Gregory Smith founded Instar Asset Management in 2014 with a vision of investing in distinctive middle-market, North American companies to help them grow and thrive. With nearly 30 years of experience in the investment, operation, acquisition and financing of public and private companies, including infrastructure, real estate, power and utility businesses, Gregory has deep relationships across the private capital spectrum and a history of investing in essential businesses that deliver value to investors, communities, partners and other stakeholders.
Prior to founding Instar, Gregory was Managing Partner and Head of Brookfield Financial’s global infrastructure advisory group. He was also the President of Macquarie Capital Funds Canada where he was responsible for the establishment, growth and operations of Macquarie’s unlisted and listed funds business in Canada along with the management of Macquarie’s Canadian assets owned by offshore funds. Prior to Macquarie, Gregory was Managing Director and Co-Head of RBC Capital Partners – Mezzanine Fund and a Managing Director at Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance.
Gregory offers significant governance expertise and has acted as a director or observer/advisor to the boards for several reporting issuers across a range of industry sectors. He has also served in an advisory capacity for private capital firms and associations such as the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships. Active in the private equity and venture capital sector since 1994, Gregory notably served for a number of years on the board of Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, including as Chair and President, where he advocated for strategies and programs to enhance the overall private capital ecosystem, accelerate Canadian growth businesses and create economic opportunity.
Gregory is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Chartered Business Valuator and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University.
