debt financings and worked with startups as a lead investor, board member and observer.

“It has been a great privilege to create meaningful partnerships with an array of Midwestern entrepreneurs and investors for almost 20 years. I am excited to continue that shared goal with Square 1 in my new role,” said Lampe.

Senior Vice President Steven DiPasquale joined Square 1 from Comerica Bank, where he was instrumental in establishing the bank’s technology and life sciences practices in Houston and supported the Austin market. Prior to Comerica, he served in a variety of roles across the Southeast with RBC Bank and Silicon Valley Bank.

DiPasquale added, “I look forward to expanding Square 1’s client base in Texas as we continue to support the innovations coming out of the technology and life sciences sectors.”

Recent hires in the region’s technology group include Barrett Edgington in Utah and Garon Patterson in Chicago.

Edgington joins Square 1 as vice president and brings more than eight years of experience in venture capital funding and operations within venture-backed technology startups. In his new role, he will open Square 1’s first office in Utah and build the company’s reach across the state supporting existing clients and new prospects.

Patterson joins Square 1 as technology banker and focuses on managing client relationships throughout the Midwest. Prior to Square 1, Patterson was a commercial banking officer at First Midwest Bank where he developed new relationships with middle-market companies in Chicagoland.

“I am pleased to grow our team by welcoming Jeff, Steve, Barrett and Garon to Square 1,” said Ken Fugate, managing director and head of the Central banking team. “They all share our entrepreneurial spirit and bring extensive networks in the venture space and significant industry experience. I look forward to partnering with them in expanding Square 1’s presence throughout the Midwest, Texas and Rocky Mountain regions.”