Jeffrey R. Smith

Jeff Smith is the Senior Managing Director of Digital Investment Strategy and Global Co-Head for Venture Capital and Technology, and Private Equity at Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ). Reporting to the CEO, Jeff is responsible for digital transformation of investing for a $360 billion AUM multi-asset class pension fund. CDPQ is of the top 20 sovereign wealth funds in the world, and the 2nd largest pension fund in Canada - deploying $15 billion/year in fresh capital, investing around the world in 5 asset classes: Public Equities, Private Equity, Fixed Income, Infrastructure and Real Estate.  Each asset class is over $50 billion in AUM.  HQ in Montreal, with offices in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. 

Jeff oversees a $300mm venture capital fund for emerging digital and tech companies. He also oversees defensive risk assessment work on their existing AUM for digital disruption. CDPQ co-invests with partners that are leading VCs and PE firms (Sequoia, Andreesen Horowitz are two for example where they are partnered).  Jeff sits on 2 executive boards – Hilco Global, a $450mm revs. diversified services company in retail and real estate, and Bird Rides, the leading micro-mobility company.  CDPQ is currently looking at potential areas for investing including quantum computing, next generation energy storage, wireless LEO broadband, and digital media.