Alternative investment specialist Cerberus Capital Management has launched Cerberus Technology Solutions (Cerberus Technology), a new operating subsidiary that will lead technology transformations and modernisations across Cerberus’ global portfolio and facilitate new investments in technology, advanced analytics, and data companies.
The firm also announced that Len Laufer has joined as Senior Managing Director and will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Cerberus Technology, which will be chaired by Cerberus President Matt Zames.
Cerberus Technology will work closely with Cerberus investment and operating professionals to unlock and create value across the firm’s existing portfolio of companies. It will have broad responsibilities to apply leading technology solutions that can drive productivity and efficiency, realise new sources of revenue and value creation, and accelerate technological transformation and differentiation. Cerberus Technology will also help Cerberus source, diligence, and operate new investments in technology and analytics companies.
“Technology transformation is a central theme impacting all businesses. To realise its benefits requires specialized skills and dedicated resources,” says Zames. “Cerberus Technology enhances our proprietary operating capabilities to drive value for our portfolio companies and brings new capabilities to our integrated investment platforms. We are excited to have Len join us as we build world-class technology capabilities within Cerberus and increase our focus on private equity tech investing.”
As Cerberus Technology’s CEO, Laufer brings extensive experience leading transformative technology initiatives for both large and entrepreneurial companies. Most recently, from 2013 to 2018, he served as Head of Intelligent Solutions at JPMorgan Chase & Co. where he focused on applying emerging technologies to realise value from the bank’s vast data assets. Prior to that, Laufer co-founded and was CEO of Argus Information and Advisory Services, which grew into the leading provider of risk, pricing, and behavioural data to the payments industry. Argus was sold to Verisk Analytics in 2012.
“Cerberus is a great firm with a proven record of developing innovative operating capabilities that create a proprietary edge for its investors and business partners,” says Laufer. “It is a privilege to join this team and to work with Matt again. I am excited to lead Cerberus Technology and to tackle transformations with significant potential to impact the long-term performance and create value.”