Document:

Exhibit 10.8

 Exhibit 10.8 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 27th day of July, 2011, by and between SQUARE 1
FINANCIAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), SQUARE 1 BANK, a North Carolina chartered commercial bank (the “Bank”), and GREGORY THOMPSON (“Executive”). 

RECITALS 
 WHEREAS,
Company and the Bank wish to employ Executive in a position of substantial responsibility; 
 WHEREAS, Company, the Bank
and Executive desire to enter into an employment agreement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the mutual promises of the parties hereto and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy whereof each party hereby acknowledges, Company, the Bank and Executive hereby agree as follows: 

1. DEFINITIONS: The following terms shall have the following meanings for all purposes of this Agreement: 

Base Salary means the annual base compensation specified in Section 4 below. 

Board means, unless otherwise indicated by the context, the Board of Directors of Company and the Board of Directors of the Bank.

 Cause means any of the reasons listed in Section 7(d) below for which this Agreement may be terminated or Executive may
be discharged prior to the end of the Term hereof. 
 Change of Control means and shall be deemed to have occurred upon the
occurrence of any of the following events. 
 (1) The acquisition by any “person” or “group” (as defined in or
pursuant to Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than Company, any Subsidiary or any Company or Subsidiary’s employee benefit plan), directly or indirectly, as “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act) of securities representing fifty percent (50%) or more of either the then outstanding shares or the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of Company or the Bank; 

(2) Either a majority of the directors of Company elected at Company’s annual stockholders meeting shall have been nominated for election
other than by or at the direction of the “incumbent directors” of Company, or the “incumbent directors” shall cease to constitute a majority of the directors of Company. The term “incumbent director” shall mean any
director who was a director of Company on the Effective Date and any individual who becomes a director of Company subsequent to the Effective Date and who is elected or nominated by or at the direction of at least majority of the then incumbent
directors; 

  
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 (3) The consummation of (x) a merger, consolidation or other business combination of Company
with any other “person” or “group” (as defined in or pursuant to Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the 1934 Act) or affiliate thereof, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the outstanding common stock of Company
immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into common stock of the surviving entity or a parent or affiliate thereof) more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding common stock
of Company or such surviving entity or a parent or affiliate thereof outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or other business combination, or (y) a plan of complete liquidation of Company or the Bank or an agreement for the
sale or disposition of all or substantially all of Company’s or the Bank’s assets; or 
 (4) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
Change of Control shall not occur with respect to any “person” (as defined herein) who (i) is a shareholder of Company as of the Effective Date or (ii) becomes a shareholder of Company or the Bank after the Effective Date of the
Agreement in connection with a sale of stock to such person by the Company or the Bank pursuant to a duly authorized resolution of the Company Board provided such person’s ownership interest after the sale is less than 50% of the Company’s
or the Bank’s outstanding shares. 
 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 

Effective Date means the first day of the initial Term. 

Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

Good Reason means the occurrence of any of the conditions listed in Section 7(f) below which is followed by the resignation of
Executive within twelve (12) months after such occurrence. 
 Protected Customer shall mean any person, business or
entity who or which: 
 (1) Was known by Executive to have purchased products or services from Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary
other than the Bank during the two-year period immediately preceding Executive’s last day of employment with the Bank; or 
 (2)
Purchased products or services from Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank during the two-year period immediately preceding Executive’s last day of employment with the Bank, and about whom Executive had access to confidential
or proprietary information during this period; or 
 (3) Was known by Executive to have received (during the one-year period prior to
Executive’s last day of employment with the Bank) but not yet acted upon a proposal by Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank for the purchase of products or performance of services. 

Release Agreement means the Release Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A. 

  
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 Resignation for Good Reason means resignation by Executive in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7(f) below. 
 Restricted Period means a period of twelve (12) months following
Executive’s termination of employment for any reason occurring prior to a Change in Control and a period of twenty-four (24) months following Executive’s termination of employment for any reason that occurs coincident with or
following a Change in Control. 
 Subsidiary means any corporation at least a majority of the stock of which is owned by
Company, either directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries, and any other entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by Company or any other Subsidiary. 

Target Bonus means an annual cash bonus opportunity of not less than 65% of Executive’s Base Salary for the year, with such bonus
to be provided under the terms of the annual bonus program approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board for such year. 

Term means the term of this Agreement specified in Section 3 below, including the Initial Term, the Additional Term, and any
extended term pursuant to Section 8(a) below. 
 Termination for Cause means discharge of Executive prior to the end of
the Term in accordance with the provisions of Section 7(d) below for any of the reasons listed therein. 
 Termination
without Cause means discharge of Executive prior to the end of the Term in accordance with the provisions of Section 7(e) below. 
 2.
EMPLOYMENT: 
 (a) During the Term, Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President — Shared Services of Company and the
Bank, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. In such capacity, Executive shall be responsible for the management and oversight of Company and Bank operations, human resources, information technology, and strategic
planning functions, and shall also be available for assignment to special projects as directed by the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, Executive will perform all duties and have all powers associated with such position as may be set forth in
the Bylaws of Company or the Bank. Executive agrees that, during the Term, he will devote his full business time and energy to the business, affairs and interests of Company and the Bank and serve diligently and to the best of his ability. Executive
may serve as a director, trustee or officer of other corporations and entities, including without limitation charitable organizations, and engage in other activities to the extent those activities and services do not inhibit the performance of
Executive’s duties hereunder or, in the opinion of the Board, conflict with the business of Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary. 
 (b)
References in this Agreement to services rendered for Company and compensation, benefits, indemnification and liability insurance payable or provided by Company shall include services rendered for and compensation, benefits, indemnification and
liability insurance payable or provided by the Bank and any Subsidiary other than the Bank, and references in this Agreement to “ Company “ shall mean and include the Bank and any 

  
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Subsidiary other than the Bank if Executive performs any services therefor, as the context may require. 

