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COMPANY
BACKGROUND
GeoTouch
was founded in 1999 by Sri Palasamudram when he recognized the difficulty
in finding information about different destinations. Available services
were not keeping up with the needs of new delivery capabilities
for Internet and wireless devices in the market.
GeoTouch is a provider of location based content and commerce services
utilizing a familiar map interface for the wired and wireless web.
Its unique technology platform integrates dynamic mapping platform
with deep comprehensive Web-based content. The service links the
cyberworld to the physical world through its intelligent, interactive
geographic search engine that allows easy navigation for neighborhood
and travel related information. The integration of content rich
information provides dynamic content availability including yellow
pages, driving directions, distance measurements, accommodations,
restaurants, points of interest, traffic, weather, shopping, and
a growing number of other services in the United States-and soon
worldwide. Our customization capabilities allow clients to create
specialized mapping solutions for their customer or user base. And
the transaction based services provide a new revenue stream without
any set up or management hassles.
Less than 6 months
after developing the product and determining the direction for geoTouch
in the market, the company filed for patents on the technology.
The company, now over 45 people strong and growing and provides
a total range of location based services to business and web site
content providers, allowing them to improve their user experiences
and customer service with dynamic location based functions. The
company is emerging as a strong geographic utility search and content
provider, licensing to destination sites (portals), PDA and wireless
service providers, telematics providers, corporate planners, travel
agents, real estate agents, SFA, and offline call centers. Through
these partnerships, geoTouch builds in-house mapping tools to assist
in application specific designs for corporations. GeoTouch also
provides shared revenue opportunities based on premium content with
targeted and banner advertising, as well as transactions for online
reservations and commerce.
GeoTouch is a privately held company with funding from Redwood Venture
Partners, Gabriel Venture Partners, Alliance Ventures, AVCOM Technologies,
Inc. and infoUSA.com.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Sri Palasamudram, President and Founder
Jagadish Channagiri, Chief Architect
Ajay Prasad, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Business Development
Bob Lach, Managing Director of Business Development
Sri
L. Palasamudram, President & Founder
Prior to founding geoTouch, Palasamudram was a Project Manager at
Autoweb.com. As president of geoTouch, he is at the helm of the
company's strategic direction based on consumer and business needs,
market opportunity and new technology. And also oversees product
marketing and design. Palasamudram brings more than eight years
of experience in the software industry from Autodesk, Intersense,
and Autoweb.com. He was also a Program Manager at Autodesk, where
he was responsible for AutoCAD products and previously held numerous
positions in sales and marketing, and engineering. Palasamudram
earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University,
India and an M.S. in CAD/CAM from Iowa State University.
Ajay Prasad, Senior Vice
President of Marketing and Strategic Business Development
Ajay Prasad brings over 15 years of wealth of knowledge and experience in
Technology and Consumer Marketing. Before joining geoTouch, he led
Navigation Technologies efforts to promote in-vehicle navigation system
among consumers and vehicle manufacturers, and helped identify new sales
channels in telematics for the company. He has led worldwide expansion
campaigns and brings strengths in marketing, strategy, and international
relationship development. Ajay has also held executive positions at leading
companies such as AMOCO, Mattel, and Family Restaurants (El Torito,
Carrows), responsible for market research, new product development, media
strategy, and mergers & acquisitions. He received a B.A. from Patna
University and holds a MAMS from the University of Georgia.
Jagadish
Channagiri, Chief Software Architect
With more than 14 years experience in software engineering, Channagiri
defines, develops and directs the architecture, technology, and
programming of the geoTouch service. His expertise includes database
technology, Internet technology and electronics CAD. He has worked
for Oracle Corporation, DEC and Mentor Graphics where he held various
leadership positions including Principal Software Engineer, Software
Architect and Project Lead. Channagiri received a B.S. in Electrical
Engineering from Bangalore University, India, and an M.S. in Computer
Science from the University of Idaho and an M.S. in Environmental
Science from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India.
Bob Lach, Managing Director of Business Development
Prior to joining geoTouch.com, Mr. Lach worked at Walt Disney Imagineering,
where he was responsible for researching concepts. In this position,
he was also responsible for structuring models for entertainment-
and real estate-related development projects. He has also worked
as an Associate at Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, where he managed consulting
teams and developed new businesses that related to process improvement.
