Matt Jacobson

Matt Jacobson is an influential American venture capitalist and a General Partner at ICONIQ Capital, a firm known for its strategic investments in technology and growth-stage companies. Raised in the United States, Jacobson attended The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a B.S. in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Management. His career began in investment banking at Lehman Brothers, followed by roles at Technology Crossover Ventures and Battery Ventures, where he honed his skills in identifying and nurturing high-potential tech companies. Since joining ICONIQ in 2013, Jacobson has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s investment strategy, focusing on ecommerce, mobile, and enterprise software/SaaS sectors.

A boom in artificial intelligence has also helped draw investors including Iconiq off the sidelines. The firm has avoided start-ups developing underlying AI models, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, because of how “immensely capital intensive” their work is, said Jacobson.

Contributions to AI

Jacobson has been instrumental in advancing AI technologies through his strategic investments in companies that leverage AI for transformative applications. At ICONIQ, he has supported ventures like Pinecone, which focuses on vector databases crucial for AI development, and other enterprises that integrate AI to enhance their offerings. His investment philosophy emphasizes backing companies that are at the forefront of AI innovation, particularly those developing tools that push the boundaries of AI capabilities across various industries.

Philosophy and Vision

Jacobson’s vision is centered around empowering visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining their industries through technology. He believes in the transformative power of AI and seeks to support companies that drive significant impact and change. His approach involves fostering long-term partnerships with companies poised to become category leaders, emphasizing strategic growth and innovation. Jacobson is committed to ensuring that the companies he invests in not only achieve financial success but also contribute positively to the technological landscape.

Influence and Public Presence

As a well-known figure in the venture capital community, Matt Jacobson is known for his strategic insights and successful track record in investments. He serves on the boards of several high-profile companies, including Datadog, GitLab, and Miro. Jacobson frequently shares his expertise at industry events and discussions, offering insights into investment strategies and the future of technology. His influence extends across the tech and investment sectors, where he continues to shape the landscape through his work at ICONIQ Capital, inspiring both entrepreneurs and fellow investors with his vision for the future of AI and technology.