Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Lee Watson is a visionary leader, serial entrepreneur, and technologist dedicated to advancing cyber capabilities and fostering economic and national security. As Chairman and CEO of the Forge Institute, Lee spearheads initiatives that reduce cyber risks, promote innovation, and support intelligence-led defensive operations. With a focus on workforce development, applied research, and collaborative cyber operations, Forge Institute has become a driving force in shaping a secure and more resilient future.
Since founding Forge Institute in 2018, Lee has led the organization in its mission to stay "Forever One Step Ahead" of adversaries seeking to disrupt our way of life. Under his leadership, Forge Institute empowers its partners by leveraging emerging technologies, strengthening the workforce, and enhancing resiliency through purposeful private-public collaborations.
In 2019, Lee championed the Arkansas Cyber Initiative, resulting in the passage of ACT 1085, a pivotal law that bolsters collaborative cybersecurity capabilities across the state. This effort has solidified Arkansas as a leader in cybersecurity partnerships and innovation.
Before establishing Forge Institute, Lee co-founded The Venture Center, a globally recognized organization that played a key role in the startup ecosystem of Central Arkansas. Under his leadership, The Venture Center helped startups raise millions of dollars and create hundreds of jobs, notably through the highly acclaimed VC FinTech Accelerator, a partnership with FIS (Fortune 500), which gained international recognition as a top FinTech innovation program. Lee is a founder and co-manager of multiple angel investment funds supporting high-growth startups.
Lee's entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding Southern Coding, a tech-investment group, and building Clarovista, a consulting company specializing in mobile applications, digital marketing, and data analytics. He remains committed to advancing STEM education, innovation, and high-paying job creation in Arkansas through his involvement in key advisory councils, including the Arkansas Cybersecurity Advisory Council and Governor Hutchinson’s Coding & Cybersecurity Task Force.
A recognized advocate for emerging technologies such as AI, cyber, quantum computing, and systems engineering, Lee continues to push the boundaries of building innovation capabilities and communities. His dedication to fostering an innovation-driven economy is reflected in his support of legislative initiatives and public-private partnerships that promote growth and resilience.
Key Accomplishments:
Serial entrepreneur, board member, innovator, investor, and technologist
Developed a globally recognized FinTech innovation program in collaboration with FIS
Member of Governor Hutchinson’s Coding & Cybersecurity Task Force and Arkansas Cybersecurity Advisory Council (ACAC)
Founding Champion of Startup Arkansas & Startup Champions Network
Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow
