#USA #San Francisco #Defense Technology #Lazard #Matt Spence

Matt Spence Joins Lazard as Head of Defense Technology and Emerging Technology

Lazard, Inc., a leading financial advisory and asset management firm, has recently made an important addition to its team. Effective immediately, Matt Spence has joined the firm as the Head of Defense Technology and Emerging Technology within the Technology Group, which is primarily based in San Francisco. With a wealth of experience in government service, venture investing, and banking leadership, Spence aims to provide expert guidance on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and other financial transactions for businesses in the defense and high-tech sectors.

Mark Dolins, the head of Lazard's Technology Group, highlighted Spence's unique qualifications. He stated, "Few bankers can speak to defense and dual-use technology from multiple angles the way Matt can. His arrival at the firm strengthens the coverage we can offer across defense and emerging technologies, and gives our clients a partner who deeply understands the industry." This indicates that Lazard is positioning itself to better serve its clients looking for insights and opportunities in the rapidly evolving tech landscape related to defense and security.

Prior to joining Lazard, Matt Spence held the position of Managing Director and Global Head of Venture Capital Banking at Barclays. There, he successfully built and led the firm's investment banking franchise specifically focusing on defense technologies and dual-use technology investments. His previous roles also include senior positions at Guggenheim Partners and as a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he was deeply involved in making strategic investments in innovative tech companies.

Spence's experience in national security is also noteworthy. He served for seven years in various senior roles in the U.S. government, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy and working on the White House National Security Council. His extensive background in both finance and government equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping defense and technology sectors today.

In his own words, Spence remarked, "Defense and dual-use technology are being reshaped by capital, policy, geopolitical forces, and innovation all at once, and Lazard's platform is uniquely built to advise companies through that shift. I'm thrilled to join a firm with this level of expertise and relationships, and I look forward to helping clients across the full lifecycle of defense and emerging technology transactions."

Academically, Spence is well qualified with a Doctorate in International Relations from Oxford University, a J.D. from Yale Law School, and both a B.A. and M.A. in International Policy Studies from Stanford University. He is also a co-founder of the Truman National Security Project and holds a lifetime membership with the Council on Foreign Relations.

Founded in 1848, Lazard has established itself as a premier financial advisory and asset management firm with a diverse global presence, including regions like North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Lazard specializes in a range of services including M&A, capital markets, asset management, and geopolitical advice to various institutions and high-net-worth individuals.

To learn more about Lazard and its services, visit Lazard.com and follow the firm on LinkedIn. This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing Lazard's capabilities in advising clients in the defense and emerging technology fields amid a competitive and rapidly changing landscape.