Lee Watson

CEO & Founder

Forge Institute

Lee Watson is a serial entrepreneur and innovator with over 14 years of experience in creating and leading organizations that support innovation, collaboration, and workforce development in the fields of cybersecurity, FinTech, AI, and quantum computing. He is the CEO and founder of Forge Institute, a "do" tank that enables private-public partnerships to address cyber risks and opportunities through innovation, education, and intelligence programs.

Mr. Watson is also a co-founder and assistant administrator of VC FinTech Investment Funds, a portfolio of 26 FinTech companies across North America. He was the founding CEO and board member of The Venture Center, an entrepreneur-led organization that was recognized as a global best practice model for entrepreneur centers by InBIA and Startup Federation. Lee has been appointed by the Arkansas governor to serve on the state's cyber advisory council and computer science and cybersecurity task force. He is passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Arkansas and beyond.