Jaffray Woodriff

Jaffray Woodriff is a highly influential figure in the quantitative finance and venture capital landscapes, renowned for his dual roles as a successful hedge fund manager and a prominent venture investor. He first gained widespread recognition as the founder of Quantitative Investment Management (QIM) in 1999, a quantitative hedge fund that achieved significant success by leveraging sophisticated data analysis and algorithmic trading strategies. This deep expertise in quantitative modeling and data-driven decision-making forms the bedrock of his subsequent investment endeavors.

In 2008, Woodriff co-founded QED Investors alongside Nigel Morris, a venture capital firm that has since become a global leader in fintech investments. QED Investors focuses on disruptive financial technology companies, providing capital and strategic guidance across various stages, from seed to growth. The firm's impressive track record is underscored by its ability to raise substantial capital, with its latest fund, Fund V, closing at $550 million. QED's typical initial investments range from $500,000 to over $10 million, reflecting its capacity to support significant growth.

Beyond his institutional role at QED, Woodriff also actively engages in personal angel investing. These individual investments, often distinct from QED's portfolio companies, typically target early-stage startups that can benefit from his extensive experience in data science, financial markets, and scaling technology businesses. His personal angel checks are generally substantial, reflecting his considerable personal wealth and a strategic approach to fostering innovation. While specific figures for his individual angel investments are not publicly detailed, they are understood to be significant, providing crucial early capital to promising ventures. Crunchbase lists approximately 10 personal angel investments, showcasing his commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Woodriff's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his quantitative background, emphasizing data-driven insights and a rigorous analytical approach. He seeks out companies with strong leadership teams, defensible technology, and clear pathways to market disruption, particularly within the fintech and broader technology sectors. His unique blend of quantitative rigor and venture capital acumen makes him a highly sought-after investor for founders looking to build transformative companies.