3. TERM: The initial term of this Agreement shall be for the period beginning on August 8, 2011 and continuing through and including
August 7, 2013, subject, however, to earlier termination in the manner provided in this Agreement. Commencing as of the first anniversary of the Effective Date and continuing as of each anniversary of the Effective Date thereafter, the Board
may, in the sole discretion of the Board, extend the Agreement term for an additional year, so that the remaining term of the Agreement again becomes twenty-four (24) full months from the applicable anniversary of the Effective Date, unless the
Executive elects not to extend the term of this Agreement by giving written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the applicable anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term of this Agreement shall be extended pursuant to
Section 8(a) below upon the occurrence of a Change of Control. 
 4. BASE SALARY; INCENTIVE COMPENSATION: 

(a) Executive shall receive an annual Base Salary at the rate of $235,000, payable in substantially equal installments no less frequently than
monthly (less any amounts withheld as required by law or pursuant to any benefits plan). At least annually, Company shall review and, in its sole discretion, may increase, Executive’s Base Salary. If Executive’s Base Salary is increased by
Company, such increased Base Salary shall then constitute the Base Salary for all purposes of this Agreement. 
 (b) During the term of this
Agreement, Executive shall have a Target Bonus opportunity. Nothing paid to Executive under any such program will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Executive’s 2011 Target Bonus, if any, shall be pro-rated to reflect the actual number of days of Executive’s employment in 2011. 

(c) Upon the Effective Date, Executive shall be granted stock options to acquire 40,000 shares of Company common stock, subject to the terms
and conditions of the Company’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “SIP”). Subject to the provisions of the SIP, such options shall vest in equal installments over a five (5) year period, beginning on the anniversary of the date of
the grant of options and continuing on each anniversary thereafter. The exercise price of the options shall be equal to the fair market value of the stock as determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the SIP. 

5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND REIMBURSEMENTS: 

(a) Employee Benefits, Business Expenses. During the Term, Executive shall participate in any retirement, group insurance,
hospitalization, incentive or deferred compensation and other benefit or compensation plans of the Bank presently in effect or hereafter adopted and generally available to all of the Company’s senior officers, subject to the terms and
conditions specified in such plans. Executive shall also be entitled to any additional compensation, benefits or perquisites, if any, that may be provided specifically to or for Executive by Company or the Bank from time to time. During the Term, to
the extent provided by corporate policies, Executive shall be reimbursed for expenditures (including travel, 

  
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entertainment, parking and business meetings) made in pursuance and furtherance of the business and good will of Company. 

(b) Vacation and Leave. Executive will be entitled to not less than 28 days of paid time-off each year in accordance with the
Company’s policies and procedures for senior officers. 
 (c) Relocation. Employer and Executive acknowledge that on or before
December 31, 2013, Executive plans to relocate his principal residence to the Durham, North Carolina area. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation and subject to the terms and conditions of the Bank’s Relocation Allowance Procedure
(except where the explicit terms of this Section 5(c) conflict with the Relocation Allowance Procedure, in which case the terms of this Section 5(c) shall prevail), Executive shall be: (i) reimbursed up to $5,000 in connection with
his move in 2011 to temporary housing in the Durham, North Carolina area, with the reimbursement to be paid during 2011; and (ii) reimbursed up to $95,000 in connection with the relocation of his principal residence to the Durham, North
Carolina area, with the reimbursement to be claimed by Executive and paid on or before June 14, 2014. 
 6. INDEMNIFICATION: 

(a) Company, the Bank and any Subsidiary other than the Bank for which Executive provides services shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless
from and against all liability and expense resulting from (1) all acts or omissions of Executive while acting in the capacity of a director, officer, trustee, or fiduciary and/or employee of Company, the Bank and any such Subsidiary during
Executive’s employment as such director, officer, and/or employee and (2) acts or omissions of Company, the Bank and any such Subsidiary occurring or alleged to have occurred during or prior to Executive’s employment, on terms and
conditions no less favorable to Executive than the terms and conditions providing for indemnification of officers and directors under the Articles or Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of Company, the Bank charter and each such
Subsidiary’s governing documents. 
 (b) The Bank shall carry directors and officers liability insurance in such amounts as the Bank in
its discretion deems appropriate, and any payments made under such policy to Executive or on Executive’s behalf shall be offset against the indemnification obligation set forth in Section 6(a). 

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnification provided by Section 6(a) shall not apply, and Executive shall not be indemnified,
with respect to any acts or omissions which constitute wanton or willful misconduct or willful gross negligence. The indemnity obligation set forth in this Section 6 shall be subject to the prohibitions and limitations established by applicable
law and as set forth in applicable regulations adopted by any federal or state bank regulatory agency having jurisdiction over Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank for which Executive performs services. 

(d) The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive termination of this Agreement. 

7. TERMINATION: Executive’s employment under this Agreement may be terminated under any of the following conditions. 

  
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 (a) Disability: If Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of
Executive’s position on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) consecutive months (or for such shorter period ending with Executive’s eligibility for and receipt of long-term disability benefits under an insurance policy or
employee benefit plan provided or made available to Executive by Company) by reason of illness or other physical or mental disability, Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at the end of the
applicable period by written notice thereof. If Executive’s employment is so terminated, Executive shall be paid any salary and benefits to which Executive may be entitled until the end of the payroll period in which the date of termination
occurs, and thereafter, Company shall have no further obligation for additional compensation and benefits under this Agreement. A condition of disability shall be determined by Company on the basis of competent evidence. A written opinion of a
licensed physician certified in his field of specialization and acceptable to Company, or Executive’s entitlement to or receipt of long-term disability benefits under any insurance policy or employee benefit plan provided or made available to
Executive by Company or under federal Social Security law, shall be conclusive evidence of disability. 
 (b) Death: In the event of
Executive’s death during the Term, Executive’s estate shall be paid Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time of Executive’s death for a period of one (1) month after the date of Executive’s death and shall be paid for
any accrued and unused paid time off. Such additional compensation and accrued and unused paid time off shall be paid in a single lump sum within thirty (30) days after Executive’s date of death. In addition, at the time of annual payouts
of bonus compensation under any corporate incentive plan in which Executive participates, Executive’s estate shall be paid a bonus (if earned by and payable to Executive under, and as determined in accordance with, the terms of such corporate
incentive plan) with respect to the year of Executive’s death, which bonus amount shall be pro-rated based upon the number of months (including partial months up to one additional full month) Executive was employed during the year of
Executive’s death. 
 (c) Resignation By Executive: Upon thirty (30) days prior notice, Executive may resign or voluntarily
leave the employ of Company, other than under circumstances treated as Resignation for Good Reason. In the event of Executive’s resignation under this Section 7(c), Executive shall be paid any accrued and unpaid salary and accrued and
unused paid time off through his date of resignation within thirty (30) days after Executive’s separation from service. 
 (d)
Termination For Cause: Company may, by written notice to Executive, terminate Executive’s employment immediately for Cause upon the occurrence of any of the following: 

