Software
CEO
Lexi Reese
Founded
2023
Co-Founders
Steve Herrod
Co-Investors
Lux Capital, f7 Ventures, BAG Ventures

Lanai, founded in 2023 by Lexi Reese and Juxtapose partner Steve Herrod, is the first software platform combining both security and enablement to be solely focused on Generative AI. Lanai started with the observation that the introduction of Generative AI into the workforce is similar to past technological frontiers, like the transition to the cloud and adoption of mobile devices before that, yet at an exponentially faster pace than we've seen before. Lexi refers to the broad adoption of Generative AI as the "fourth industrial revolution," and with such powerful change comes the need for specialized infrastructure ensuring that we proceed with both safety and openness in mind. Lanai takes a unique approach in helping organizations understand how their employees are using AI for their work tasks, turns that into insights about best tools and prompts for each job, and sits alongside the employee's browser to help them be as productive as possible when leveraging AI tools. Lanai is built with a privacy-first approach and focused on the empowerment of AI, not the discrete monitoring that often comes with security tools. Its mission is to accelerate Human & Gen AI collaboration in one platform that provides full visibility, security and actionable insights for companies ready to achieve the extraordinary with AI.

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founding CEO

Lexi Reese

Lexi partnered with Juxtapose to start Lanai based on her extensive experience helping businesses adapt to evolving technology paradigms. Before Lanai, Lexi helped lead the growth of programmatic advertising from its early days at Google, as well as self-serve payroll and benefits capabilities for small businesses at Gusto. In her most recent role at General Catalyst, Lexi studied the impacts that AI will have on labor and workplaces. She brings a unique perspective combining both protection as well as enablement of AI to organizations looking to leverage it safely and effectively.

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Lexi Reese

"We are in the midst of a 4th industrial revolution. The impact of generative AI is enormous and will radically change how we build products, workplaces and - ultimately - society. I wanted to partner with a brilliant and ethical technologist, Steve Herrod, to co-create a software platform that does the job big companies and the 30% of the workforce they employ need done: guide organizations in harnessing Generative AI's potential to drive positive outcomes across the board."

Company
Lanai
Year Founded
2023
Industry
Software
Helping organizations lean into Generative AI

We partnered with Lexi to build a software business that helps organizations optimize their use of Generative AI. Lanai provides visibility into employees’ interactions with AI, ensures safe and effective use, and guides employees towards the most productive uses over time. It’s the first platform of its kind to not only provide security but also enablement of AI in a privacy-first way. Lexi’s strong background building innovative products for businesses at American Express, Google and Gusto puts her in prime position to solve the types of challenges GenAI presents. She’s an expert on how organizations must adapt to stay competitive in the face of AI, climate, and the economy.

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Lexi before Lanai

I’ve spent nearly three decades empowering people and businesses to thrive. The first phase of my career at Amex and Google was focused on empowering small businesses to succeed financially by reaching their intended audiences. Under my leadership, Google’s programmatic advertising business experienced explosive growth and redefined people’s expectations around ad content and relevance. In the next phase, as COO at Gusto, I played an instrumental role in the company’s rapid growth from a small payroll company to a multi-billion dollar HR system disrupting major incumbents. Most recently, I continued onward with the theme of helping others thrive by consulting on future-forward business practices and running for U.S. Senate to create real impact for those who need it most. Founding and leading Lanai is a natural new frontier for me as it sits at the intersection of technology paradigm and the future of work. I’m thrilled to play this role of helping organizations get the most out of it while protecting against its risks.

Career Highlights

2023

Launched a Senate campaign in California to create a just, equitable world where everyone can thrive. While my campaign eventually ended, my commitment to this vision remains intact.

2022

Partnered with General Catalyst as an Executive in Residence to help develop a point of view on the Future of Work and labor markets in the context of AI, make investment recommendations and advise companies.

2015

Joined Gusto as COO where I empowered our business teams to drive cost-effective growth, extraordinary service and a high-performance culture.

2007

Joined Google to help the small business and, later, global programmatic advertising business through explosive growth over the next 8 years.