Square 1 Bank announced that Mark Breneman has joined as senior vice president covering the Los Angeles and Orange County region. Based in Orange County, Breneman will be responsible for building the bank’s portfolio of clients in the technology and life sciences sectors.

Breneman joins Square 1 Bank from the Technology and Venture Banking Group at Wells Fargo, where he provided growth, asset based, and cash flow senior debt financing solutions and treasury management services to middle market and corporate technology and life science companies in the Orange County and Los Angeles markets. He also held leadership roles at Silicon Valley Bank in Southern California, where he managed that firm’s Los Angeles office and founded the Southern California region’s Emerging Technology practice focused on consulting pre-venture backed start-ups.

“We are pleased to welcome Mark to the Square 1 Bank team,” said Chris Woolley, founder and executive vice president of Square 1 Bank’s West Region. “Mark’s tremendous industry experience and deep knowledge of the LA/Orange County market make him an incredibly valuable addition to the team. I am confident that Mark’s extensive background in venture banking and proven leadership skills will be great assets as we expand our presence in the region, and continue to focus on providing clients with the tools and resources they need to be successful.”

“Square 1 Bank is experiencing tremendous growth, and I am excited to join the team and be a part of this story,” said Mark Breneman. “The bank has a strong reputation as an industry leader in the venture banking space, and I look forward to sharing the Bank’s story throughout the LA/Orange County market.”

Square 1 Bank is a full service commercial bank dedicated exclusively to serving the financial needs of the venture capital community and entrepreneurs in all stages of growth and expansion.