J.P. Morgan’s Commercial Bank announced the formation of the Technology and Disruptive Commerce (TDC) industry group within its Middle Market Banking business, and appointed veteran bankers James Millar and Alton McDowell to co-lead the effort. 

The TDC group merges the existing Middle Market Banking Technology and Emerging Growth groups led by Millar and McDowell, respectively, to create an integrated team of commercial bankers across the country that are dedicated to serving early stage companies, particularly those with steep growth trajectories and disruptive product and service offerings in categories such as software, semiconductors, food, health and wellness, home and lifestyle and pet.

“In today’s economy, startups are growing at a faster clip and basic banking needs can quickly turn complex as companies scale and grow more sophisticated,” said Melissa Smith, Head of Specialized Industries for Middle Market Banking. “We’re excited to double down on our efforts and bring our top talent, industry expertise and critical relationships to communities locally to help startups grow to their full potential.”

The TDC team will provide tailored financial solutions and bring J.P. Morgan’s global capabilities and expertise to startups including:

• Seamless treasury and payment services through the Chase ConnectSM digital banking platform for easy, simple and fast every day banking 
• Credit and financing to unleash future growth
• Flexible commercial card programs and transparent merchant services
• International banking to help startups expand and scale across borders
• Best in class Investment Banking capabilities through the Corporate & Investment Bank as well as partnership across J.P. Morgan’s other businesses including Private Banking and Asset Management to support startups throughout their entire life cycle 

“The rapidly expanding innovation economy demands understanding of early-stage growth patterns, fluency with the solutions and services that high growth companies need, and a network within the venture capital community,” said McDowell.  

“By joining forces, we’re building a dedicated ecosystem around high growth companies to serve their needs, from opening an account on Day 1 to expanding internationally and through a potential exit and beyond,” said Millar.

Millar and McDowell have a combined 44 years of experience in finance and have held several leadership roles at J.P. Morgan. Millar, based in New York City, previously served as the head of the Debt Capital Markets Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) business in Investment Banking. McDowell, based in Houston, has held key roles in Commercial Banking’s Corporate Client Banking group as well as in Investment Banking. They will report to Melissa Smith.