Jenny Lee (Granite Asia)
Overview
Jenny Lee is a prominent Singaporean venture capitalist and currently the Senior Managing Partner at Granite Asia. She is best known for her role in shaping venture capital investments across Asia and has the distinction of being the first female venture capitalist to break into the top 10 of the Forbes Midas List. Born in 1972 in Singapore, Lee has established a noteworthy career investing in technology startups across Asia, including prominent names like Alibaba, Didi, and Xiaomi. Her strategic initiatives have greatly contributed to the regional growth in tech investing, positioning her as a significant figure in the venture capital landscape.
Recent Developments
- 2025: Jenny Lee remains an influential figure, continuing her leadership role at Granite Asia. She was recently appointed as the first Distinguished Professorial Fellow at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, emphasizing her commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Asia.
- 2024: Jenny Lee led Granite Asia, a spin-off from GGV Capital, focusing specifically on Asian markets. The firm launched its private credit fund, securing $250 million, marking a strategic pivot in its investment focus.
- 2023: Responding to geopolitical tensions, GGV Capital split into two entities, with Jenny Lee steering Granite Asia, now a standalone firm dedicated to Asia-centric investments.
- 2022: She continued to gain recognition as one of Forbes' World’s Most Powerful Women due to her advancements in the venture capital sector.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jenny Lee |
| Born | 1972, Singapore |
| Nationality | Singaporean |
| Occupation | Venture Capitalist |
| Known For | Senior Managing Partner at Granite Asia |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Education | Cornell University, Kellogg School of Management |
Early Life and Education
Jenny Lee was born to a Chinese schoolteacher father and a housewife mother in Singapore. With a strong academic background, she attended CHIJ Saint Nicholas Girls' School and Hwa Chong Junior College. Driven by curiosity, Lee pursued engineering, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Master of Science at Cornell University. Her curiosity for global opportunities led her to Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, demonstrating early on her tenacity to succeed in foreign and challenging environments. In 2001, she further honed her business acumen by obtaining an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Career and Notable Achievements
Jenny Lee's venture capital career began with JAFCO Asia, but her major breakthrough came in 2005 when she joined GGV Capital as a managing partner. She was instrumental in opening China's first office and drove significant investments in some of the world's most successful tech companies.
- 2005: Became Managing Partner at GGV Capital, opening the firm's first China office.
- 2015: First female venture capitalist in the top 10 of the Forbes Midas List.
- Investment in startups like Alibaba, Didi Chuxing, Xiaomi, and Grab, transforming them into leading global technology firms.
- Establishment of Granite Asia in 2023 following GGV Capital's geographic split.
Current Work and Impact
Jenny Lee's current role as Senior Managing Partner at Granite Asia involves steering the firm’s Asia-centric investment strategies from its Singapore headquarters. Under her leadership, Granite Asia manages over $5 billion in assets, with investments aimed at fostering innovation and sustainable growth. She is actively involved in guiding founders through the complexities of launching and scaling businesses in varying economic climates.
Conclusion
Jenny Lee stands out as a pivotal figure in the venture capital world, particularly within Asia. Her strategic insights and investment acumen have nurtured several successful ventures, contributing significantly to the tech ecosystem across the continent. Lee's legacy is built on her commitment to empowering visionary entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, a mission that continues to impact the industry and beyond.