What does it mean to be a New Yorker? It’s not just about residence; it’s about commitment to the city. It’s about making this dynamic city your own. For many, calling New York home involves more than just dwelling in its neighborhoods; it’s about putting down roots, raising a family, and launching businesses here. It’s a commitment to a life intertwined with the city’s heartbeat, where you invest in its future, create opportunities for others, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry that defines what it truly means to be a New Yorker.
Jason Lee embodies New York City’s entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and commitment to philanthropy. Native of Northern New Jersey and the son of Korean immigrants, he has woven his life into the fabric of this great city, leaving an indelible mark as both a successful businessman and a dedicated philanthropist.
After completing his education at the University of Pennsylvania, Jason embarked on his professional journey in the finance industry, beginning on Wall Street. This step would lay the foundation for an extraordinary life dedicated to the betterment of New York City and its people. Now, as a husband and father of three, he cherishes the bustling serene neighborhood of Tribeca, where he and his family have put down roots.
Jason’s journey as an entrepreneur in New York City has been nothing short of inspiring. He began by selling peanut M&M boxes for a profit in his youth and later worked on Wall Street, creating financial products and innovative new markets.
His journey led him to found DailyPay, a revolutionary HR/payments company that redefined the way employees are paid by revolutionizing “on-demand pay.” to provide everyday workers more flexible access to their payroll. Since its launch in 2015, DailyPay has grown to a $2 billion enterprise with a global impact.
In 2022 he founded Salt Labs, a company dedicated to addressing the growing issue of wealth inequality in America.
Jason’s choice of New York City as the headquarters for his companies is grounded in his unwavering commitment to the city. Jason has witnessed the city’s resilience through crises like 9/11, the financial crisis, and the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite unimaginable setbacks, New York’s fighting spirit, first in innovation, unmatched diversity and global center of finance makes it the ideal place to build and innovate.
Salt Labs had recently relocated to the historic Harriman Building situated at 39 Broadway.
He envisions a future for New York City that goes beyond the traditional Wall Street-driven economy. He believes that the city has the potential to thrive in multiple sectors, thereby reducing its dependence on the fluctuations of the broader U.S. economy. As an entrepreneur himself, he recognizes the immense talent pool and opportunities for innovation that New York City offers, making it a fertile ground for creative minds to flourish.
Beyond his business endeavors, Jason Lee is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. In 2020, alongside his wife, he founded the Alicia and Jason Lee Foundation, headquartered in New York City. This foundation is a testament to his passion for giving back to the community. It focuses on three crucial pillars: criminal justice reform, financial literacy, and community initiatives.
One notable project undertaken by the foundation is the sponsorship of free self-defense classes for elderly Asian-Americans in response to the surge in violence against Asians in 2021. This initiative began in New York City but quickly expanded nationally, thanks to the support of major brands across the country. It showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of New Yorkers and their ability to come together for a common cause.
Jason Lee’s journey as a businessman and philanthropist in New York City is a testament to the city’s spirit of resilience, diversity, and innovation. With his vision for a more diverse and thriving New York City, Jason Lee is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of countless New Yorkers and beyond.
