The ex-Sharp/NEC Display Solutions boss has been appointed to drive growth, while Chairman David Nussbaum will stay on as Chair for strategic direction
Spatial computing innovator Proto Inc., who successfully exhibited its AI-powered holograms at re:Invent 2024, has appointed Todd Bouman as its new CEO.
Bouman, formerly President, CEO and Chair of Sharp/NEC Display Solutions Americas, takes the helm as founder David Nussbaum transitions to the role of Chair. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Proto, following a record revenue year and successful launch of next-generation hologram devices.
The transition is a strategic move that should accelerate Proto’s growth while maintaining the innovative spirit that has defined the company since its inception.
Bouman said:
Proto is poised as an industry leader to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content. I am thrilled to lead this extraordinarily innovative company as it scales its transformative technology to new heights. My experience in driving growth and innovation will help us accelerate Proto’s mission of making holographic technology accessible to everyone.
Bouman’s Strategic Experience
Todd brings extensive experience from leadership roles at major technology companies including Sharp/NEC, Samsung, and HP.
At Sharp/NEC, he led a transformative strategy that established the company as a key player in the global electronics and software display industry, achieving significant revenue growth and doubling profits.
His background includes successful ventures in bringing new technologies to market and driving strategic shifts across global tech landscapes; at Samsung, Bouman was instrumental in propelling the company into the consumer and commercial notebook market, while at HP, he successfully grew the ultralight notebook product category in key commercial verticals.
Proto: Innovation in Hologram and AI Spatial Computing
Proto Inc. specialises in hologram technology and AI spatial computing solutions.
The company’s product line includes the full-size Proto Luma, desktop-sized M2, and a suite of AI tools designed for various industries.
Proto’s technology enables real-time holographic communication and presence, allowing people to interact across physical distances in ways previously confined to science fiction. The company’s patented technology has revolutionised how organizations approach remote presence and digital interaction; making it possible to create lifelike holographic experiences that maintain the human element in digital communications.
Making Waves in Industry
Proto’s technology has found applications across multiple sectors:
- Healthcare: Enabling the first-ever doctor-patient hologram appointments at UC Berkeley and West Cancer Center
- Retail: Deploying hologram ad networks across Simon mall locations, expanding to 100 locations by Q4
- Enterprise: Partnering with major corporations including Amazon AWS, Accenture, PwC, AARP, BestBuy, and Verizon
- Education: Expanding presence in top universities
- Sports and Entertainment: Maintaining relationships with professional sports leagues and reaching large audiences through influencer collaborations, including projects with super-influencer MrBeast’s following of nearly 500 million
Proto’s Future Uncer Bouman
Under the new leadership structure, Nussbaum will continue to drive the company’s vision and innovation as Chair; focusing on fundraising, industry partnerships, and thought leadership. Proto is preparing to launch its Series B fundraise in Q2 2025 to accelerate development initiatives and market growth.
The business plans to further expand its hologram communication and spatial computing capabilities, while making the technology more accessible to a broader range of users. This includes developing new applications for emerging markets and enhancing the company’s AI integration capabilities.
Industry Recognition
Proto has garnered significant attention at major industry events, including CES, NRF, and AWS re:Invent, where it demonstrated groundbreaking achievements such as autonomous conversations between AI hologram agents. The company continues to push boundaries in holographic technology, earning recognition as a transformative force in digital communication and presence. Notable industry figures have praised Proto’s innovation, with William Shatner referring to the technology as a “Time Machine” for its ability to bridge spatial and temporal distances.
Founder David Nussbaum explained:
Proto is all about bringing people together – giving them real presence when they can’t be together across space or time. With our Series B raise approaching and exciting collaborations with some of the most well-known companies on earth, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in holographic communication. This technology has already accomplished more than I could have dreamed when I was first developing it in my living room.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for Proto as it continues to expand its presence in the hologram and spatial computing industry, bringing innovative solutions to businesses and organisations worldwide. The company’s commitment to advancing holographic technology while maintaining accessibility and practical application positions it at the forefront of the digital communication revolution.
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