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Lexi Reese
Founder of Lanai Software
San Francisco Bay Area
Overview
Lexi Reese is the CEO and Co-Founder of Lanai Software, an AI empowerment platform, with a background that includes executive roles at Google and Facebook. Her career highlights include serving as Vice President at Google, leading global programmatic platforms, and being the Chief Operating Officer at Gusto.
Lexi has a strong track record in venture capital and board development, with experience in building strategic partnerships and driving digital media and advertising initiatives.
Work Experience
Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
2024 - Current
Building Lanai: The Enterprise AI Operating System. In the AI era, innovation happens at the edge—teams finding faster, smarter ways to work using AI less as a tool, and more as a teammate. We help enterprises discover these breakthroughs, protect sensitive data, and scale success safely. Guided by deep enterprise experience and a belief that diverse perspectives drive better solutions. Join our exceptional team in Palo Alto: withlanai.com/careers.
United States Senate Candidate for the State of California & Founder, Courageous Leaders
2023 - 2024
Founded start-up U.S. Senate campaign taking on career politicians with 50 years combined experience. Created systematic solutions for broken systems: connecting education to financial security, bringing tech-forward leadership and accountability to government, and delivering common-sense family support. Built statewide operation earning 2% of voter share in polls and a multi-million dollar fundraising operation nationwide. Open-sourced solutions (lexireese.com/policy) and founded Courageous Leaders PAC to help experienced operators enter Congress.
Executive In Residence / Future of Work
2022 - 2023
Led Future of Work initiatives focusing on major shifts to labor markets - including AI. Advised portfolio companies, developed investment theses, and published research on inclusive economic growth.
General Catalyst partners with ambitious founders to drive resilience and applied AI from seed to growth.
Chief Operating Officer
2015 - 2021
Scaled operations from startup to industry leader in payroll, benefits, and financial services for SMBs. Led sales, marketing, customer experience, and operations. Built high-performance culture while driving cost-effective growth.
Gusto is an HR and payroll platform that simplifies complex tasks, empowering businesses to focus on what matters most.
Raised $746,100,000.00 from Partner Ventures.
Vice President, Global Programmatic Platforms
2013 - 2015
Led global strategy and revenue for Google's programmatic advertising platforms, scaling the business from early-stage adoption to multi-billion dollar revenue. Orchestrated collaboration between technical and business teams across product, engineering, and sales to drive adoption of real-time bidding, audience targeting, and machine learning solutions.
Managing Director, Global Publishers and Platforms
2011 - 2013
Led strategy and partnerships for Google's publisher solutions. Drove adoption of DoubleClick and AdSense platforms among global media companies. Built and managed cross-functional teams across product, engineering, and sales.
Google is a multinational corporation that specializes in Internet-related services and organizes the world’s information.
Raised $26,100,000.00 from Angel Investors LP, Kleiner Perkins, Signatures Capital, Sequoia Capital, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shaquille O'Neal, Henry Kissinger, Google and Tiger Woods.
Director Local Advertising
2011 - 2011
Semester abroad at Facebook. Led short-lived and failed effort in online coupons (Facebook Deals).
Stay N' Alive Productions, LLC is a social media marketing firm that provides clients with measurable profits.
Director, Google Display Network and Doubleclick Ad Exchange
2008 - 2011
Drove Americas strategy for Google Display Network and DoubleClick Ad Exchange. Led Fortune 1000 advertiser partnerships and publisher solutions. Key player in Google-DoubleClick integration, scaling display advertising business.
Head of Online Sales and Operations, Boston
2007 - 2008
Founded East Coast AdWords operations. Built 100-person team serving small business market. Launched new office while maintaining startup culture and rapid growth.
Google is a multinational corporation that specializes in Internet-related services and organizes the world’s information.
Raised $26,100,000.00 from Angel Investors LP, Kleiner Perkins, Signatures Capital, Sequoia Capital, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shaquille O'Neal, Henry Kissinger, Google and Tiger Woods.
Senior Director Marketing, Sales, Operations
2004 - 2007
Led marketing and operations for OPEN small business division. Launched advocacy programs for women and minority-owned businesses. Created "Make Mine a Million" program with Count Me In.
Investments and Business Development Associate
2002 - 2004
Led venture investments and M&A initiatives. Key member of deal team for Rosenbluth Travel acquisition and integration.
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. provides financial and travel related services for consumers and companies.
Public Service
1996 - 2000
- Produced UNICEF documentary on economic justice in Nicaragua - Advocated for microfinance policy on Capitol Hill - Paralegal, Sex Crimes Unit, Manhattan DA's Office
Education
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