(1) Executive’s willful failure to follow or to cooperate in carrying out any of the lawful policies of Company or the Bank or the lawful
directions of the Board; 
 (2) Continued and willful neglect by Executive of Executive’s duties for or on behalf of Company, the Bank
or any Subsidiary other than the Bank for which Executive provides services; 
 (3) Willful misconduct of Executive in connection with the
performance of any of Executive’s duties, including, by way of example, but not limitation, misappropriation of funds or property of Company, the Bank or a Subsidiary other than the Bank or a depositor

  
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therein or borrower therefrom, or securing or attempting to secure personally any profit in connection with any transaction entered into on behalf of Company, the Bank or Subsidiary other than
the Bank to the prejudice of the Bank or its Subsidiaries; 
 (4) Conduct by Executive which results in Executive’s suspension and/or
temporary prohibition or removal and/or permanent prohibition from participation in the conduct of the affairs of Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank pursuant to the rules and regulations of the primary federal or state banking
agency for Company, the Bank or the other Subsidiary or any other federal or state banking agency having regulatory jurisdiction over Company, the Bank or the other Subsidiary; 

(5) Conviction of Executive of a felony (other than a motor vehicle-related felony) or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or
Executive’s willful violation of any law, rule or regulation to which Company, the Bank or other Subsidiary for which Executive performs services is subject; 

(6) Willful violation of any code of conduct or standards of ethics applicable to employees of Company or the Bank that results in material
and demonstrable damage to the business or reputation of Company or the Bank; 
 (7) The issuance of a permanent injunction or similar
remedy against Executive preventing Executive from executing or performing all or part of this Agreement; or 
 (8) Executive’s willful
violation of a final order or other formal administrative action entered into, by or imposed upon Company, the Bank or any such Subsidiary 

If Executive’s employment is Terminated for Cause or Company and Bank have Cause for termination and Executive voluntarily resigns,
Executive shall not be entitled to any further compensation or benefits under this Agreement other than payment of Base Salary through Executive’s last day of employment and for any accrued and unused paid time off which shall be paid within
thirty (30) days after Executive’s separation from service. 
 Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, except as
“willful” may be otherwise defined by the rules and regulations of the primary federal or state banking agency for the Bank for which Executive performs services or any other federal or state banking agency having regulatory jurisdiction
over the Bank for which Executive performs services, (x) no act or failure to act on Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that
Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of Company or the Bank for which Executive performs services, and (y) no failure to act on Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” if such failure is a result of
a condition of disability within the meaning of Section 7(a) of this Agreement. Executive shall not be deemed to have been Terminated for Cause under this Agreement unless and until there is delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution adopted
at a meeting of the Company Board called and held for the purpose, which resolution shall (x) contain findings that Executive has committed an act constituting Cause, and (y) specify the particulars thereof. The resolution of the Board
shall be deemed to have been duly adopted if and only if it is adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, excluding Executive. Notice of the 

  
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meeting and the proposed termination for Cause shall be given to Executive a reasonable time before the meeting of the Board. Executive and Executive’s counsel (if the Executive chooses to
have counsel present) shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Board at the meeting. 
 (e) Termination Without Cause:
Company may, in its sole discretion, by written notice to Executive terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement immediately without Cause at any time (other than coincident with or following a Change of Control, in which case a
termination without Cause is governed by Section 8 of this Agreement). In the event of such termination: (i) Executive shall be paid any accrued and unused paid time off as of the date of termination, and (ii) Executive shall be paid
in the month following Executive’s separation from service a lump sum severance equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary as of the date Executive is Terminated without Cause. Nothing in this Section shall affect
Executive’s rights to receive any benefit which has been earned but not paid with respect to Executive’s performance prior to the date of such termination. The payment described in this Section 7(e) shall be contingent upon
Executive’s executing the Release Agreement within twenty-two (22) days after the date of such termination, not revoking the Release Agreement, and complying with the terms of the Release Agreement. The payments described in this
Section 7(e) will be due Executive regardless of any subsequent employment attained by Executive which is not in violation of this Agreement or the Release Agreement. 

(f) Resignation For Good Reason: 

(1) Executive may Resign for Good Reason upon the occurrence of any of the following conditions without Executive’s prior written consent:

 (A) a material adverse change in Executive’s positions, authority and responsibilities relative to his position, authority and
responsibilities at the Effective Date; 
 (B) a liquidation or dissolution of Company or the Bank, other than liquidations or dissolutions
that are caused by reorganizations that do not affect the status of Executive; 
 (C) a reduction in Executive’s Base Salary; 

(D) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment by more than thirty-five (35) miles from its location as of the
Effective Date; or 
 (E) a material breach of this Agreement by Company or the Bank. 

(2) Resignation for Good Reason shall be effected by delivering to Company, within twelve (12) months after the occurrence of one of the
conditions described above, a written notice specifying a date for termination of employment (a) which is not less than thirty (30) days after the date of the notice, and (b) which is not more than ninety (90) days after the date
of the notice. The notice shall also state that Executive is resigning for Good Reason as contemplated by this Section 7(f) and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Resignation for Good
Reason hereunder. If within the notice period, Company cures or corrects any circumstances providing a basis for 

  
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Resignation for Good Reason pursuant to Sections 7(f)(1)(A) or (E) only, Executive shall not be entitled to Resign for Good Reason. 

(3) If Executive Resigns for Good Reason at any time after the date of this Agreement (other than a Resignation for Good Reason during the
Term after a Change of Control, which shall be governed by Section 8 below), then Executive shall be paid any accrued and unused paid time off as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment, and Executive shall be paid in the
month following Executive’s separation from service a lump sum severance payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary as of the date Executive Resigns for Good Reason (or if Executive Resigns for Good Reason based on
a reduction in Base Salary, the amount will be calculated based on the amount of Base Salary prior to the reduction); provided that nothing in this Section 7(f) shall affect Executive’s rights to receive any benefit which has been earned
but not paid with respect to Executive’s performance prior to the date of termination. The payment of the twelve (12) months of Base Salary described in this Section 7(f) shall be contingent upon Executive’s executing the Release
Agreement within twenty (22) days after the date of such termination, not revoking the Release Agreement, and complying with the terms of the Release Agreement. The payments described in this Section 7(f) will be due Executive regardless
of any subsequent employment attained by Executive which is not in violation of this Agreement or the Release Agreement. 
 8. CHANGE OF
CONTROL: Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Agreement, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the following provisions shall apply: 

(a) The Term shall be extended to a period of one (1) year after the date on which the Change of Control occurs if the remaining Term as
of the Change of Control effective date is less than one (1) year. 
 (b) If, during the Term, either Executive’s employment is
Terminated without Cause or Executive Resigns for Good Reason, in either case, Company shall provide to Executive the following severance benefits: 

(1) Company shall pay to Executive in the month following Executive’s separation from service, in lieu of the compensation specified in
Sections 7(e) or 7(f), a lump sum severance payment (subject to any applicable payroll or other taxes required to be withheld) equal to two (2) times the sum of (i) Executive’s Base Salary at the rate then in effect, or if greater,
the rate in effect immediately preceding the Change of Control and (ii) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the calendar year including the effective date of the Change of Control. Company’s obligation to make the severance payment shall
be contingent upon Executive’s executing the Release Agreement within twenty-two (22) days after the date of such termination, not revoking the Release Agreement, and complying with the terms of the Release Agreement. 

(2) Company shall pay to Executive in a lump sum the amount of Executive’s accrued and unused paid time off determined on the basis of
his Base Salary then in effect, or if greater, in effect immediately preceding the Change of Control. 
 (3) The payments described in this
Section 8 shall be due Executive regardless of any subsequent employment obtained by Executive. 

  
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 (c) In the event the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive in the
event of a Change of Control (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Code Section 280G or any successor thereto, then such payments or benefits shall be reduced to the
extent necessary to avoid treatment as an “excess parachute payment”, with the reduction among such payments and benefits to be made first to payments and benefits payable or provided under this Agreement. 

9. NONCOMPETITION, NONSOLICITATION AND NONDISCLOSURE: 

(a) Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for the Restricted Period, he shall not, without the written consent of Company, either
directly or indirectly: 
 (1) become an officer, employee, consultant, director, independent contractor, agent, joint venturer, partner or
trustee of any business whatsoever that competes with the business of Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank in the United States. 

(2) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to
have the effect of causing any officer or employee of Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity
whatsoever to, any business whatsoever that competes with the business of Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank in the United States; or 

(3) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like
circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any Protected Customer to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than the Bank. 

(4) For purposes of this Section 9(a), a business that “competes with the business of Company, the Bank or any Subsidiary other than
the Bank” shall mean a depository financial institution or venture debt fund the primary business of which is: the solicitation and acceptance of deposits of money and commercial paper from the venture capital markets and venture financed
portfolio companies, the solicitation and funding of loans and the provision of other banking services to the venture capital markets and venture financed portfolio companies, and any other business engaged in by Company or the Bank as of
Executive’s termination of employment which is related specifically to the venture capital markets. For the avoidance of doubt, it is expressly acknowledged that following termination (regardless of the reason therefor) of Executive’s
employment with Company and Bank, should Executive desire to re-engage in a consulting business targeted to community banks not engaged the venture lending business, such business shall not be considered a business that competes with the business of
the Company or the Bank. 
 (b) During the Term and thereafter, Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of Company and
its Subsidiaries all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by Executive during Executive’s employment by Company, the Bank
and any Subsidiary other than the Bank and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than 

  
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by acts by Executive or representatives of Executive in violation of this Agreement). Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of as applicable, Company, the Bank and such other
Subsidiary or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than Company, the Bank and such other Subsidiary and those designated by them. After the end of the
Restricted Period, the existence and identity of the customers and employees of Company, the Bank, and any Subsidiaries other than the Bank shall not constitute secret or confidential information, knowledge or data. 

(c) During any period in which Section 9(a) is effective, Section 9(a) shall not preclude Executive from holding any publicly traded
stock provided Executive does not acquire any stock interest in any one company in excess of one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting stock of that company. 

(d) The parties agree that the restrictions contained in this Section 9 are reasonable and fair. If Executive competes in violation of
the terms of this Section 9, the parties agree that Company will be irreparably harmed without an adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, Executive acknowledges that if he breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Section 9,
Company shall be entitled to an injunction, both preliminary and permanent, restraining Executive from such breach or threatened breach, but such injunctive relief shall not preclude Company from pursuing all other legal or equitable remedies
arising out of such a breach. 
 10. REFORMATION: The parties have attempted to limit Executive’s right to compete only to the extent
necessary to protect Company, the Bank and Subsidiaries other than the Bank from unfair competition. The parties recognize, however, that reasonable people may differ in making such a determination. Consequently, the parties hereby agree that, if
the scope or enforceability of a restrictive covenant set forth in Section 9 is in any way disputed at any time, a court or other trier of fact may modify and reform such provision to substitute such other terms as are reasonable to protect the
legitimate business interests of Company, the Bank and Subsidiaries other than the Bank. 
 11. NOTICES: For the purposes of this Agreement,
notices or other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered to the party to whom directed or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, addressed to such party at such party’s address last known by the party giving such notice. Each party may, from time to time, and shall, upon request of another party, designate an address to which notices should be sent.
Notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. 
 12. MODIFICATION; WAIVERS; APPLICABLE LAW: No provisions of this
Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing, signed by Executive, and on behalf of Company, by such officers as may be specifically designated by Company. No waiver of any
breach, condition or provision of this Agreement by any party hereto at any time shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or
otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by any party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. 

  
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The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of North Carolina, except to the extent that federal applies. 

13. INVALIDITY; ENFORCEABILITY: The invalidity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. Any provision in this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the
extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating or affecting the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any
other jurisdiction. 
 14. SUCCESSOR RIGHTS: This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or
legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees, and shall be binding upon Company and any successor to Company. If Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to Executive
hereunder all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to Executive’s estate. 

15. ATTORNEY’S FEES: In the event that either party incurs costs and fees, including attorney’s fees, in enforcing its rights under
this Agreement, the party substantially prevailing in such suit or action including any appeal shall be entitled to recover from the other all such costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. 

16. EFFECT OF FEDERAL BANKING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS: Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by
the Employer whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359. In addition, Executive agrees that this Agreement is subject to amendment at any time in order to comply with laws that are applicable to Company and the Bank (including regulations and rules relating to any
governmental program in which Company or the Bank may participate). 
 17. HEADINGS: Descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision hereof. 
 18. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS: As of
the Effective Date, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, either expressed or implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the employment of Executive or the engagement of Executive as a consultant. 

19. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 409A/CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS/REIMBURSEMENTS: This Agreement is intended to and shall comply with
Section 409A of the Code. The parties agree that this Agreement shall at all times be interpreted, construed and operated in a manner to comply with Code Section 409A. All references to a termination of employment and separation from
service shall mean and be administered to comply with the definition of “separation from service” in Section 409A of the Code. All 

  
 12 

 
reimbursements provided under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Code and shall be subject to the following requirements: 

(a) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, during Executive’s taxable year may not affect the expenses eligible for
reimbursement to be provided in another taxable year, and 
 (b) The reimbursement of an eligible expense must be made by December 31
following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. The right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. 

If Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) at the time of separation from service, to
the extent that any amount payable under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code (and is not otherwise excepted from Section 409A of the Code coverage by virtue of being considered
“involuntary separation pay” or a “short term deferral” or otherwise) and is payable to Executive based upon a separation from service (other than death or “disability” as defined under Section 409A of the Code),
such amount shall not be paid until the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service. 

Payment of any accrued and unused paid time off, unless expressly provided otherwise herein shall be made in a single lump sum within thirty
(30) days of separation from service. 
 20. ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES: Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this
Agreement shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation and without any trial by jury to resolve such claims, conducted by a single arbitrator who is certified by the American Arbitration Association and
is mutually acceptable to Executive and Company, sitting in a location selected by the Employer within fifty (50) miles from the main office of the Employer, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association’s National
Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. 

21. NO ATTACHMENT OR OFFSET. No right to receive payments or benefits under this Agreement shall be subject to setoff, offset, anticipation,
commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge or hypothecation or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect such action shall be
null, void and of no effect. 
 22. COUNTERPARTS: This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. 

  
 13 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the
date first above written. 
  

			
	SQUARE 1 FINANCIAL, INC.
		
	By:	 	/s/ Douglas H. Bowers
	  
 SQUARE 1 BANK

  

			
	By:	 	/s/ Douglas H. Bowers
		 	

  

	
	/s/ Gregory Thompson
	Gregory Thompson

  
 14 

 Gregory Thompson 

Employment Agreement 

First Amendment 

WHEREAS, Square 1 Bank, a North Carolina chartered commercial bank (the “Bank”) and Square 1 Financial, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”) have previously entered into an employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with Gregory Thompson (the “Executive”); and 

WHEREAS, the Bank, the Company and the Executive have determined that certain modifications to the Agreement are necessary and
appropriate; 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Bank, the Company and the Executive hereby amend the Agreement as follows: 

First Change 

Section 3 is hereby amended to read as follows: 

“3. TERM: The initial term of this Agreement commenced on August 8, 2011. The current term of this Agreement shall be
for the period beginning on April 1, 2013 and continuing through April 1, 2015, subject, however, to earlier termination in the manner provided in this Agreement. Commencing April 1, 2014, and continuing on each April 1
thereafter during the term of the Agreement, the disinterested members of the Board may, in the sole discretion of the Board, extend the Agreement term for an additional year, so that the remaining term of the Agreement again becomes twenty four
(24) full months, unless the Executive elects not to extend the term of this Agreement by giving written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the applicable anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term of this Agreement
shall be extended pursuant to Section 8(a) below upon the occurrence of a Change of Control.” 
 Second Change 

Section 4(b) is hereby amended to read as follows: 

“(b) Executive will be entitled to participate in any incentive compensation, bonus plans or arrangements of the Company on the same terms
as other senior officers of Company and the Bank and subject to the terms and conditions of the incentive compensation or bonus program then in effect. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plans or arrangements will be deemed to be in lieu of
other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement.” 
 Third Change 

Section 19(b) is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph thereto: 

“Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of the period specified in this Agreement relating to the timing
of Executive’s execution of a release of claims as a condition of the Bank’s obligation to pay severance, if such period would begin in one taxable year and end in a second taxable year, any payment otherwise due Executive upon execution
of the release of claims shall be made in the second taxable year and without regard to when the release of claims was executed or became irrevocable.” 

 Fourth Change 

Section 5(c) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety, as follows: 

“(c) Relocation. Executive acknowledges that he has received his entire relocation allowance with respect to the planned relocation
of his principal residence to the Durham, North Carolina area, and further acknowledges that he will be responsible to repay this relocation allowance to the Company in the event his relocation is not finalized by December 31, 2014.” 

*   *   * 

In all other respects, the patties hereby ratify and affirm the terms of the Agreement. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Company have caused this Amendment to be executed by duly authorized officers, and the Executive
has signed this Amendment, on the 26th day of April, 2013. 
  

			
	SQUARE 1 BANK
		
	By:	 	/s/ Douglas H. Bowers
	  
 SQUARE 1 FINANCIAL, INC.

 
			
		
	By:	 	/s/ Douglas H. Bowers
		 	

  

	
	EXECUTIVE:
	
	/s/ Gregory Thompson
	Gregory ThompsonExhibit 10.9

 Exhibit 10.9 

AMENDED AND RESTATED 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of March 16, 2007, amends and restates that
certain Employment Agreement dated December 12, 2006 (the “Original Agreement”), is made by and between Square 1 Bank, a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank (the “Bank”), Square 1 Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the “Company”), the holding company for the Bank, and Christopher Woolley, an individual resident of California (the “Executive”) and is intended by the parties to be effective from the date of the Original Agreement. All
references to the term ‘“Employer” as used herein shall refer to the Bank and the Company. 
 WHEREAS, the Employer
desires to provide for the employment of the Executive in a manner which will reinforce and encourage the dedication of the Executive to the Bank and promote the best interests of the Bank and its shareholders. 

WHEREAS, the Employer is engaged in a competitive business in which confidential information about its business plans, operations, and
customers would be of great value to Employer’s competitors and, as such, Executive is willing to restrict Executive’s activities during the term of this Agreement and thereafter in exchange for Employer’s commitment to obligations to
Executive as herein provided. 
 WHEREAS, the Company concurrently with the Original Agreement granted the Executive an option to
purchase 40,000 shares of the Company’s stock on the terms set forth therein. 
 WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend and
restate the Original Agreement to provide additional consideration to Executive if Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason in the form of the acceleration of Options upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 WHEREAS, the Executive is and remains willing to serve the Employer on the terms and conditions herein provided. 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows: 
 1.
Employment. The Employer shall employ the Executive, and the Executive shall serve the Employer, as Executive Vice President of the Bank upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Executive shall have such authority and responsibilities
consistent with Executive’s position. The Executive shall devote full business time, attention, skill and efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, except during periods of illness or periods of vacation and leaves of
absence consistent with the Employer’s policy. The Executive may devote reasonable periods to service as a director or advisor to other organizations, to charitable and community activities, and to managing Executive’s personal
investments, provided that such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and are not in conflict or competitive with, or adverse to, the interests of the Company or the Bank. 

