Raleigh-based tech company names former Startup America Managing Director, Derek Holt, as company President. Holt brings a unique background to the K4Connect team with nearly a decade of enterprise software experience in various leadership roles at IBM.
Raleigh, N.C. – September 21, 2015 – K4Connect announced today that it has hired former Startup America Partnership Managing Director, Derek Holt, as its new President. Holt joins other veteran entrepreneurs and industry experts to accelerate the transformation of the senior living industry from traditional nursing homes to amenity-rich communities that cater to active and independent seniors. The company’s first product, K4Community, brings smart home and health technologies to senior living communities to make life simpler, healthier and happier for residents and staff alike. Holt recently helped the team close its recently announced deal, topping $1.4 million, with Signature Senior Living for ten new communities planned in Pennsylvania.
Holt brings a unique background to the K4Connect team with nearly a decade of enterprise software experience in various leadership roles at IBM. He earned a degree in computer engineering from Penn State University and his M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business where he was a Fuqua Scholar. After completing his M.B.A., Holt was recruited to the nation’s capital by Startup America Partnership, a public-private partnership with the White House. There, Holt served as Managing Director of Business Development and was responsible for all private sector sponsor relationships, as well as partnering with large U.S. companies to provide tools and resources to grow and accelerate startup communities across the country.
“During my tenure with Startup America, I had the incredible opportunity to work with hundreds of entrepreneurs across the country and learn from some of our nation’s most legendary founders who have built iconic companies and, in many cases, helped to establish entire industries,” said Holt. “My experience taught me the importance of focusing on customer value, creating a great product and building an experienced team. I truly believe in the K4Connect mission and am confident our technology can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the more than one billion seniors around the globe.”
K4Connect’s CEO F. Scott Moody is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology thought leader. Moody previously co-founded AuthenTec, the company that developed the technologies now at the foundation of the Touch ID in the Apple iOS products. AuthenTec was acquired in 2012, making it the only publicly traded company in history to be acquired by Apple.
Moody co-founded K4Connect with Jonathan Gould, who serves as Chief Technology Officer. Gould brings with him more than a decade of home and hospitality automation experience. He previously founded an audio-visual and home automation company that grew to be one of the market leaders in the Raleigh area before its successful acquisition. Gould also served as Chief Technology Officer for a software development company whose clients included some of the largest players in the home automation market.
Rounding out the management team are Ian Sanders, VP of Business Development, and David Weiss, Creative Director. Sanders was among the founding team at several startups, including one of the largest in custom assistive technologies. Before joining K4Connect, Weiss oversaw design for luxury yachts where he learned to integrate the most advanced technologies in a seamless way.
“Senior living is a rapidly growing but underserved market,” said Moody. “We have assembled a world-class team with diverse industry backgrounds all focused on improving the lives of seniors and the people who care for them on a daily basis.”