Technology

TECHNOLOGY

KORNELIUS BANKSTON

Managing Partner

TechPlug

This advocate for “developing equitable health solutions for vulnerable populations” has experience in economic development, tech transfer and business development. In 2022, TechPlug opened the Lab, a brick-andmortar location for a cohort of health tech businesses, at 2600 Ursulines Avenue. It’s a place for health tech companies to “ideate, collaborate and offer services.”

Education: Georgia Institute of Technology (MBA), Emory University (MS), Morehouse College (BS) Mission: “We believe all populations should have access to tech that decreases barriers of entry. We believe technologies should increase quality of life and health without leaving populations behind.” Connections: TechPlug corporate partners include Georgia Power, Walmart and New York Liberty

TECHNOLOGY

TERRY BROUSSARD

CEO

Spot2Nite

This avid camper and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel registered nurse is the co-founder of a marketplace that allows travelers to “discover and book RV spots in real time.” The Lafayette native’s civilian and military career has spanned Europe and the Middle East. He has earned multiple military awards and decorations. He’s a registered nurse in Louisiana and Florida.

Education: Troy University (MS), University of Louisiana at Lafayette (BSN) Go-to Restaurant: “Easy: Superior Grill!” On the Horizon: “We are building the largest neutral marketplace for campgrounds across North America. Our real-time integrations provide campers the ability to ‘Look, book and geaux!’” Hobby: “Camping and amateur radio”

TECHNOLOGY

DAN CLIFTON

Founder and Creative Director

Top Right Corner

Head of production for genre film studio Welcome Villain Films, Clifton has produced more than 30 indies, including “Brightburn,” “The Last Manhunt” and “Dreamin’ Wild.” His other venture, Top Right Corner, is an immersive technology company that produces virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences for private industry, government entities, Hollywood studios and schools.

Education: New York University (BFA) Hidden Gem: Manolito in the French Quarter What Do You Love About Your Job? “My team gets to solve complex yet tangible problems each day. I believe that we will live in a game enginepowered future where our lives will be impacted by extended reality tech. Nonprofit Cause: Breast Surgery Recovery Fund

TECHNOLOGY

PATRICK COMER

Founder

Lucid and Gripnr

Comer founded Lucid to “democratize data collection by applying programmatic technology to market research.” The company became New Orleans’ first unicorn in 2021 when it sold for more than $1 billion to Swedish company Cint. Now chair of Cint’s board, Comer founded a new enterprise, Gripnr, to “bring tabletop roleplaying games to the blockchain.”

Education: Columbia University (MBA), The University of the South (BA) Best Fest: Fresh Mint Fest Hidden Gem: The Nieux Society Hobby/Passion: Beekeeping Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint On the Horizon: “Minting our first NFT collection for The Glimmering”

TECHNOLOGY

BARRETT CONRAD

Managing Owner/Software Engineer

CotingaSoft

Conrad’s first professional job was writing software at Children’s Hospital. Within six years, he’d founded his own software engineering company, where he continues to provide software tools to local businesses and guides multiple startups. He is an active organizer in the technology community and lends his expertise to GNO, Inc.’s Crime Tech Task Force.

Education: Tulane University (BS) Nonprofit Cause: New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute Hobby/Passion: “Sharing all of my extra baked goods with my friends” Advice: “Ray, when someone asks you if you’re a god, you say YES!” — Winston Zeddemore in “Ghostbusters”

TECHNOLOGY

REBECCA CONWELL

President and CEO

The UNO Research and Technology Foundation and The Beach at UNO

Conwell’s career has been defined by her civic and professional leadership. She leads the management of UNO’s research park, creating an entrepreneurial environment where people come together to look for complex social, scientific and business breakthroughs. She has served as executive director of the NORD Foundation and as a senior advisor to former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Education: Lamar University (BBA) Best Part of Job: “The opportunity to build this beautiful environment” Hidden Gem: The Kingpin Advice: “Every job is important.” On the Horizon: The Louisiana Wind Energy HUB at UNO Heroes: “Leaders who inspire”

TECHNOLOGY

BRENT CRAIGE

Co-Founder Jammaround

With partners Marlon Butler and Donovan Williams, Craige launched an app for music creators designed to make “meeting collaborators and composing music fast and secure.” The trio went though the Idea Village’s VILLAGEx accelerator program and won the New Orleans Entrepreneur Week’s 2022 pitch competition. Craige also founded a media company called Newtral Groundz.