2. Term. Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof
and be for a term commencing on the date 

  
 1 

 
hereof and ending on August 8, 2008 (the “Initial Term”). Thereafter, the employment shall be extended for additional terms of one year each (“Additional Term”) unless a
Notice of Termination, as defined hereinafter, shall be delivered by the Bank and the Company to Executive not less than six months prior to the end of the Initial Term or six months prior to the end of the Additional Term, if applicable. A Notice
of Termination shall mean a written notice of termination from the Employer or the Executive that specifies an effective date of termination and indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon. 

3. Compensation and Benefits. 

(a) The Employer shall pay the Executive an initial annual base salary of $165,000, payable in accordance with the Bank’s standard
payroll procedures. The Board (or an appropriate committee of the Board) shall review the Executive’s performance and salary at least annually and may increase the Executive’s base salary if it determines in its sole discretion that an
additional increase is appropriate. 
 (b) The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s stock option program on
terms consistent with such program. 
 (c) The Executive shall participate in all retirement, welfare, health, and other benefit plans or
programs of the Employer now or hereafter applicable generally to employees of the Employer. 
 (d) The Employer shall reimburse the
Executive for reasonable travel and other expenses related to the Executive’s duties, including cell phone expenses, which are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the normal practices of the Employer. 

(e) The Employer shall provide the Executive with paid vacation in accordance with Employer’s policies, which shall be taken in
accordance with any banking rules or regulations governing vacation leave. 
 4. Termination. 

(a) The Executive’s employment under this Agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the Term only as provided in this
Section 4. 
 (b) The Agreement will be terminated upon the death of the Executive. In this event, the Executive’s estate shall
receive any sums due Executive as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the end of the month during which death occurred, plus any bonus earned or accrued through the date of death (including any amounts awarded for previous years but
which were not yet vested). 
 (c) The Employer may terminate this Agreement upon the disability of the Executive for a period of 180 days
which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s job and for which reasonable accommodation is unavailable. For purposes of this Agreement, a “disability” is
defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and a “reasonable accommodation” is one that does not impose an undue hardship on the Employer. During the period of any incapacity
leading up to the termination of the Executive’s employment under this provision, 

  
 2 

 
the Employer shall continue to pay the Executive his or her full base salary at the rate then in effect and all perquisites and other benefits (other than any bonus) until the Executive becomes
eligible for benefits under any long-term disability plan or insurance program maintained by the Employer, provided that the amount of any such payments to the Executive shall be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, payable to the Executive
for the same period under any other disability benefit or pension plan covering the Executive. Furthermore, the Executive shall receive any bonus earned or accrued through the date of incapacity (including any amounts awarded for previous years but
which were not yet vested). 
 (d) The Employer may terminate this Agreement for Cause upon delivery of a Notice of Termination to the
Executive. If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause under this provision, the Executive shall receive only any sums due Executive as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the date of such termination. 

(e) The Employer may terminate this Agreement without Cause or the Executive may terminate for Good Reason upon delivery of a Notice of
Termination to the other party. If the Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason under this provision during the Initial Term, the Employer shall pay to the Executive severance compensation in an amount equal to
(a) the greater of 100% of the Executive’s then current monthly base salary each month for 12 months from the date of termination, or one month’s salary at Executive’s then current monthly base salary for each month of
Executive’s employment with Employer up to the date of termination, plus (b) any bonus earned or accrued through the date of termination contingent upon the Executive’s compliance with Sections 6, 7, 8 and 9 of this Agreement. If the
Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason under this provision after the Initial Term, the Employer shall pay to the Executive severance compensation in an amount equal to (a) 100% of the Executive’s then
current monthly base salary each month for 12 months from the date of termination, plus (b) any bonus earned or accrued through the date of termination contingent upon the Executive’s compliance with Sections 6, 7, 8 and 9 of this
Agreement, and (c) any and all unvested Options previously granted to the Executive under that certain Square 1 Financial, Inc. 2005 Stock Option Plan hereunder shall become immediately exercisable, and the time for exercise of all of
Executive’s Options, other than any Options issued to the Executive in 2005 for a $10.00 exercise price that are eligible for incentive stock option treatment, shall be extended to the later of(i) December 31 of the calendar year in which
the Option otherwise would have expired, or (ii) two and one-half months after the date the Option would have expired. Notwithstanding the above, the payment of any severance or extension of severance benefits hereunder is expressly conditioned
upon Executive’s execution and nonrevocation of a severance agreement and a release of claims against the Employer in a mutually agreeable form. 

(f) The Executive may terminate this Agreement voluntarily at any time by delivering a Notice of Termination. If the Executive resigns under
this provision, the Executive shall receive any sums due Executive as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the date of such termination. 

(g) With the exceptions of the provisions of this Section 4, and the express terms of any benefit plan under which the Executive is a
participant, it is agreed that, upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Employer shall have no obligation to the Executive for, and the Executive waives and relinquishes, any further compensation or benefits (exclusive of COBRA
benefits). Unless otherwise stated in this Section 4, the effect of termination on any outstanding incentive awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units, or other incentives shall be governed by the terms of the
applicable benefit or incentive plan and/or the agreements governing such incentives. 

  
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 (h) The parties intend that the severance payments and other compensation provided for herein are
reasonable compensation for the Executive’s services to the Employer and shall not constitute “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any regulations thereunder. In
the event that the Employer’s independent accountants acting as auditors for the Employer determine that the payments provided for herein constitute “excess parachute payments,” then the compensation payable hereunder shall be reduced
to an amount the value of which is $1.00 less than the maximum amount that could be paid to the Executive without the compensation being treated as “excess parachute payments” under Section 280G. The allocation of the reduction
required hereby among the termination benefits payable to the Executive shall be determined by the Executive. In the event that the Bank becomes in troubled condition, any severance payment will be in conformance with federal and state regulatory
guidelines. 
 (i) The parties intend that no Options issued to Executive be subject to the application of the additional 20% tax treatment
prescribed by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any regulations thereunder. In the event that the Employer’s independent accountants acting as auditors for the Employer determine that the extension for the time for
exercise of any of the Options pursuant to the provisions hereof would cause Executive to be liable for the additional 20% tax under Section 409A, with respect to such Options, then the extension for the time for exercise shall be deemed null
and void as to such Options subject to the additional 20% tax. 
 5. Ownership of Work Product. The Employer shall own all Work Product
arising during the course of the Executive’s employment (prior, present or future). For purposes hereof, “Work Product” shall mean all intellectual property rights, including all Trade Secrets, U.S. and international copyrights,
patentable inventions, and other intellectual property rights in any programming, documentation, technology or other work product that relates to the Employer, its business or its customers and that the Executive conceives, develops, or delivers to
the Employer at any time during Executive’s employment, during or outside normal working hours, in or away from the facilities of the Employer, and whether or not requested by the Employer. If the Work Product contains any materials,
programming or intellectual property rights that the Executive conceived or developed prior to, and independent of, the Executive’s work for the Employer, the Executive agrees to point out the pre-existing items to the Employer and the
Executive grants the Employer a worldwide, unrestricted, royalty-free right, including the right to sublicense such items. The Executive agrees to take such actions and execute such further acknowledgments and assignments as the Employer may
reasonably request to give effect to this provision. 
 6. Protection of Trade Secrets. The Executive agrees to maintain in strict
confidence and, except as necessary to perform Executive’s duties for the Employer, the Executive agrees not to use or disclose any Trade Secrets of the Employer during or after Executive’s employment. “Trade Secret” means
information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process, drawing, cost data or customer list, that: (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being
readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. 