Mr. Lach earned his B.S. in Architectural Engineering and Public
Policy (dual degrees) from Duke University and his M.B.A. from the
Wharton Graduate School of Business. His M.B.A. degree focused on
Entrepreneurial Management and during his studies he was actively
involved with several early stage, venture-backed firms.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Devendra Verma, PH.D, Chairman
Raj Singh, Director
Rick Bolander, Director
ADVISORS
Barry Glick, Former President of MapQuest
Frank Caufield, Jr.
B.V. Jagadeesh
Edmond Sanctis
Abhay Bhushan
Devendra
Verma
Verma is a general partner at Redwood Venture Partners, LP and chairman
of the board at geoTouch, BpTrade.com, InfoDream, and ultra Information
Systems. He is also on the board at GotSavings.com, @wealth.com,
DSL, and Aegis Systems, and the executive director of The IndUS
Entrepreneurs. Prior to joining Redwood Venture, Verma was Senior
Vice-President at Loral Corporation, where he developed strategic
plans for one of the world's leading manufacturers of satellite
and satellite-based services. His additional satellite experience
includes working at the Indian Space Research Organization in the
Semiconductor Industry Training & Electronic division, Apple
satellite, and the Indian National Satellite System. Additionally,
Verma was a Senior Executive at Intelsat, an international organization
under the charter of the United Nations. He was the first secretary
at the Embassy of India in Washington during the ambassadorship
of Indian President K. R. Narayanan, and received the National Citizen's
Award from Noble Laureate Mother Teresa. Verma holds an M.S. in
Physics and Microwave Engineering from Agra University, a Master
of Technology from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS),Pilani
in India and a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from Gujarat University
also located in India.
Raj Singh,
Director
Singh is currently the chairman and CEO, and a general partner at
Redwood Venture Partners, LP. Prior to Redwood Venture, he founded
InterHDLS, Inc., Advancel Logic, and Cerent, a company acquired
by Cisco Systems, Inc. Singh was also President of Fiberlane Communications
and Stratumone Communications, a chipmaker also acquired by Cisco.
He holds a B.S. in Electronic Engineering from the Indian Institute
of Technology, Delhi, and a Masters degree in Computer Science from
the University of Minnesota.
Rick Bolander,
Director
For more than five years, Bolander has been a technology-focused
venture investor. As cofounder of Gabriel Venture Partner, he serves
as the managing general partner. Prior to this position, Bolander
was a general partner at Apex Investment Partners. His other technology
ventures include Exodus Communications, Concord Communications,
Accessline Technologies, and Tut Systems. Bolander was also involved
in the founding of NetDelivery, iTango and Nexprise. Before working
with technology startups, Bolander led management development teams
at AT&T in various operational disciplines including sales and
marketing, operations, and strategic planning. Prior to AT&T,
he taught Computer Architecture Design at the University of Michigan.
Bolander received a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from
the University of Michigan, and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.
Barry Glick,
Founder and Former CEO of MapQuest
Barry Glick has nearly 20 years of experience in building and managing
successful technology businesses focused on interactive mapping,
the Internet, and location-based information. He currently is the
Principal of Carillon Ventures which assists innovative young companies
in the areas of strategy, capital-raising, partnerships, marketing,
and executive team recruitment.
Previously, Glick was Director, Personal Navigation for Navigation
Technologies Inc. of Rosemont IL, the world leader in enabling automated
navigation through its databases covering North America and Europe.
From its founding in June 1994 until October 1998, Glick was the
founder, President and CEO of MapQuest.com, Inc. (formerly GeoSystems
Global Corporation).
Prior to the founding of GeoSystems, Glick was President of RR Donnelley's
Geographic Systems and Mapping Services Divisions which were spun
out of Donnelley to form GeoSystems in 1994. Glick came to Donnelley
from Spatial Data Sciences, Inc., which he co-founded and served
as President. Before that, he worked in various technical and management
capacities with PAR Technology Corporation, General Sciences Corporation,
Geographic Systems, Inc. and Equifax Corporation.
Glick has a Ph.D. in Geography from the State University of New
York at Buffalo where he concentrated on Spatial Analysis and Geographic
Information Systems. He also holds a Master's degree in Policy Planning
and Regional Analysis from Cornell University. While completing
his Ph.D., Glick taught at Middlebury College in Vermont under a
Mellon Foundation program for young scholars. Dr. Glick also serves
as a member of the Mapping Science Committee of the National Research
Council, as well as on several other professional and industry association
boards and committees.