Education: Tuskegee University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Neyow’s Creole Cafe Best Fest: Lil Weezyana Fest On the Horizon: “We are semifinalists in the Black Ambition Prize founded by Pharrell Williams, and we’re currently raising our pre-seed funding round.” Passions: Video production, music, Web3, NFTs, virtual reality and augmented reality.

TECHNOLOGY

LOWRY CURLEY

CEO

AxoSim

In 2014, Curley founded AxoSim, a platform that speeds up clinical trials and data collection to help biopharmaceutical companies develop groundbreaking neurological drugs more efficiently. He drives the vision and implementation for product development and commercialization of the company’s drug discovery platforms, with the goal of making a significant impact on medicine and patient care.

Education: Tulane University (PhD), Clemson University (BS) Hidden Gem: Neyow’s Creole Cafe Advice: “Learn what your personal strengths and weaknesses are, challenge yourself continually and surround yourself with a complimentary team.” Hero: “My grandfather, Cappy, was a huge influence in my life.”

TECHNOLOGY

TRIVIA FRAZIER

President and CEO

Obatala

An experienced adult stem cell researcher and biotech business professional, Frazier has worked with key opinion leaders and clinicians within such areas as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and breast and bone oncology. She helped to pilot Dillard University’s first bachelor’s concentration in medical physics and received a Woman of Distinction Award from St. Mary’s Academy.

Education: Tulane University School of Medicine (PhD), Tulane University (MBA, BSE, BS) Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Hidden Gem: “Joe’s Bakery in Metairie has amazing donuts!” Go-to Restaurant: “Neyow’s... I love their carrot souffle!” Nonprofit Cause: Salvation Army

TECHNOLOGY

BRIAN LOZES

Founder and CEO

Kinemagic

Kinemagic provides immersive VR/AR technology to help companies like Shell, Chevron and Exxon resolve complex problems in the real world. Lozes created a “proprietary immersive platform empowering stakeholders to eliminate design flaws before construction and untangle the complexity around operating a dangerous facility while reducing the need for field trips.”

Education: University of Alabama (MS, BS) Go-to Restaurant: “Ba Chi Canteen. Vietnamese fusion, dive joint and kimchi fries!” On the Horizon: “We have some major technological breakthroughs dropping soon that will enable our value proposition to spread like wildfire.” Best Fest: Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

TECHNOLOGY

MIKE MASSEY

Founder and CEO

Locally

Locally was founded in 2014 when Massey and partners envisioned a platform like Uber or Open Table for independent retailers that connected shoppers to nearby purchasing options. The growing business helps online shoppers find what they need on a brand’s website, on locally powered retailer sites, in search engine results, and through digital ads.

Education: Loyola University (BS) On the Horizon: “Major technology partnerships focused on ‘near me’ searches and advertising, and on-demand delivery” Hero: Yvon Chouinard Go-to Restaurant: Brigtsen’s Fave Parade: Krewe of Boo Hidden Gem: Budsi’s

TECHNOLOGY

AMITH NAGARAJAN

Chairman

Blue Cypress

Since founding his first company, Aptify, in 1993, Nagarajan has developed and supported numerous technology startups. Each company under the Blue Cypress umbrella focuses on helping associations, nonprofits and other purposedriven organizations achieve long-term sustainability. Nagarajan is an active earlystage investor in B2B SaaS companies.

Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (EMP), California Polytechnic State University (BA) Highlight of Leadership: “Helping people grow in ways they never imagined” Nonprofit Cause: Children International Advice: “Quickly realize what you don’t know, and never stop learning new things.” Snoball Style: Wild cherry BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

TECHNOLOGY

DANIEL PADILLA

General Manager

DXC Technology

A technology leader with more than 20 years of experience transforming operations and solutions for large IT companies, Padilla manages the New Orleans branch of DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 global IT services provider. The company employs more than 130,000 people in more than 70 countries, delivering “critical IT services to drive business impact.”

Education: Universidad EAN (BBA), Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar (BS) Advice: “Don’t let others tell you something can’t be done.” Hidden Talent: Woodworking Go-to Restaurant: Willa Jean Fave Marching Krewe: 610 Stompers Who’d Play You in a Movie: Vin Diesel

TECHNOLOGY

JIM PERRIER

Founder

Universal Data

Since 1983, Perrier has provided IT consulting services. Early successes include implementing the first WLAN network at a prominent national bank and introducing new service technologies that allowed business to “do more with less.” Today, Universal Data has more than 30 employees separated into two business divisions: IT projects and managed services.

Education: University of New Orleans (BS) Best Fest: Jazz Fest! Go-to Restaurants: Any of Dickie Brennan’s Hidden Gems: Happy Italian and Uncle Matt’s Bar Advice: “Life is a journey with many challenges. If you can do something to overcome an obstacle, do it! If not, move on.” Work Highlight: “I just LOVE PEOPLE!”

TECHNOLOGY

DARRIN PIOTROWSKI

CEO

Courant

A veteran of the IT business (starting around the time Windows 95 launched), Piotrowski founded Rent-A-Nerd in 1997 to help people with their computer problems. Newly rebranded as Courant, the company focuses on providing businesses with ongoing IT support, including addressing issues associated with continuity, cybersecurity, and communications.

Education: University of New Orleans (BS, BA) Best Fest: “The king of all festivals, Jazz Fest.” Advice: “Do it right the first time. Don’t be scared to ask for help.” Hobby/Passion: “I am a nerd. I play Dungeons and Dragons.” On the Horizon: “We are aggressively trying to grow our business to the next level.”

TECHNOLOGY

RAVI PRAKASH

VP of Core Products

Levelset

A relatively recent addition to the New Orleans-based tech startup, Prakash leads a team of product managers building out the company’s flagship product to get construction workers paid “on time, every time.” No stranger to local business, Prakash has also served as an adjunct professor in Loyola University’s MBA program and has helped numerous startups in the city.

Education: Tulane University (MBA) Go-to Restaurant: Restaurant August Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hobby/Passion: Running Best Aspect of Job: “It is probably the only job I have had where you learn and earn at the same time.” Nonprofit Cause: Idea Village

TECHNOLOGY

KENNETH PURCELL

Founder and CEO

iSeatz

Purcell founded this New Orleans-based tech company in 1999. The iSeatz business model has since pivoted from restaurant reservations to booking travel industry ancillary products, such as room service, event tickets, tours and spa services. The company reports processing more than $3 billion in transactions and 150 billion loyalty points through its OneView platform.

Education: Spring Hill College (BS) Highlight of Leadership: “Seeing the evolution of the team that I lead” First Job: Working on a construction site Advice: “Don’t take on too many key initiatives at once.” Snoball Style: Coconut cream Hidden Talent: “Guessing nutritional macros”

TECHNOLOGY

GERARD RAMOS

Co-Founder and CEO

Revelry Labs

Ramos leads a digital innovation lab based in New Orleans with satellite offices in Chicago and Dallas. Revelry Labs has more than 30 engineers, designers and product experts on staff. In 2017, it was named an Inc 500 fastest growing company. In 2018, it launched a startup studio to incubate and spin out new ventures using its technology platform and processes.

Connected: Ramos is a member of the Forbes Technology Council, the Linux Foundation Hyperledger Project and the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. Hobbies/Passions: This self-taught developer enjoys “sailing open waters, fishing south Louisiana bayous, building things, traveling and urban farming.”

TECHNOLOGY

CHRIS READE

CEO

LookFar, Carrollton Enterprise Services and Club Discovery

Reade founded Carrollton Enterprise Services in 2004 and LookFar in 2015. Under his leadership, the companies have emerged as two of the Gulf South’s leading technology development firms. Carrollton has tackled a diverse portfolio of enterprise-level projects, and LookFar has worked with nearly 200 startups, including many of the key companies in Louisiana’s startup ecosystem.

Education: Rutgers University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Taqueria Corona on Magazine Hidden Gem: Tiki Tolteca on Decatur Hobby/Passion: “I play a LOT of volleyball!” Best Part of Job: “Getting to see how many things actually work” Nonprofit Cause: “Court Watch NOLA, which makes visible change that affects people every day”

TECHNOLOGY

BOBBY SAVOIE

CEO

Geocent

In 2008, Savoie founded this Metairie-based IT and engineering services company to work with government and commercial clients throughout the U.S. with a focus on defense, aerospace and homeland security. Virginia-based IT company Sev1Tech finalized its acquisition of Geocent in October of 2021, adding to the year’s list of big tech exits in New Orleans.

Education: University of New Orleans (PhD), Loyola University (MBA), Louisiana State University (BS) Big Deal: In 2021, Sev1Tech won a $47.5 million contract to develop a data transport-as-a-service to support U.S. Space Force missions. By Degrees: After a 28-year engineering career, Savoie returned to school to pursue his PhD.

TECHNOLOGY

WILL SCOTT

Founder and CEO

Search Influence

Co-founded by Scott and his wife, Angie, in 2006, Search Influence is one of the region’s oldest digital marketing firms, specializing in SEO, online ads and tracking. The award-winning company currently has 27 employees and has worked with notable local clients including Audubon Nature Institute, the National WWII Museum and New Orleans & Company.

Education: Tulane University (MA, BA) Best Fest: “Jazz Fest. I’m a traditionalist.” Advice: “Take a breath. It’s amazing how a few deep breaths or a little ‘box’ breathing can totally change your perspective.” Nonprofit Cause: T.R.E.E. Teaching Responsible Earth Education Go-to Restaurant: GW Fins

TECHNOLOGY

SABRINA SHORT

Founder and CEO NOLAVATE Black

With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and program development, Short moved back home after Hurricane Katrina to work as a community organizer and assist in the city’s recovery efforts. She’s known in the nonprofit sector as the “Great Connector” because of her unwavering passion for community and social justice.

Go-to Restaurant: Dooky Chase’s Restaurant Hidden Gem: Barrow’s Advice: “Your path is your own. Celebrate each stage in your journey and trust that you are exactly where you need to be to win.” On the Horizon: “NOLAvate Black is fostering creatives of color and connecting them to the world of Web3.”

TECHNOLOGY

POCO SLOSS

President

Bellwether Technology

Sloss has been at the helm of the IT company he founded since 1980, but he devotes a great deal of time and attention to various civic causes. He has served (or still serves) on the boards of the Bureau of Governmental Research, New Orleans City Planning Commission, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the Audubon Nature Institute and Canal Barge, among many others.

Education: Georgia Tech (BS) Best Fest: “Jazz Fest, of course” On the Horizon: “We’ve bought and are moving into a historic Uptown building that we’re really excited about.” Who Do You Admire? “Ghassan Korban of the S&WB. He’s got a really tough job” Hobby/Passion: “Being a pilot”

TECHNOLOGY

ANDREY STANOVNOV

Co-Founder IDScan.net

Born and raised in Siberia, Stanovnov has lived in New Orleans for more than 20 years. He’s won numerous database administrator awards, and in his current leadership role, he implements complex web-based real-time solutions for major oil and gas companies, working to find solutions to complex challenges. “That’s what I love about my job,” he said. “The ability to innovate.”

