GROWTH STRATEGIES GROUP
Lucid identifies opportunity in overlooked pockets of the growth economy
OVERVIEW
Growth Strategies Group
Our Growth Strategies team specializes in identifying high-potential businesses across the small- and mid-cap landscape. With over 25 years of experience, we help these companies realize their potential through tailored capital solutions and strategic guidance. In a market where valuation gaps between smaller and larger companies remain historically wide, we see significant opportunities for long-term growth.
MEET THE TEAM
Leadership
Led by John Lipman, the team brings decades of experience in advising, underwriting, and financing dynamic businesses poised for scale.
John Lipman
Head of Capital Markets
jlipman@lucidcm.com
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John Lipman, Head of Equity Capital Markets - IB
John Lipman joins Lucid as a senior managing director and Head of Capital Markets from Craig-Hallum where he most recently served as a Managing Partner and Head of healthcare and industrial growth banking. From 2012 to recently He has served as a Managing Director, Partner, and Managing Partner of Craig-Hallum focused on originating, managing, and executing capital markets and m& A transactions for growth companies. He has been the lead banker on well over 250 M&A, equity, debt, and convertibles, and SPAC transactions over his banking career, including well over 200 transactions while at Craig-Hallum. In addition, over the last 6 years he has served as co-founder of a series of 5 spacs that have successfully merged with private companies most notably PureCycle (PCT), and Reservoir Media (RSVR). Prior to Criag-Hallum he served as a senior investment banker originating and executing capital markets and M&A transactions at Rodman and Renshaw, Earlybird Capital, Carter Securities. He started his career in venture capital at Young Management Gorup in Boston. Mr. Lipman in an investor, venture capitalist, and recently led a venture investment SPV in Stoke Space.
John DeMarais
Director, Investment Banking
jdemarais@lucidcm.com
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John DeMarais, Director, Investment Banking
John DeMarais joined Lucid in 2025 and is responsible for deal sourcing and execution on both capital markets and M&A advisory assignments. Prior to joining Lucid, John was a Vice President at Craig-Hallum where he was involved in the sourcing and execution of over 100 lower middle market transactions for both public and private companies across a broad range of sectors, including placing over $6 billion worth of capital. Previously, John was in the Financial Services Assurance practice at EY. John received his B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Gustavus Adolphus College.
SERVICES
Areas of expertise
Capital Markets
We identify and underwrite growth-stage companies that demonstrate strong fundamentals and compelling market opportunities across sectors including technology, healthcare, industrial growth, and consumer goods.
Strategic Advisory
We work closely with management teams to shape growth strategies, assess capital structures, and guide decision-making through evolving market conditions.
Special Situations
We advise on complex or high-impact scenarios, from restructurings to unique investment opportunities, with a focus on risk-adjusted returns.