Jens graduated with an MBA from University of Cologne in Germany. He started his career as a management consultant for KPMG Peat Marwick in Frankfurt joining the financial institutions consulting practice where he worked on critical strategy and business process reengineering engagements with clients across Europe. In 1995, Jens moved to Deloitte Consulting’s telecommunications strategy practice in Hong Kong where he managed client engagements in China and across Asia. In 1999, Jens joined Asia Financial Network, a Hong Kong e-commerce startup that launched the first electronic bill presentment and payment service for end consumers.
Jens Weitzel
EARLY CAREER
MAJOR MILESTONES
In 2001, Jens joined SAP in Palo Alto and relocated to California. Starting with managing a sales team for SAP’s electronic marketplace spinoff SAP Markets, Jens held several key executive roles at SAP and built SAP’s partner organization for which he ultimately managed global business development. In the Office of the CEO’s Sustainability Incubator, Jens led Connected Car initiatives including electric vehicle charging infrastructure, parking, and new retail business models.
Subsequently, Jens was recruited to run Global Business Development for Swiftpage, a leading CRM and email marketing player. He was part of the core team that successfully closed Infor’s acquisition of Swiftpage’s Saleslogix business. After managing the integration of the Saleslogix business at Infor, Jens joined ParkWhiz, the leading parking reservations player in the US, as Senior Vice President of Business Development to drive corporate partnerships.
In 2016, Jens left ParkWhiz and founded Innovation Strategy Advisors, a consulting firm providing advisory services to technology startups and advising enterprises on innovation initiatives. He joined BootUP Ventures in Menlo Park as Managing Director for Corporate Innovation. Based on a common vision of building an internationally-focused consulting firm, Innovation Strategy Advisors joined Yabusame Partners in July 2016.
KEY EXPERIENCE & INTERESTS
Jens Weitzel is a seasoned technology executive, advisor, and mentor with over 20 years of software and technology experience, gained from B2B and B2C businesses in enterprises and startups. He focuses on strategy, business development, go-to-market initiatives, international expansion, strategic partnerships and corporate development. Jens has extensive international experience spanning three continents (Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America) and enjoys advising companies on entering new markets. Jens’ broad global network allows him to connect clients to prospects, potential partners, and the venture capital community.
Jens is interested in a variety of market segments including enterprise software/SaaS, data analytics, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, VR/AR, automotive, fintech, and cleantech. Outside of work, he likes to spend time with his family, is an avid triathlete and cyclist, and enjoys backcountry hiking.
