Independent investment bank Cascadia Capital is doubling down on technology. The firm has named Jonathan Cantwell as Head of Technology Investment Banking, marking a significant step in expanding its national footprint — and establishing a dedicated Silicon Valley office to serve growth-stage tech companies.

The move signals Cascadia’s intent to scale its tech practice and stake a bigger claim in one of the most competitive segments of investment banking: advisory services for mid-market enterprise software and AI-driven firms.

A Veteran Dealmaker for the Digital Age

Cantwell brings more than 20 years of technology investment banking experience and a résumé that reads like a who’s who of enterprise software. Over his career, he’s advised on 100+ transactions involving public and private companies across the sector, including names like Oracle, Salesforce, IBM, Workday, UiPath, Vonage, and Mindbody.

He’s also worked closely with major private equity players — Vista Equity, Insight Partners, Accel-KKR, PSG Growth, Spectrum Equity, Marlin Equity, and K1 among them — helping them structure and execute complex strategic investments in software and automation.

Before joining Cascadia, Cantwell served as Partner and Head of Software at GP Bullhound, and previously held roles at Pacific Crest Securities and Pagemill Partners. He began his career at Ernst & Young in New York and holds a business degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business.

Betting Big on Tech’s Next Transformation

For Cascadia Capital, the hire is both a growth play and a statement. “Technology remains one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich sectors in the global economy and is at the beginning of a transformational wave with AI,” said Michael Butler, Chairman & CEO of Cascadia Capital.

“Butler added that bringing Cantwell on board reflects Cascadia’s strategy of identifying key sectors early and assembling best-in-class teams to help clients navigate pivotal moments in their growth.”

Cantwell will be based in Silicon Valley, where he’ll lead a growing team expected to reach around 20 technology bankers, focused on advising category leaders in enterprise software, automation, and agentic AI.

“Jonathan brings a rare combination of seasoned execution experience, deep software insight, and an exceptional global network,” Butler said. “He’s the ideal leader to expand our Technology Investment Banking practice and our West Coast presence.”

From Automation to Agentic AI

Cantwell’s arrival comes as the investment banking landscape for technology companies evolves rapidly. The surge in AI-driven deal flow, alongside renewed investor appetite for enterprise automation and SaaS, has opened the door for specialized advisors who can bridge the gap between innovation and execution.

“The pace of innovation in enterprise software, particularly in enterprise automation and agentic AI, creates tremendous opportunities for strategic consolidation and growth investments,” Cantwell said. “Cascadia has a proven history of recognizing emerging trends and building specialized teams to meet client needs. I’m excited to lead and grow this next chapter.”

A Broader Middle-Market Strategy

Cascadia Capital, known for advising founder-led and middle-market companies, has steadily expanded its sector coverage over the past two decades — spanning industrials, healthcare, food & agribusiness, and sustainability. Its move into Silicon Valley formalizes what’s been a long-standing focus on technology, with a more deliberate effort to compete for deals alongside larger bulge-bracket and boutique firms.

With Cantwell at the helm, the firm’s Technology Investment Banking group aims to capitalize on a growing trend: the convergence of software, automation, and AI as a driver of both operational efficiency and M&A activity.

In a market where “AI strategy” is fast becoming synonymous with “business strategy,” Cascadia’s timing — and leadership choice — couldn’t be sharper.