7. Protection of Other Confidential Information. In addition, the Executive agrees to maintain in strict confidence and, except as necessary
to perform Executive’s duties for the Employer, not to use or disclose any Confidential Business Information of the Employer during Executive’s employment and following termination of the Executive’s employment. “Confidential
Business Information” shall mean any internal, non-public information (other than Trade Secrets already addressed above) concerning the Employer’s financial position and results of operations (including revenues, assets, net income, etc.);
annual and long-range business plans; product or service plans; marketing plans and methods; training, educational 

  
 4 

 
and administrative manuals; customer and supplier information and purchase histories; and employee lists. The provisions of Sections 6 and 7 shall also apply to protect Trade Secrets and
Confidential Business Information of third parties provided to the Employer under an obligation of secrecy. 
 8. Return of Materials. The
Executive shall surrender to the Employer, promptly upon its request and in any event upon termination of the Executive’s employment, all media, documents, notebooks, computer hardware, programs, software, or communications equipment, cell
phones, handbooks, data files, models, samples, credit cards, building and parking access cards, office and desk keys, price lists, drawings, customer lists, prospect data, or other material of any nature whatsoever (in tangible or electronic form)
in the Executive’s possession or control, including all copies thereof, relating to the Employer, its business, or its customers. Upon the request of the Employer, the Executive shall certify in writing compliance with the foregoing
requirement. 
 9. Restrictive Covenants. 

(a) No Solicitation of Customers. During the Executive’s employment with the Employer and for a period of 12 months thereafter, the
Executive shall not (except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of the Employer), either directly or indirectly, on the Executive’s own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, (A) solicit, divert, or appropriate to or
for a Competing Business, or (B) attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate to or for a Competing Business, any person or entity that is or was a customer of the Employer or any of its Affiliates at any time during the 12 months prior to the
date of termination and with whom the Executive has had material contact. 
 (b) No Recruitment of Personnel. During the Executive’s
employment with the Employer and for a period of 12 months thereafter, the Executive shall not, either directly or indirectly, on the Executive’s own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, (A) solicit, divert, or hire away, or
(B) attempt to solicit, divert, or hire away, to any Competing Business, any employee of or consultant to the Employer or any of its Affiliates, regardless of whether the employee or consultant is full-time or temporary, the employment or
engagement is pursuant to written agreement, or the employment is for a determined period or is at will. 
 (c) Non-Competition Agreement.
During the Executive’s employment with the Employer and for a period of 12 months thereafter, the Executive shall not (without the prior written consent of the Employer) compete with the Employer or any of its Affiliates by, directly or
indirectly, forming, serving as an organizer, director, employee, agent, or officer of, or consultant to, a depository financial institution, holding company therefor, or venture debt fund if such depository institution, holding company or venture
debt fund engages in the “Business” and has one or more offices or branches located in, or solicits or accepts business from, the Territory or is specifically identified as a “Competing Business”. 

10. Independent Provisions. The provisions of the above Sections 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c) are independent, and the unenforceability of any one
provision shall not affect the enforceability of any other provision. 
 11 Successors; Binding Agreement. The rights and obligations of
this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation in which the Employer is a party, or any assignee of all or substantially all of the Employer’s business and properties. The
Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by him, except that Executive’s right to receive accrued but unpaid compensation, unreimbursed expenses and other rights, if any, provided under this

  
 5 

 
Agreement which survive termination of this Agreement shall pass after death to the personal representatives of Executive’s estate. 

12. Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses last given by each party to the other; provided, however, that all notices
to the Employer shall be directed to the attention of the Employer with a copy to the Secretary of the Employer. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery thereof. 

13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina
without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof. Any action brought by any party to this Agreement shall be brought and maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction in State of North. Carolina. 

14. Non-Waiver. Failure of the Employer to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any rights with respect thereto shall in no way
be considered to be a waiver of such provisions or rights, or in any way affect the validity of this Agreement. 
 15. Enforcement. The
Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach by the Executive of any covenant contained in Section 9(a), 9(b), or 9(c) hereof, the resulting injuries to the Employer would be difficult or impossible to estimate
accurately, even though irreparable injury or damages would certainly result. Accordingly, an award of legal damages, if without other relief, would be inadequate to protect the Employer. The Executive, therefore, agrees that in the event of any
such breach, the Employer shall be entitled to obtain from a court of competent jurisdiction an injunction to restrain the breach or anticipated breach of any such covenant, and to obtain any other available legal, equitable, statutory, or
contractual relief. Should the Employer have cause to seek such relief, no bond shall be required from the Employer, and the Executive shall pay all attorney’s fees and court costs which the Employer may incur to the extent the Employer
prevails in its enforcement action. 
 16. Saving Clause. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or
unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If any provision or clause of this Agreement, or portion thereof, shall be held by any court or other tribunal of competent
jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, the remainder of such provision shall not be thereby affected and shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portion. It is the intention of the parties that, if
any court construes any provision or clause of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, to be illegal, void, or unenforceable because of the duration of such provision or the area or matter covered thereby, such court shall reduce the duration, area,
or matter of such provision, and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced. The Executive and the Employer hereby agree that they will negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement from time to time to
modify the terms of Sections 9(a), 9(b), or 9(c) the definition of the term “Territory,” and the definition of the term “Business,” to reflect changes in the Employer’s business and affairs so that the scope of the
limitations placed on the Executive’s activities by Section 9 accomplishes the parties’ intent in relation to the then current facts and circumstances. Any such amendment shall be effective only when completed in writing and signed by
the Executive and the Employer. 