Barry Glick lives in Arlington, VA and has two sons.
Frank Caufield, Jr., Advisor
Caufield comes to geoTouch with more than 12 years of experience
in technology sales, marketing, financing, and consulting. He is
currently a Principal at Xerox Venture Lab. Prior to Xerox, he was
at America Online, where he developed the AOL@School service and
was the CEO and founder of Kids On-Line America. Caufield also worked
at VeriFone, Seeq Technology, and Robertson Stephens & Company.
He has a B.A. from the University of San Francisco and an M.B.A.
from University of California Los Angeles.
B.V. Jagadeesh,
Advisor
Jagadeesh is the CTO and cofounder of Exodus Communications and
is directly involved with the company's business development and
its mergers and acquisitions group. Prior to this, Jagadeesh helped
build the organization through its successful IPO and was responsible
for the company's backbone, the network and systems management group.
Additionally, he was a cofounder of Fouress Inc., which merged with
Exodus. Jagadeesh worked at Novell on MultiProtocolRouter and 3Com's
NeBuilder family of routers, and served as chairman of the Networld
+ Interop Engineering Conference. He earned a B.S. in Electrical
Engineering from Bangalore University, India and an M.S. in Electrical
Engineering from the University of Bombay, India.
Edmond
Sanctis, Advisor
Edmond P. Sanctis is President and Chief
Operating Officer for NBC Internet. From July 1998 until the launch
of NBCi in December of 1999, Mr. Sanctis served as Chief Operating
Officer of Snap, growing the service into a leading Internet destination.
Prior to joining Snap, Mr. Sanctis was Senior Vice President and
General Manager of NBC Multimedia, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
responsible for NBC's Internet and new technology operations. Before
NBC Multimedia, Mr. Sanctis held various management positions at
NBC including General Manager of NBC Digital Productions, and Manager
of Cable and Business Development. Mr. Sanctis has also been a Communications
Associate for Sony USA and previously worked as a television news
reporter. He holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Maryland
and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.
Abhay
Bhushan, Advisor
Most recently, Mr. Bhushan was Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Co-founder of YieldUP
International Corporation, a public company acquired by FSI International
in 1999. In 1996, Mr. Bhushan was Co-founder, Chairman, President,
CEO, CFO and VP of Business Development of Portola Communications,
a private company acquired by Netscape in 1997. >From 1974 to 1996,
Mr. Bhushan worked for Xerox Corporation, in technical management,
business development, and environmental leadership. From 1967 to
1974, he was a member of the research staff for M.I.T.'s Project
MAC, a key contributor to the development of the ARPAnet later became
the Internet, pioneering the development of early FTP and Mail standards.
Widely referenced in the book, "Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The
Origins of the Internet", Mr. Bhushan was recognized for his contributions
in 1994 at the 25th anniversary celebration of the ARPAnet.
Mr. Bhushan is actively mentoring a number of start-ups in the Silicon
Valley and serves on the Board of I-leverage, Metamata, and Quantum
Find. He is an advisor to HotBiz.com, Malltrip.com, and B-Bop Associates.
Mr. Bhushan is the joint holder of ten patents. He received his
B.Tech degree in Electrical Engineering from I.I.T. Kanpur, and
master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and in Management from
M.I.T.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
GeoTouch is an equal opportunity employer. All full time positions
include a competitive salary and eligibility for our standard benefits
package which includes a health and 401K plan.
If you don't see
the position you are looking for, check back often-we are growing
fast.
Please email resumes to cklenk@geotouch.com
Or mail to:
GeoTouch
3803 East Bayshore Road
Suite 175 Palo Alto, CA 94303
ATTN: Christine Klenk
Market
and Business Strategy Analyst
Position Summary:
This position will analyze the competitors of geoTouch.com regarding
the products and services offered as well as the direction in which
the competitors are heading.
The primary responsibilities include: Assembling a comprehensive
list of companies that compete with geoTouch.com. Completing a detailed
analysis on what services and products the competitors offer. Analysis
on how each competitor differs in offering the competitive products
and services.
Requirements:
• Experience with Software or Internet companies.
• M.B.A. student with marketing focus.
Product Manager
Position Summary:
This position involves defining the product features and content,
by analyzing the consumer requirements and the competitors of geotouch.com
(regarding the products, services offered by them and the direction
in which the competitors are heading).
