“Find a Way or Make One.”
Jesse Lee is a distinguished technology executive, entrepreneur, and board advisor whose career spans more than three decades of breakthrough innovation, operational excellence, and transformative leadership in enterprise software. Known for his ability to scale organizations under pressure, inspire high-performance teams, and architect the systems that allow companies to grow sustainably, he has earned a reputation as both a visionary strategist and a disciplined operator. His journey from early engineering roles to co-founding a NASDAQ-listed company and later leading an award-winning AI-powered SaaS firm reflects a rare combination of entrepreneurial grit, technical depth, and global commercial impact.
From the outset of his career, Mr. Lee immersed himself in the intersection of software engineering, business optimization, and complex problem solving. His early work as a developer and systems architect laid the technical foundation that would fuel his later achievements. He quickly established himself as someone capable not only of building elegant solutions but of diagnosing the root causes of inefficiencies within large organizations. This ability to translate business objectives into scalable digital frameworks positioned him for early leadership opportunities and set the stage for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
The defining early chapter of his career came with the creation of Apptio, a pioneering enterprise SaaS company that reshaped how CIOs, CFOs, and IT leaders manage technology investments. As a co-founder, Mr. Lee co-designed and developed the Service Costing prototype that secured Apptio’s initial $7 million in venture capital funding—an achievement that validated both the market opportunity and the technical vision behind the product. Over his ten-year tenure, he held multiple global leadership roles spanning Customer Success, Solutions Architecture, Technical Product Marketing, and TBM Advisory Services, each contributing to Apptio’s successful IPO in 2016 and eventual $1.94 billion acquisition by Vista Equity Partners.
Throughout his time at Apptio, Mr. Lee repeatedly demonstrated his ability to build high-impact functions from the ground up. He launched the company’s Customer Success division, establishing foundational methodologies that helped Apptio achieve a renewal rate exceeding 95% across its early customer base. He created the first Solutions Architecture and Technical Product Marketing teams, each of which became critical engines for the company’s rapid global expansion. His leadership extended beyond internal operations: he guided customers through transformational adoption journeys, helped define the Technology Business Management (TBM) discipline, and contributed to the definitive TBM book that remains a cornerstone of the field.
After Apptio, Mr. Lee continued applying his expertise to organizations navigating rapid growth and digital transformation. At StrataPrime, he served as Chief Digital Officer and brought scalable technology frameworks to a fast-growing consultancy serving public and private sector clients. His ability to articulate practical, value-based outcomes for executives made him a trusted advisor to CXOs managing modernization at enterprise scale.
In 2018, Mr. Lee embarked on a new entrepreneurial chapter, co-founding Brooklyn Solutions—a next-generation Enterprise SaaS company that is redefining the VendorOps and Commercial Value Management (CVM) disciplines. As CEO, he led the development of the first purpose-built AI/ML/NLP-powered platform for vendor management, bringing unprecedented transparency, automation, and value realization to procurement and compliance organizations. Under his stewardship, the company achieved profitability through rigorous financial discipline while delivering 3.7x gross revenue growth year-to-date. His strategic leadership attracted investment from two top-tier London venture capital firms and secured multi-year partnerships with major global enterprises.
Brooklyn Solutions’ recognition as the UK’s Most Outstanding Vendor Management Firm of the Year underscored the market demand for the innovation Mr. Lee helped pioneer. His interviews and articles—including features in CEO Magazine and various thought leadership platforms—reflect his deep understanding of the gaps in supply chain governance and his commitment to helping enterprises reduce risk, eliminate value leakage, and strengthen resilience. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Lee led the development of the BVA COVID-19 Resilience Centre, a free platform designed to help companies rapidly assess risk and maintain operational continuity during an unprecedented crisis.
Beyond his executive leadership roles, Mr. Lee brings meaningful governance experience through active board and advisory positions. As CEO/Chairman of Brookland Solutions and Board Advisor to EuroForce GmbH, he provides strategic oversight, guidance on scaling technology organizations, and insight into global markets. His influence spans the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Canada, and Western Europe, supported further by his membership in the United Kingdom Institute of Directors. His international exposure and multilingual capability—particularly in German—enhance his effectiveness in cross-border collaboration and enterprise expansion.
Mr. Lee’s personal journey reflects not only professional accomplishment but also a deep commitment to continuous learning and leadership development. He is a Certified Technology Business Management Executive and a lifelong contributor to the TBM Council. His earlier career experiences, including his time as a Judicial Law Clerk, demonstrate the analytical rigor and structured thinking that later shaped his approach to technology, governance, and operational strategy. Even outside the corporate arena, he has demonstrated leadership through founding and developing a successful Aikido dojo, where he fostered a community centered on discipline, respect, and personal growth.
Across every chapter of his career, Mr. Lee has maintained a consistent mission: to build organizations that deliver measurable value, inspire excellence, and improve the way businesses operate. His ability to merge innovation with disciplined execution has made him a trusted partner to executives, investors, and board members alike. Guided by his motto—“Find a way or make one”—he continues to shape the future of enterprise SaaS, supply chain modernization, and strategic value management.
Character:
Jesse Lee exemplifies character through his unwavering commitment to building organizations grounded in accountability, transparency, and trust. He demonstrates resilience in leading companies through volatile market environments while maintaining a steadfast dedication to customers and employees. His leadership ethos reflects both humility and conviction, empowering teams to operate with integrity and purpose.
Knowledge:
His knowledge is distinguished by deep expertise in enterprise SaaS, supply chain modernization, and Technology Business Management. He draws from decades of multi-disciplinary experience spanning engineering, product strategy, customer success, and global operations. His contributions to industry literature and frequent speaking engagements illustrate a career devoted to advancing collective understanding and elevating operational standards.
Strategic:
Mr. Lee approaches every challenge through a strategic lens, consistently aligning innovation with organizational sustainability and long-term value creation. He has repeatedly built high-performance teams and scalable functions by focusing on measurable outcomes, customer impact, and disciplined execution. His strategic guidance has helped companies secure capital, achieve profitability, and expand across international markets.
Communication:
He is an articulate communicator who bridges technical, commercial, and executive perspectives with ease. His ability to convey complex concepts in accessible terms enables organizations to adopt new methodologies and embrace transformation. Through public speaking, publications, and advisory roles, he continues to shape industry dialogue with clarity, insight, and authority.
