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

Lazard, Inc. has announced that Matt Spence has joined the firm as Head of Defense Technology and Emerging Technology within the Technology Group, based in San Francisco.

In his new role, Spence will advise defense, security, and other advanced technology companies on mergers and acquisitions as well as financing activities. He brings a background that includes government service, venture investing, and leadership in banking.

Mark Dolins, Head of the Technology Group at Lazard, commented on Spence's expertise, stating, "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 technology and gives our clients a partner who deeply understands the industry."

Previously, Spence served as Managing Director and Global Head of Venture Capital Banking at Barclays, where he developed the firm’s defense-tech and dual-use technology investment banking franchise. His experience also includes senior roles at Guggenheim Partners and as a Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Spence spent seven years in senior national security positions within the U.S. government, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy and on the White House National Security Council.

Spence expressed enthusiasm for his new position, remarking, "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."

Spence holds 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 a cofounder of The Truman National Security Project and a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations.