About Fastback
Fastback Networks enables mobile service providers and enterprises to deliver the speed, reliability and user experience demanded by consumers and businesses as they adopt a rapidly growing array of mobile service and data connectivity applications.
Fastback was established with the vision to develop the wireless backhaul technology needed for the coming 4G/5G LTE mobile infrastructure, recognizing that legacy 3G backhaul solutions are inadequate for pervasive, high density connectivity. With insights derived from experience building leading edge radio and data networking solutions – spanning silicon to systems across mobile technologies – the team solves backhaul challenges hindering ubiquitous, high density mobile data connectivity.
Management
Co-founder, CEO, Member of Board
Kevin Duffy has 25 years of experience developing and monetizing advanced telecommunications and networking technologies. Formerly, Mr. Duffy was CEO, Proxim, where he led the company’s pioneering efforts in the convergence of new technologies, including wireless LAN, cellular backhaul, and multipoint access systems.
Co-Founder, CTO, Member of Board
Kevin J. Negus received the Ph.D. degree in Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Canada in 1988. His Silicon Valley career began in 1986 at the Fairchild Semiconductor Research Center in Palo Alto, CA. From 1988 to 1998 he held various R&D management positions with the Hewlett-Packard Company in San Jose, CA where he led the development of chipset solutions for numerous wireless communications systems.
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Stuart has extensive experience leading operational management, business development, sales and marketing for leading global wireless equipment providers. Previously, he was co-founder and CEO of Sub10 Systems. A dual national, Swiss and British, Stuart began his career in corporate audit with Motorola, based in the UK but with a global remit.
Vice President, Operations
Robert Barnett has 20 years of experience leading operations, systems integration and engineering teams for leading mobile technology organizations, as well as in early stage companies. During 12 years at Nortel, Robert held management roles for deployment of new mobile switching and aggregation technologies, including integration of the first CDMA RAN and GSM-R products, and the M&A integration team for DSL, IP router and fiber to fiber optical switch technologies.
Vice President, Engineering
With 25 years engineering management experience, Kirk Blattman has lead development teams for innovative network products for both large established market leaders and innovative startup companies. As VP Engineering for Arroyo Video Solutions, Kirk built and led the engineering team, including all aspects of product development and quality. Following Cisco Systems acquisition of Arroyo, Kirk continued to lead engineering development of the product line as Director of Engineering, Video and Content Platform Business Unit, which secured engagements with 30 global service providers, growing to revenue approaching $100M.
Vice President, Product Management
Dave Koberstein has 25 years of experience managing engineering and product management teams for pioneering wireless infrastructure companies both large and small. AsVP Product Line Management, Proxim, Dave managed priorities, schedules and roadmap for 100 projects, 8 product lines, and 3 product categories worth $115M/Y in revenues and $5M/Q in engineering investment, with responsibility for COGs and product performance of all company products.
Board of Directors
Managing Director, Granite Ventures
Eric Zimitis joined Granite Ventures in 2000. Prior to Granite, Eric was Managing Director and head of the Communications Research Group at Hambrecht & Quist and Chase H&Q. Eric was one of the first research analysts to cover internet infrastructure and related IP technologies and services including security, content delivery and hosting. Prior to H&Q, Eric was a General Partner at Volpe, Welty & Company.
General Partner, Matrix Partners
Stan Reiss has worked as a venture capitalist for more than a decade with a focus on early stage investments in systems, components, and software. His investments include Acacia Communications, Qualtre, Xtalic, Intelliden (IBM), and Hyper9 (Solarwinds). Prior to joining Matrix Stan worked in McKinsey’s electronics practice.
President, Sprint Prepaid & Wholesale Service
Jim Hyde is President, Sprint Prepaid & Wholesale Service and Fastback Executive Chairman. As President, Sprint Prepaid & Wholesale Services, Jim Hyde leads development and strategy across the Boost Mobile, Sprint Prepaid and legacy Virgin Mobile USA business, as well as wholesale relationships with mobile virtual network operator partners.