Proto Inc., the Los Angeles, Calif.-based, holographic communications platform provider, announced that Todd Bouman has taken the role of CEO. Bouman was handpicked by Proto inventor, and founding CEO, David Nussbaum, who steps up into the role as Chair.
Bouman was most recently President, CEO and Chair of Sharp/NEC Display Solutions, Americas. There he crafted a transformative strategy that established the company as a dominant player in the global electronics and software display industry resulting in sizable increases in revenue and doubling of profits. Under his continued leadership, Bouman was instrumental in leading the joint-venture integration of the America’s business with Sharp Electronics.
Bouman is tasked with driving exponential growth for hologram-sector creator Proto, drawing from his vast experiences working at global tech companies in the consumer and commercial hardware and services industry.
Nussbaum will continue to be the company’s visionary, shaping strategy and driving more of the innovation that created an entire industry of hologram communications and spatial compute. He’ll expand his efforts in fundraising, presence at top industry events, creation of content partnerships and industry thought leadership.
Proto Celebrates Record Growth, New Innovations and Leadership Transition to Propel Vision Forward
Courtesy / Proto Inc.
Proto enters a pivotal phase following a record year in revenue growth, marked by the launch of its next-generation hologram devices, the Proto Luma and the desktop-sized M2. Adoption of its AI tools continues to expand rapidly across industries such as finance, healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, and entertainment. To drive development and market expansion, Proto plans to launch its Series B fundraising round in Q2.
“As the founder, Proto is like a child to me,” says David Nussbaum, Founder of Proto Inc. “Entrusting it to someone else wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I needed absolute confidence that the new leader had the experience and proven ability to take my vision for Proto to the next level. Todd Bouman is that person. With his dynamic leadership, I’m confident he’ll help fulfill my mission of making Proto Hologram technology an essential part of daily life. Proto has already accomplished more than I could have dreamed when I was back in my living room trying to invent something people said would only happen in the future. Todd is the kind of transformational leader who can make sure that future is now.”
Todd Bouman Joins Proto Inc. as CEO
Bouman brings extensive experience in executive leadership and technology innovation. At Sharp/NEC, he successfully transformed the display business, driving significant growth and strategic development. During his tenure at Samsung, Bouman spearheaded initiatives that expanded the company’s presence in the consumer and commercial notebook markets while strengthening its B2B brand. At HP, he played a key role in growing the ultralight notebook category within critical commercial sectors. Proto says his proven track record in executive leadership, business development and technology integration makes him an ideal fit for the company’s ambitious goals.
“Proto is poised as an industry leader to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content,” says Bouman, CEO of Proto Inc. “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 – and David’s original futuristic vision – of making holographic technology accessible to everyone.”
Proto’s Strategic Growth
Courtesy / Proto Inc.
Proto recently marked several major milestones. It launched the first doctor-patient hologram appointments, starting at UC Berkeley and expanding through West Cancer Center clinics. The company also introduced the first hologram ad network, now in 30 Simon mall locations and projected to reach 100 by Q4. Additionally, Proto gained recognition as a leading innovator at CES, NRF, and AWS re:Invent, where it unveiled an autonomous conversation between AI hologram agents.
In addition, Proto continues to grow its business with all the pro sports leagues; expansion into more universities; massive media saturation including projects that reach super-influencer MrBeast’s following of nearly 500 million; and deepening partnerships with companies such as AARP, Accenture, BestBuy, CBS, Christie’s, HPE, PwC and Verizon.
“Proto is all about bringing people together – giving them real presence when they can’t be together across space or time – remember, William Shatner called Proto a Time Machine,” says Nussbaum. “We’ve got our Series B raise approaching, exciting collaborations with some of the most well known companies on earth, and a roadmap of development that will make Proto the solution for even more needs. Whether you’re a partner, customer, investor or just someone who is excited by discovering what’s changing the world next, we’ll keep hustling to impress you.”
