Shai Avital is senior vice president of Western Alliance’s Startup Banking Team, part of the Innovation Banking Group. Based in Los Angeles, he supports early-stage and venture-backed technology companies, helping founders and finance leaders access banking, treasury management and financing solutions from seed stage through growth. He works closely with venture capital firms, accelerators and other ecosystem partners to connect founders with capital, expertise and relationships that support their business goals.
Shai brings 15 years of experience spanning law, finance, startups and innovation banking. Before joining Western Alliance Bank, he built and led the U.S. High-Tech Banking practice at United Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, where he provided lending and banking solutions to venture-backed companies. Previously, he led business operations at fintech startup WireCash, helping scale the company from its early stages through a successful exit. He began his career practicing law, representing technology companies.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He volunteers with a youth entrepreneurship program helping high school students explore career paths and develop professional skills.