Bob Solomon

Helping clients develop successful B2B SaaS networks and platforms.

I’m Bob Solomon, founder, President, and Chief Bottle Washer of Software Platform Consulting, Inc. (SPCI). I’m relatively new to software consulting, but not to software.  Prior to founding SPCI, I was President of ServiceChannel, a SaaS platform in the facilities management industry. During my tenure, I helped ServiceChannel nearly double in size, institute a new business model, and dramatically improve profitability.

Prior to ServiceChannel, I was Senior Vice President, Network and Financial Solutions for Ariba, Inc. (now part of SAP). I reported to Ariba’s CEO and was responsible for monetization of the Ariba Network, Ariba’s cloud platform for connecting Global 2000 customers to their supply bases. I was fortunate to have a great team at Ariba that helped make the Ariba Network Ariba’s fastest growing and most profitable SaaS business.

Before my decade with Ariba, I spent 14 years working in the food industry supply chain. As Senior Vice President, Corporate Services at Silliker Laboratories Group, Inc. (now a Merieux NutriSciences Corporation), I helped the company grow into the world’s leading food testing and consulting network through organic growth and acquisitions. I had responsibility for sales, marketing, IT, and HR. (I have many good stories about the quality and safety of various foods!)  I also served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Food Ingredients Division of The NutraSweet Company, a division of Monsanto. (And no, NutraSweet does not cause your headaches!)

I was lucky to begin my career in the Chicago office of The Boston Consulting Group, as an Associate Consultant. I am still indebted to BCG for all the company taught me.

I serve on the boards of Eved LLC., LeaseAccelerator, Bamboo Rose, OEConnection, Procure Analytics, and XSB Inc. I have previously served as Lead Director of Ariel Investments and on the boards of Hubwoo SA (NYSE Euronext: HBW), Silliker Laboratories Group, Inc., as well as The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (my beloved high school alma mater).

I received my AB in Economics from Princeton University, Summa Cum Laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. I received my MBA from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, where I was an Arjay Miller Scholar (top 10% of class). (Both of these institutions were a lot easier to get into back then!)

What I’m writing about Enterprise Software

KKR to Acquire MDF Commerce

KKR is acquiring MDF Commerce in a take private transaction. It looks like a good deal for everyone, including shareholders.

Applico’s Top 50 B2B Marketplaces

Applico published its annual list of The Top 50 B2B Marketplaces. The top 10 includes two ways to get high: roofing contractors and cannabis.

PitchBook IPO Watchlist: The fintech unicorns likely to go public

The Pitchbook IPO Watchlist lists ten fintechs likely to go public. I think the algorithm might need a little fine-tuning.

Pricing Power in SMB Software

If my little business’s experience with Intuit software is indicative, there’s a lot of pricing power in SMB software.

This is the real Bob Solomon

Current Board Roles

  • Eved, LLC (2012–Present)
  • LeaseAccelerator (2015-Present)
  • OEConnection (2019- Present)
  • Bamboo Rose (2018- Present)
  • Procure Analytics (2021-Present)

Education

  • Princeton University (AB, Economics) Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business (MBA, Finance) Arjay Miller Scholar

Let’s work together to make your platform the best it can be.

Like what you are seeing?

Signup today for free, and receive email notifications about Bob's new insights.

I will not sell or share your information with anyone.

You have Successfully Subscribed!