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CEO at PowerBuy | Entrepreneur | Investor | Social Commerce | SaaS | Enterprise
A seasoned serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of leadership experience in technology, e-commerce, and global systems integration, Bruce Watanabe has co-founded and successfully exited several high-growth ventures. His work spans early-stage startups to large multinational corporations, giving him a unique perspective on scaling businesses in both the B2B and B2C sectors. Currently, as the Co-Founder & CEO of PowerBuy, Bruce is pioneering a new era of social commerce with a platform that integrates Group Buy, Multi-SKU checkout, Social Gamification, and AI-powered shopping. PowerBuy's innovative approach transforms the traditional e-commerce model, helping brands and retailers reach their target audiences in new and interactive ways. Under his leadership, PowerBuy has gained significant traction in the social commerce space, providing brands with a platform for increased consumer engagement and sales. Bruce also co-founded SETA International, a global systems integrator and technology solutions provider with a presence in over 20 countries. For 17 years, SETA has been delivering comprehensive AI, cloud, mobile, and web-based solutions to top enterprises worldwide, from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With over 500 employees globally, SETA continues to play a pivotal role in helping clients navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Before launching his own ventures, Bruce held various leadership positions at IBM, including Channel Executive for IBM Analytics and IBM Commerce. Over his 11-year tenure at IBM, he built strong relationships with key partners, contributed to product development, and helped businesses drive growth through innovative technology solutions. Bruce’s international experience includes a significant role as Business Unit Executive in Beijing, where he managed operations and services for the company’s growing prese
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
Executive MBA, Business Administration
January 1, 2007 – January 1, 2008
UC Irvine
B.A., Economics
January 1, 1996 – January 1, 2000
PowerBuy
Co-Founder & CEO
August 1, 2019 – Present
MassGenie
Co-Founder & CEO
January 1, 2018 – August 1, 2019
Irvine, California, United States
IBM Corporation
Channel Executive (IBM Analytics / IBM Commerce)
September 1, 2010 – January 1, 2018
Pepperdine University
Orange County Leadership Council Member
December 1, 2008 – December 1, 2009
IBM Corporation
Business Unit Executive
September 1, 2008 – September 1, 2010
SETA International
Co-Founder
January 1, 2008 – Present
IBM Corporation
Senior Manager, Worldwide Operations & Services
November 1, 2006 – September 1, 2008
FileNet Corporation
Program Manager, Worldwide Operations & Services
November 1, 2005 – November 1, 2006
Newport Beach Eibu-Kan Goju-Ryu Karate
President & Chief Instructor
September 1, 2003 – September 1, 2008
FileNet Corporation
Senior Project Manager, Software Engineering
August 1, 2003 – November 1, 2005
FileNet Corporation
Project Lead Engineer, Software Engineering
August 1, 2001 – August 1, 2003
FileNet Corporation
Software Engineer, Software Engineering
June 1, 2000 – August 1, 2001
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's extensive experience as a co-founder and CEO across multiple ventures (PowerBuy, MassGenie, SETA International) indicates a strong entrepreneurial spirit and comfort with high-risk, high-reward environments. Their background spans both large corporate structures (IBM, FileNet) and agile startup settings, suggesting adaptability. The target role of 'Co-Founder' aligns perfectly with their career trajectory and demonstrated capabilities in building and leading organizations. The diversity of roles, from software engineering to executive leadership, shows a broad understanding of business functions, which is beneficial for a co-founder position.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate demonstrates strong leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and strategic thinking through their co-founder and CEO roles. Their experience at IBM and FileNet suggests a solid understanding of corporate operations, program management, and worldwide services. The role as President & Chief Instructor of a karate school further highlights discipline, leadership, and teaching abilities. These traits indicate a strong operational fit for a leadership role, particularly in a startup or growth-stage company.