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, OEConnection, Procure Analytics, and Lytica. I have previously served as Lead Director of Ariel Investments and on the boards of Hubwoo SA (NYSE Euronext: HBW), Silliker Laboratories Group, Inc., Enverus, Bamboo Rose, XSB Inc., LeaseAccelerator, 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

Waystar IPO

Waystar, a healthcare software and payments company, filed to go public last October and will probably hit the market this week.

A Flurry of Action in Vertical B2B Software

There’s renewed action in vertical B2B SaaS. Avetta, Buyer’s Edge Platform, Model N, Ibotta, and UL Solutions all have announced transactions.

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.

This is the real Bob Solomon

Current Board Roles

  • Eved  (2012–Present)
  • OEConnection (2019- Present)
  • Procure Analytics (2021-Present)
  • Lytica (2023- 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.

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