Sign In

Brent Frei

Founder and CEO at TerraClear

Professional Background

Brent Frei is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned executive, predominantly known for his leadership role as the Founder and Chairman of Smartsheet, a premier collaborative work management platform designed to help teams coordinate anything with anyone, enhancing their productivity and efficiency. With a rich background in technology and engineering, Frei has played pivotal roles in various organizations that have influenced the landscape of software and investment. His journey spans decades, marked by innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to driving change in the industry.

Before establishing Smartsheet in 2005, Brent laid the foundation of his impressive career as the CEO and Founder of Onyx Software, where he honed valuable skills in software development and enterprise solutions. His professional journey began when he worked as a Programmer Analyst at Microsoft, providing him with robust software expertise that he carried into his future ventures. Frei also utilized his engineering knowledge during his tenure at Motorola as a Design Engineer, where he contributed to the cutting-edge technology that fueled communication advancements.

In the evolving technology landscape, Brent has also made significant strides in investment spaces, notably through his founding role at HarvestWest Investments LLC. This venture reflects his keen sense for identifying and nurturing emerging technologies and companies.

Frei’s leadership excellence is illustrated through his time at Intellectual Ventures, where he served as an Executive Vice President, focusing on the innovation and investment in groundbreaking technology solutions. His forward-thinking approach has garnered him recognition as a thought leader in both the corporate and entrepreneurial realms.

Education and Achievements

Brent Frei holds a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering from Dartmouth College, a prestigious institution known for fostering innovation and critical thinking in its students. His engineering background provides a foundational understanding of technical concepts that have informed his business strategies throughout his career. By combining technical knowledge with entrepreneurial agility, Brent has built notable organizations that emphasize collaboration and coordination in the workplace.

At Smartsheet, his vision has led to the development of a platform that transforms how teams work together. The platform is recognized for its ease of use, scalability, and versatility in various sectors, from marketing to project management. Under his leadership, Smartsheet has grown steadily, becoming a trusted tool for organizations aiming to streamline team collaboration and project tracking.

In addition to his key leadership positions, Brent Frei’s influence extends into the broader tech community where he has played important roles in various startups, providing guidance and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs. His insights and experience have proven invaluable to many, reinforcing his reputation as a dedicated advocate for technology-driven innovation.

Achievements

Brent's extraordinary career has been marked by numerous achievements that showcase his ability to lead and innovate. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:

  • Founder of Smartsheet: Transforming collaborative work processes for teams around the globe, making project management easier and more accessible.
  • Leading Onyx Software as CEO, where he played a critical role in shaping enterprise software solutions that catered to the needs of businesses.
  • Strategic Contributions at Intellectual Ventures, focusing on patent investments and fostering innovation-centric startups.
  • Successful Ventures in various startups, including TerraClear Inc, where he took on executive and chair roles guiding the company with his experience in technology and software.
  • Educational Foundation at Dartmouth College: This prestigious background has underscored his approach as a problem-solver and innovator in engineering and technology.

tags':['Entrepreneurship','Software Development','Project Management','Engineering','Leadership','Innovation','Venture Capital','Dartmouth College','Startups','Collaboration Tools'],

questions

Brent Frei
Add to my network

Location

Bellevue, Washington, United States