  
 6 

 17. Certain Definitions. 

(a) “Affiliate” shall mean any business entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Employer. 

(b) “Business” shall mean the operation of a depository financial institution or venture debt fund, including, without limitation,
the solicitation and acceptance of deposits of money and commercial paper from the venture capital markets and venture financed portfolio companies, the solicitation and funding of loans and the provision of other banking services to the venture
capital markets and venture financed portfolio companies, and any other related business engaged in by the Employer or any of its Affiliates as of the date of termination. 

(c) “Cause” shall consist of any of (A) the commission by the Executive of a willful act (including, without limitation, a
dishonest or fraudulent act) or a grossly negligent act, or the willful or grossly negligent omission to act by the Executive, which is intended to cause, causes or is reasonably likely to cause material harm to the Employer (including harm to its
business reputation), (B) the indictment of the Executive for the commission or perpetration by the Executive of any felony or any crime involving dishonesty, moral turpitude or fraud, (C) the receipt of any form of notice, written or
otherwise, that any regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Employer intends to institute any form of formal or informal (e.g., a memorandum of understanding which relates to the Executive’s performance) regulatory action against
the Executive or the Employer (provided that the Board of Directors determines in good faith that the subject matter of such action involves acts or omissions by or under the supervision of the Executive or that termination of the Executive would
materially advance the Employer’s compliance with the purpose of the action or would materially assist the Employer in avoiding or reducing the restrictions or adverse effects to the Employer related to the regulatory action); (D) the
exhibition by the Executive of a standard of behavior within the scope of Executive’s employment that is materially disruptive to the orderly conduct of the Employer’s business operations (including, without limitation, substance abuse or
sexual misconduct) to a level which, in the Board of Directors’ good faith and reasonable judgment, is materially detrimental to the Employer’s best interest, that, if susceptible of cure remains uncured ten days following written notice
to the Executive of such specific inappropriate behavior; or (E) the failure of the Executive to devote Executive’s full business time and attention to Executive’s employment as provided under this Agreement that, if susceptible of
cure, remains uncured 30 days following written notice to the Executive of such failure. 
 (d) “Competing Business” shall mean
any entity or person that, in whole or in part, seeks to, or does, compete for depositors or customers in the “Business,” as defined in Section 17(b) above. Executive understands and agrees that as of the date of execution of this
Agreement, the term “Competing Business” includes Silicon Valley Bank, Comerica Bank, Bridge Bank, Greater Bay Bank, Cupertino National Bank, RBC, Wells Fargo’s Technology Group, Escalate Capital, General Electric, General Electric
Capital, Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Horizon Technology Finance, Lighthouse Capital Partners, Oxford Finance Corporation, Pinnacle Ventures, Sand Hill Finance, and Western Technology Investment/Venture Lending & Leasing. 

(e) “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the events or conditions described in subsections (i) through
(viii) hereof, without the consent of the Executive: 
 (i) a change in the Executive’s status, title, position or
responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) which represents an adverse change from Executive’s status, title, position, except in connection with the termination of Executive’s employment for Disability

  
 7 

 
or Cause, as a result of Executive’s death, or by the Executive other than for Good Reason; 

(ii) a reduction in the Executive’s base salary below the level of Executive’s prior year base salary; 

(iii) the Employer’s requiring the Executive to be based at any place outside a 30-mile radius from the executive offices
occupied by the Executive on the effective date of this Agreement, except for reasonably required travel on the Employer’s business; 

(iv) the failure by the Employer to (A) continue in effect (without reduction in benefit level and/or reward
opportunities) any material compensation or employee benefit plan in which the Executive participates, or (B) provide the Executive with compensation and benefits, in the aggregate, at least equal (in terms of benefit levels and/or reward
opportunities) to those provided for under each other employee benefit plan, program and practice in which the Executive was participating on the effective date of this Agreement; 

(v) the insolvency or the filing (by any party, including the Company or the Bank) of a petition for bankruptcy of the Company
or the Bank, which petition is not dismissed within sixty days; 
 (vi) the failure of the Employer to obtain an agreement,
satisfactory to the Executive, from any successor or assign to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 11 hereof. 

(h) “Territory” shall mean a radius of 100 miles from any location where the Employer conducts the “Business” and in, or
for, which Executive has had access to confidential information about Employer’s business plans, operations, or customers. 
 (i)
“Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice of termination from the Employer or the Executive which specifies an effective date of termination, indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and, in the
case of a termination for Good Reason or for Cause, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated. 

18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements, if any,
understandings and arrangements, oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. 
 19. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 

  
 8 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed by its officers thereunto duly
authorized, and the Executive has signed this Agreement, as of the date first above written. 
  

					
	ATTEST:	 		 	SQUARE 1 BANK
			
	/s/ Beth Reeves	 		 	/s/ Richard J. Casey

  

					
		 		 	SQUARE 1 FINANCIAL, INC.
			
	/s/ Beth Reeves	 		 	/s/ Richard J. Casey
		 		 	

  

					
			
	  
	 		 	/s/ Christopher Woolley
		 		 	Executive

  
 9 

 1st Amendment to
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement 
 WHEREAS, Square 1 Bank, a North Carolina chartered commercial bank (the
“Bank”), and Square 1 Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), have previously entered into an employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with the undersigned (the “Executive”); and 

WHEREAS, the Bank, the Company and the Executive have determined that certain modifications to the Agreement are necessary and
appropriate to ensure compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Bank, the Company and the Executive hereby amend the agreement as follows: 

1. A new Section 20 is hereby added to the Agreement: 

“20. 409A COMPLIANCE. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of the period specified in
this Agreement relating to the timing of Executive’s execution of a release of claims as a condition of the Bank’s obligation to pay severance, if such period would begin in one taxable year and end in a second taxable year, any payment
otherwise due Executive upon execution of the release of claims shall be made in the second taxable year and without regard to when the release of claims was executed or became irrevocable.” 

2. In all other respects, the patties hereby ratify and affirm the terms of the Agreement. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Company have caused this Amendment to be executed by duly authorized officers, and the Executive
has signed this Amendment, as of the 31st day of December, 2012. 
  

			
	SQUARE 1 BANK
		
	By:	 	/s/ Douglas H. Bowers
		 	 Doug Bowers
 President and Chief Executive
Officer

  

			
	SQUARE 1 FINANCIAL, INC.
		
	By:	 	/s/ Douglas H. Bowers
		 	 Doug Bowers
 President and Chief Executive
Officer

  

	
	EXECUTIVE:
	
	/s/ Christopher Woolley
	Christopher Woolley

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