Matt Crisp, a distinguished alumnus of East Carolina University (ECU), embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial success and financial expertise, making him an ideal keynote speaker profile for events like the Ecu Career Fair 2020. His journey from ECU to co-founding a global FinTech powerhouse, eVestment, showcases a remarkable career trajectory that would deeply resonate with students and aspiring professionals attending such a pivotal career event.
Originally hailing from Washington, Matt Crisp’s foundational years were shaped at East Carolina University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Finance in 1993 and later his MBA in 1996. This strong ECU grounding laid the groundwork for his subsequent achievements in the competitive world of finance and technology. Following his graduation, Crisp began his career at First Data Investor Services before transitioning to Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting as a Research Analyst. These early experiences honed his analytical skills and provided him with invaluable insights into the institutional investment landscape.
In 2000, Crisp’s entrepreneurial drive led him to co-found eVestment in Atlanta, GA. This FinTech company quickly became a leader in providing data and analytics to the institutional investment industry. As Chief Operating Officer, Matt played a crucial role in eVestment’s exponential growth from a startup with four partners to a global enterprise employing over 400 individuals. The company’s international footprint expanded to include offices in major financial hubs like New York, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Dubai, and Tokyo, alongside a strong presence across the United States and Canada. This global expansion, spearheaded in part by Matt himself into the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong, demonstrates his strategic leadership and vision.
eVestment’s success story includes an impressive 11-year streak on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies, earning it a place in the Inc. 5000 Hall of Fame. Furthermore, eVestment’s recognition as a top workplace by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and Forbes magazine, alongside tech giants like Google and Amazon, underscores Matt’s commitment to building not just a successful company, but also a thriving and positive work environment. His experiences in leading eVestment through multiple acquisitions and integrations offer valuable lessons in organizational culture and strategic management.
The acquisition of eVestment by NASDAQ in October 2017 marked a significant milestone, further solidifying its impact on the financial technology sector. Since then, Matt Crisp has transitioned to a private investor, focusing on supporting pre- and post-revenue companies. Through his investment funds, he has channeled nearly $10 million into ventures across diverse industries, which have grown to an estimated valuation of $4.7 billion. This phase of his career highlights his acumen in identifying and nurturing promising businesses, an area of expertise highly relevant to career fair attendees exploring entrepreneurial paths.
Beyond his professional achievements, Matt Crisp remains deeply connected to East Carolina University and the wider community. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the ECU Foundation, contributing to key committees such as Audit, Budget & Finance, and Investment. Additionally, his involvement with The Ron Clark Academy, a renowned education non-profit founded by fellow ECU alumnus Ron Clark, showcases his commitment to education and giving back.
Matt Crisp’s compelling journey from ECU to the forefront of FinTech and investment makes him an exceptional role model and potential keynote speaker for events like the ECU Career Fair 2020. His experiences offer invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, finance, technology, and leadership, perfectly aligning with the career aspirations of ECU students and graduates.
