J.R. Smith – Startup Investor Profile

J.R. Smith is a Partner at Evolution Equity Partners, specializing in leading investments in cybersecurity, enterprise software, and consumer sectors. With over three decades of experience in investment, operations, and entrepreneurship, J.R. plays a crucial role in the firm’s investment committee. Previously, he served as the Chief Executive Officer at AVG Technologies, overseeing strategy and operations and guiding AVG to its Initial Public Offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012. J.R. also co-founded dot mobile in the UK and the Telecom Solutions Group. His career began at PNC in Seattle, which was later acquired by T-Mobile. J.R. holds an MBA from the Washington State University School of Business. This background showcases J.R. Smith’s expertise, leadership, and strategic insight in the investment landscape.

Location:

Country: Switzerland

Investment Regions: EU, MENA

Investment Stages: pre-seed, seed

Website: https://www.evolutionequity.com/

AI Reasoning: Searches show Evolution Equity Partners was active in 2024-2025 (Fund III close April 16, 2024 and firm-reported activity in 2025). J.R. Smith is listed as a Partner at Evolution Equity Partners and is associated with the firm’s investments (for example Onapsis on the firm leadership/portfolio pages). Because the firm has reported investment activity within the last six months and J.R. Smith is a partner involved in deal activity, the most recent known investment activity attributable to him is within the last six months.

Low Activity – Only known angel investments more than 12 months ago.

Active – Known angel investments between the last 12 and 6 months.

Very Active – Known angel investments in the last 6 months.