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA), Ural State University (MS) Go-to Restaurant: Drago’s Best Fest: Po-Boy Fest On the Horizon: “Seeing the demand and growth for our ID verification services in multiple new industries.” Hobby: Travel BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

TECHNOLOGY

JEFF STRAIN

Founder

Prytania Media

Founded by Jeff and Annie Strain in 2021, Prytania Media is an independent game-development label focused on “groundbreaking” new IP. An icon in the industry, Strain is the founder of Undead Labs, which makes the State of Decay video game series. He is also the co-founder of ArenaNet, maker of the Guild Wars online role-playing game. Prytania is headquartered in the CBD.

Education: Trinity University Quotable: “We intend to be a permanent engine for Louisiana’s economic development and jobs. This great state has a joy and a strength to it that makes it the perfect place to both raise my family and build my business. I’m appreciative for the vision of the state Legislature and the governor as they work together to support emerging tech businesses like mine.”

TECHNOLOGY

NEEL SURESH SUS

Founder and CEO

Susco Solutions

Sus’s core purpose is “to provide people with the tools they need to reach their full potential” by transforming mid-market enterprises with intuitive software. Susco Solutions specializes in Microsoft stack development, mobile workforce apps and legacy system conversions. Sus is actively engaged in efforts to build the technical, entrepreneurial and cognitive health of the local community.

Education: Tulane University (BSE) Best Fest: VooDoo Festival Hidden Gem: Ace Hotel Rooftop bar Heroes: “Krishna, Jesus, Viktor Frankl, Gene Roddenbery, and Neel Sus 5 years from now” Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint, Junior Achievement and the Youth Services effort by the NOLA Coalition.

TECHNOLOGY

DOUG WALNER

CEO

Align Technologies Corp.

In addition to leading a local tech startup that’s raised millions in capital, Walner brings more than 25 years of technology business management experience to his current leadership role, including serving as co-CEO of Stamps.com and CEO of PSI Services. He said he feels fortunate to have both his personal and business interests line up. “I love beer and software,” he said.

Education: Tulane University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Cochon Best Fest: Jazz Fest Who Do You Admire? Neil Young Nonprofit Cause: Planned Parenthood Advice: “Build out a detailed five-year pro-forma for any business before you start it!” Hobby: Fishing

TECHNOLOGY

COURTNEY WILLIAMS

Founder and CEO

Torsh and Upriver Solutions/Skillz Academy

In addition to diversifying the tech industry through his recruitment, “upskilling” and placement company, Upriver Solutions, Williams is the CEO of Torsh, an education technology company that aims to drive student success by improving instructional effectiveness. He previously negotiated cross-brand marketing agreements and led e-commerce initiatives for AOL Time Warner.

Education: Columbia University (JD), Oberlin College (BA) Highlight of Leadership: “Starting something from scratch, growing it and seeing it through to fruition” Advice: “If everybody likes you, you are doing something wrong; pick your spots, own them and move forward confidently.”

TECHNOLOGY

TIM WILLIAMSON

Founder

NieuxCo/The Nieux Society

With more than 30 years of leadership experience in all aspects of business formation, operation, finance and management, Williamson has been a key player behind the entrepreneurial movement in New Orleans through the conception and launch of key drivers of the ecosystem, including The Idea Village, IDEAcorps, New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and Krewe de Nieux.

Education: Tulane University (BSM) Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Hidden Gem: Breakfast at Alma Cafe On the Horizon: “Everything. We are exploring the Web3 frontier to inspire a golden age of creativity in New Orleans. I believe we are going to see the city’s creators unleash their talents in a whole new way.”

TECHNOLOGY

SEVETRI WILSON

Founder/CEO

Resilia

Since bootstrapping her first venture, Solid Ground Innovations, to a sevenfigure company by age 22, Wilson has been decorated with such honors as the National Nobel Prize for Public Service and recognition on the Forbes Cloud 100 list. With tech startup Resilia, Wilson hopes to revolutionize how nonprofits are created and maintained and how funders scale impact.

Education: Harvard University (MPP), Louisiana State University (BA, MA) Nonprofit Cause: STEM for girls Advice: “Don’t let your highs get so high you can’t see the ground, or your lows so low you can’t see the heavens.” Fave Parade: Zulu Fave Jazz Fest Food: Loretta’s praline beignets