Geoff Eliason Named Vice Chair of YPO Investment Banking Vertical
YPO Leadership Meets Lower Middle Market M&A Expertise
DENVER, CO —
SDR Ventures is pleased to announce that Geoff Eliason, CEO and Principal, has been appointed Vice Chair of the YPO Investment Banking Vertical, effective July 1, 2026. Geoff will serve alongside incoming Chair Jason Frank, President and CCO of BDO Capital Advisors, for a two-year term.
For business owners in the lower middle market, working with an advisor who holds a leadership position within YPO’s Investment Banking Vertical is a meaningful distinction. It signals access to a national network of senior deal professionals, real-time market intelligence, and peer-level relationships that most regional firms simply cannot offer.
When SDR Ventures runs a competitive process, that network is an active asset. It expands the buyer universe, sharpens our read on market conditions, and creates the kind of competitive tension that drives premium outcomes for our clients.
About YPO
YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) is one of the world’s most influential chief executive leadership communities, bringing together over 35,000 business leaders across more than 140 countries. The YPO Investment Banking Vertical is a specialized group within that network, connecting senior investment banking professionals to share best practices, exchange market intelligence, and build the relationships that drive better outcomes for clients and the broader industry.
A Role Earned Through Four Years of Contribution
Geoff has been a core contributor to the Investment Banking Vertical since its launch four years ago. Over that time, the group has hosted 41 events spanning New York City in-person gatherings, best-practice roundtables, leads and needs calls, fireside chats, strategic vendor presentations, a three-part collaboration with the Deal Network, and smaller regional events.
His involvement has reflected the same values he brings to every client engagement at SDR Ventures: thoughtful leadership, a commitment to the community, and a focus on creating real value for the people in the room.
Being part of YPO since the beginning has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. I am honored to step into this role alongside Jason and look forward to building on the strong foundation that has already been established. The relationships forged in this network make us better advisors for our clients, and that is ultimately what drives everything we do at SDR Ventures.
— Geoff Eliason, CEO and Principal, SDR Ventures
What This Means for SDR Ventures and Our Clients
Geoff’s appointment to Vice Chair is more than a professional recognition. It places SDR Ventures at the center of a national network of senior investment banking leaders at a time when relationships and market access matter more than ever in lower middle market M&A.
For business owners considering a sale, recapitalization, or acquisition, the breadth of Geoff’s network translates directly to competitive tension in a process. Access to a wider field of qualified buyers, informed by real relationships rather than cold outreach, is one of the most powerful drivers of premium outcomes. That is what this network enables, and it is what Geoff brings to every engagement.
Congratulations, Geoff
This appointment reflects the respect Geoff has earned among his peers and the commitment he brings to the industry. We are proud to have him representing SDR Ventures in this role, and we look forward to the impact he and Jason will bring to the group over the next two years.
