Joel Espelien in

Joel Espelien

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Principal at Espelien Legal PLLC
📍 Greater Seattle Area, United States

Joel Espelien is a seasoned legal and M&A professional focused on guiding technology companies through formation, funding, growth, and sales. Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, investor, lawyer, and banker, he specializes in high-stakes transactions. Colleagues and clients describe him as an outstanding, intelligent, and strategic thinker with exceptional business insight.

Originally from Mercer Island, Washington, Joel is a father of three boys. He is bilingual in English and Spanish, having studied abroad in Seville, Spain, where he also worked at the US Pavilion during Expo 1992. His education includes a J. D. from Duke University School of Law.

His unique calling is to serve as a "wingman" for private company CEOs during bet-the-company transactions, a role that combines his diverse professional experiences.

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Experience
14 Years
Current Role
Principal
Job Level
Mid-senior
Location
Greater Seattle Area, United States
Personality Overview

How Joel shows up

Communication Style
Decision Approach
Work Preference

Behavioral traits and communication patterns that shape how this person evaluates opportunities, builds trust, and makes decisions in professional settings.

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Priorities

Topics Joel cares about

Technology M&A
As a principal of his own firm and a former executive at Corum Group, his career is centered on sell-side M&A for software and technology companies.
Startup Mentorship
He has served as an angel investor, mentor, and advisor to multiple startups. A founder he mentored during TechStars described him as their "Yoda in disguise. "
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Career

Work history

1-2013
Principal
Espelien Legal PLLC
2011
Limited Partner
Founder's Co-op
1-2024 - 12-2024
Executive Vice President
Corum Group Ltd.
9-2018 - 1-2024
Executive Director
Corum Group Ltd.
4-2017 - 1-2024
Vice President
Corum Group Ltd.
In the press

Media appearances

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Education
1993 - 1996
J.D.
Duke University School of Law
1993 - 1996
Doctor of Law (J.D.)
Duke University
1989 - 1993
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
St. Olaf College
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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