Chris Lee, Executive Director of Marga Group & CEO of CLEE Capital
In the volatile landscape of Property Business and Finance, where stories are woven with the threads of risks and rewards, the journey to entrepreneurial success is no less than navigating the most difficult terrains of one’s career. There are only a few illuminating business figures who stand out as a beacon of entrepreneurial brilliance. Mr. Chris Lee, the Executive Director of Marga Group and the CEO of CLEE Capital emerges as the brightest luminary among such trailblazers shaping industries and leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial realm.
A visionary leader at the helm of Marga Group and the driving force behind CLEE Capital, Chris Lee’s journey has been nothing short of an awe-inspiring tale of unflagged determination, bold resolute, and unwavering passion. It is his insatiable quest for innovative business ideas that took him through the captivating odyssey of business spanning real estate development, venture capital, and private equity. Walking through the diverse roads, Lee carved out his path to success with unrivaled excellence and dedication.
The Genesis of Ambition
Every entrepreneurial tale begins with a spark of ambition, a desire to carve a niche in the business world. Chris Lee’s journey commenced not in the boardrooms of finance, but with a daring move into the culinary world. Opening the innovative Korean restaurant, Jang, in the heart of Hong Kong, Lee demonstrated an early penchant for breaking barriers and creating something unprecedented.
The Southeast Asian Renaissance
The intersection of fate brought Lee together with visionary partners, Eliott and Antony. Driven by an unyielding desire to explore new horizons, Chris, alongside his business partners, delved into real estate development in Myanmar, eventually becoming pioneers in a landscape brimming with untapped potential. In 2013, Marga Group emerged as one of the first foreign real estate developers in Myanmar, undertaking a pioneering mixed-use project in Yangon.
As the Executive Director of Marga Group, where Lee spearheads investor relations in North Asian countries, his active involvement in Marga’s real estate operations in Myanmar reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment. Under his stewardship, Marga has not only navigated the complexities of the real estate industry but has also evolved as a transformative force, contributing to the economic and social fabric of the regions it operates in.
Clee Capital: Nurturing Ventures, Cultivating Trust
In 2015, Lee expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio by founding Clee Capital, a single-family office with private credit and venture capital focus. The core philosophy was clear – invest in people during their most vulnerable stages, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust. Clee Capital didn’t just invest in ventures; it became a strategic partner, offering support beyond financial realms, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Navigating Challenges with Tenacity
Good stories always have some bad turns that lead one to achieve a higher purpose and live with greater happiness and fulfilment in life. Lee too had to go through some bad turn of events that challenged his intrepidity and tested his mettle as a business leader. In 2015, when his 1st project was at the pinnacle of its development and the 1st phase of the construction work was going on in full swing, the Myanmar government reclaimed their land for some political reasons. Despite the setback, Chris and his team managed to secure a replacement, underscoring their ability to weather storms and swiftly adapt to the changing circumstances with patience and resilience. Learning from this experience, Lee instilled a stringent investment mandate at Clee Capital, ensuring a more robust approach to future challenges that projected him as the most dynamic entrepreneur of his time.
The Evolution of Leadership
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Lee shares a pivotal lesson learned during challenging times. The loss of land in Myanmar and financial setbacks in Clee Capital taught him the importance of meticulous decision-making and the need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. His leadership style has evolved from hands-on solo endeavours to strategic delegation of power, fostering a culture of empowering teams through training and specialization. Such a transformative approach reflects a pragmatic and mature leadership style directed towards creating a strong workforce that thrives on the spirit of collaboration, responsibility, and systematic efficiency.
Building Trust, Fostering Partnerships
Clee Capital’s commitment to investing in people has been a cornerstone of its success. Lee emphasizes the significance of trust in building enduring relationships with founders and general partners (GPs). The venture capital firm positions itself as a strategic partner, offering support beyond capital by facilitating connections and providing guidance during critical phases.
Balancing Risk and Caution
For Chris, the notion of “calculated risks” is elusive, especially in uncharted territories. His philosophy centers on preparedness for the worst while staying true to the company’s founding goals and principles. Amid challenges, faith from family, friends, and investors becomes a guiding force, reinforcing the importance of a robust support system. He shares, “There were many demoralizing moments over the years, but we have to remember that there were many other entrepreneurs who faced bigger obstacles and survived to become successful business owners. In addition, if you have family, friends, and investors who have faith in you, you should have more faith in yourself”.
Beacon for Emerging Professionals
Lee’s advice to emerging professionals aspiring to join the realms of real estate development, venture capital, or executive leadership is rooted in the importance of partnerships, understanding investors, and cultivating a strong team. He underscores the role of partners during tough times and the value of investors who believe in you and offer support rather than demeaning your plans and policies. Emphasizing the value of a robust and encouraging team, the leader says, “They are ‘brothers-in-arms’ who can save you from multiple battlefields, and when the dust settles, they are the only ones who can understand what the company went through.”
A Legacy in the Making
Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame, Mr. Lee’s academic foundation has been a springboard for his achievements. His ability to seamlessly blend theoretical knowledge with practical insights has set him apart as a thought leader in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Looking ahead, Lee envisions Marga Group becoming a prominent real estate development force in Southeast Asia, contributing to an elevated standard of living for locals. For Clee Capital, the goal is to be a trusted single-family office for venture capital strategic partners, passing down relationships and reputations for generations to come.
In conclusion, Mr. Chris Lee’s journey is not just a chronicle of professional accomplishments; it is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact. In the grand tapestry of entrepreneurship, Lee embarks on a journey that traces back from his culinary innovation in Hong Kong to shaping the real estate landscape in Myanmar and from weathering government interventions to nurturing start-ups.
As he continues to shape the future of real estate, venture capital, and private equity, Mr. Lee stands as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that true success lies in the ability to transcend boundaries and redefine what is possible in the world of business- a testament to the indomitable spirit of an entrepreneur par excellence.