Jessica Donnelly
Jessica Donnelly is an investment banker at Streider Capital where she focuses on mid market mergers and acquisitions and growth capital advisory. With a sharp analytical mind and a collaborative approach she advises founders and corporate clients across technology healthcare and consumer sectors. Jessica combines rigorous financial modeling with practical deal structuring to help clients maximize value and execute complex transactions with confidence.
Before joining Streider Capital Jessica worked in corporate finance at a boutique advisory firm where she led sell side engagements and helped negotiate strategic partnerships. She earned a master of business administration from Columbia Business School and a bachelor of arts in economics from Boston College. Jessica is known for her attention to detail her calm under pressure and her ability to translate technical analysis into clear strategic recommendations.
Outside the office Jessica mentors early stage founders volunteers with financial literacy programs and competes in triathlons. She lives in New York and enjoys discovering neighborhood restaurants exploring coastal trails and reading books about business and design.
• Series 7
• Columbia Business School - M.B.A.
• Investment Banker of the Year
• Finance Executives of New York
What do you attribute your success to?
Jessica Donnelly attributes her success to a mix of curiosity, persistence, and empathy. She believes that understanding people is just as important as understanding numbers—great deals, she says, are built on trust, not just spreadsheets. She credits her mentors for teaching her to ask better questions and to stay humble enough to keep learning even after years in the field.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Her advice to younger generations entering finance is to focus on building real skills rather than chasing titles. “Learn how businesses actually work,” she often says. “Read beyond finance—study psychology, leadership, technology, and communication. The best investment bankers are translators between data and decisions.” Jessica also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, resilience, and maintaining integrity in an industry where short-term gains can often overshadow long-term relationships.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
When reflecting on challenges in the finance industry, Jessica points to the accelerating pace of change. Between technological disruption, evolving regulations, and the growing demand for ethical and sustainable investing, she believes adaptability is now a core competency. “The biggest challenge isn’t volatility,” she notes. “It’s staying relevant. The market rewards those who keep evolving without losing their values.”
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In her work, Jessica Donnelly values integrity, clarity, and impact. She takes pride in creating lasting value for her clients, not just closing deals. For her, success means helping founders and executives make decisions that position their companies for sustainable growth. She believes in transparent communication, disciplined analysis, and teamwork—qualities that have earned her respect among peers and clients alike.
In her personal life, Jessica values balance and perspective. She believes that the same discipline that drives success in finance must be balanced with time for family, friends, and personal growth. Travel, outdoor sports, and community volunteering help her stay grounded and inspired. She often says that stepping away from spreadsheets to gain new experiences gives her the clarity and creativity she needs to return to work sharper and more focused.