Hugh Crenshaw, CEO and Co-founder
Hugh is a biologist, engineer, and experienced entrepreneur with technical expertise in biomechanics and advanced instrumentation for biological research, plus deep experience building high-performing multidisciplinary teams, the strategic guidance of startups, and creating and guiding collaborations with strategic partners. Previously, he was the Director of Microsystems Technology at GlaxoSmithKline, where he led programs in microfluidics and automated physiological measurement. Earlier, he was on faculty at Duke University (appointments in Zoology and Engineering) where he led teams in cell mechanics, underwater robotics, optical instrumentation, and microfluidics and served as the Director of the Howard Hughes Microscopy Lab and the Duke Microfabrication Facility.
Charles Pell, CSO and Co-founder
Chuck is a designer, scientist and inventor with a remarkable trajectory through sculpture, animatronics, maritime defense and pharmaceutical robots. Previously, Chuck was Co-founder and Director of Science & Technology at Nekton Research, a naval R&D Firm funded mostly by the U.S. Department of Defense for advanced technology development. Chuck and Hugh’s collaboration on MicroHunter™ lead to the development of the world’s smallest (by a factor of 100) autonomous, underwater robot. With 20+ employees, Nekton was acquired by iRobot, Inc. in 2008. Chuck’s prior positions include Director of the BioDesign biomechanics facility (Duke University Zoology) and Director of R&D for Dinamation International, a Los Angeles-area robotics FX company.
Ryan Moody, P.E., CTO
Ryan is a mechanical engineer with deep expertise in mechatronics and a long career of developing robotic systems. Previously, Ryan was Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer at iRobot’s Maritime Systems (previously Nekton Research where he worked with Chuck and Hugh). At iRobot/Nekton, Ryan developed multiple robotic platforms to operate in challenging ocean environments for defense and civilian applications.
Ruth Proctor, C.P.A., CFO
Ruth is a financial professional with a long history working with a number of start-ups in the Research Triangle of North Carolina, including financial accounting, corporate governance, tax, audit, mergers & acquisitions, and fundraising including a broad range of financing mechanisms.