Matt Crisp, an East Carolina University (ECU) alumnus with a remarkable career in finance and technology, is set to inspire attendees at the upcoming Ecu Career Leadership Conference. Originally hailing from Washington and a proud ECU graduate with a degree in Finance (’93) and an MBA (’96), Crisp’s journey from Greenville to global business success is a compelling narrative for aspiring leaders.
Crisp’s early career began at First Data Investor Services in Atlanta, GA, after which he honed his financial expertise as a Research Analyst at Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting. However, it was in 2000 that Crisp’s entrepreneurial spirit truly shone. He co-founded eVestment, a pioneering Financial Technology company based in Atlanta. This Data & Analytics powerhouse quickly became a vital service for the Institutional Investment industry under Crisp’s leadership as Chief Operating Officer.
Under his operational guidance, eVestment experienced exponential growth, expanding from its four founding partners to over 400 employees worldwide. The company established a significant global footprint with offices spanning major international hubs including New York, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Dubai, and Tokyo, alongside regional sales offices across the United States and Canada. This global expansion, spearheaded in regions like the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong between 2009 and 2011, highlights Crisp’s strategic leadership in international business development. His role on the Executive Team was crucial in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Furthermore, Crisp expertly managed the integration of nine companies acquired by eVestment between 2010 and 2015, fostering a unified operating environment and company culture.
eVestment’s consistent growth and exceptional workplace environment were widely recognized. For an impressive eleven consecutive years (2007-2017), eVestment was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies, earning a place in the Inc. 5000 Hall of Fame. Adding to these accolades, eVestment was repeatedly recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Forbes magazine also distinguished eVestment as a Top Technology Workplace nationally, placing it alongside industry giants like Google and Amazon. This recognition underscores Crisp’s commitment to building not only a successful company but also a thriving and positive work environment, key aspects of effective career leadership.
Following the acquisition of eVestment by NASDAQ in October 2017, Crisp transitioned to a role as a private investor. He now dedicates his time and expertise to supporting pre- and post-revenue companies, guiding fellow entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of startups and build sustainable, successful businesses. Through his private investment funds, Crisp has invested nearly $10 million in diverse companies, which have since grown to an estimated combined valuation of $4.7 billion across various industries and sectors.
Beyond his investment activities, Matt Crisp remains deeply connected to his alma mater and the broader community. He serves on the Board of Trustees for The Ron Clark Academy (RCA), a globally acclaimed non-profit educational organization founded by fellow ECU alumnus Ron Clark. His commitment to ECU is further demonstrated through his service on the East Carolina University Foundation Board of Trustees, where he has contributed to the Audit Committee, Budget & Finance Committee, and Investment Committee.
Matt Crisp’s participation as a keynote speaker at the ECU Career Leadership Conference offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn from a leader who embodies the spirit of ECU and has achieved remarkable success on a global stage. His insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and navigating the complexities of the modern business world will undoubtedly provide invaluable lessons for the next generation of ECU leaders.