Requirements:
• 4+ years of general business experience in product marketing and
technology.
• Specific experience in one of the focus areas identified above
also a plus.
• 2+ years of internet experience preferred.
• 2+ years of management experience.
• M.B.A. preferred.
Technical Manager - Data Management
Position Summary:
This position involves defining the nature of content and managing
the content that goes into our databases. The ability to organize
content and lead a team of Web Spider Programmers, DbA's and ability
to interface with Marketing and Business to define content.
Requirements:
• Clear understanding of Internet, Data Aggregation and the nature
of Web.
• Senior Management Skills.
• 7+ years experience in Content/Data Management and Databases.
Database Architect
Position Summary:
This position involves database architecture, layout and day-to-day
maintenance of the database (major responsibility). Deployment of
our development databases to Production, which are highly available,
and Fault Tolerant. Decisions on clustering technology, disk technology
and modeling tools.
Requirements:
• Managed, independently, the development and maintenance of an
ORACLE Database size at least 100 Giga Bytes.
• At least 8+ years experience in developing and managing high volume
/ throughput databases.
• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in Engineering or Sciences.
Quality Assurance Engineer/Analyst
Position Summary:
This position will focus on test development in the specification
(functional, scalability and performance), design, scheduling and
implementation of automated testing deliverables. Work closely with
Software Development, Program Management and Marketing to ensure
that the geoTouch.com web site meets market requirements in functionality,
usability, performance, scalability and completeness.
Requirements:
• 2+ years Software QA experience.
• Experience in performance, scalability and load testing is strong
plus.
• Proficiency at automated testing tools, including Segue Silk Test
and Silk Performer. Understanding of Internet.
• Client Server and Web Server experience is a plus.
• Experience should include both white box and black box testing
is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of test planning and various testing methodologies.
• Proficiency in NT and Unix.
• 4 year degree in technical discipline (Computer Science or Mathematics)
or equivalent experience.
• Mapping/GIS experience a plus.
Quality Assurance Lead/Manager
Position Summary:
This is a senior SQA Engineering position. The QA Manager will lead
the quality assurance effort for geoTouch. This person will provide
the technical leadership for test development in the specification,
design, scheduling and implementation of automated testing deliverables.
The successful candidate will work closely with Software Development,
Program Management and Marketing to ensure that the geoTouch web
site meets market requirements in functionality, usability, performance
and completeness.
Requirements:
• 5+ years Software QA experience.
• Experience in white box and black box testing.
• Understanding of Internet Web Server experience a must.
• In-depth knowledge of test planning and various testing methodologies.
• Experience in performance, scalability and load testing is strong
plus.
• Proficiency in NT and Unix.
• Proficiency at automated testing tools, including Segue SilkTest
and SilkPerformer
• 4 year degree in technical discipline (computer science or mathematics)
or equivalent experience.
• Mapping/GIS experience a plus.
Human Resource and Recruiting Manager
Position Summary:
Develop and lead the human resources department. Advertise open
positions, track resumes, manage and schedule interviews, follow-up
with candidates. Manage outside recruiting firms. Conduct preliminary
interviews and references checks. Create and maintain employee benefit
plans. Ensure compliance with all federal and state employment,
safety, and, immigration laws. Establish salary and stock option
guidelines. Process work visas. Resolve employee relations issues.
Maintain personnel files.
Requirements:
• The ideal candidate will have 4-6 years experience in recruiting,
benefits, and employee relations.
• Must have strong interpersonal communication skills and be highly
organized.
• BS/BA in Human Resources, Business, Social Science or a related
field with an M.B.A., M.S.H.R./O.D. or similar graduate degree desirable.
• Experience with a start-up and the immigration process is a plus.
Director of Business Development
Position Summary:
The position involves identifying, prioritizing and forming strategic
partnerships with both online and offline content and/or technology
providers. Focus areas for content may include real estate, shopping,
community, or local events. Focus areas for technology include:
wireless portals, cellular networks, call centers, handheld devices.
Requirements:
• 4+ years of general business experience in business development,
strategic marketing, strategic sales, and or management consulting.
• Specific experience in one of the focus areas identified above
also a plus.
• 2+ years of internet experience preferred.
• 2+ years of management experience.
• M.B.A. preferred.
Manager of Business Development
Position Summary:
This position involves identifying, prioritizing and forming strategic
partnerships with both online and offline content providers. Focus
areas may include real estate, shopping, community, or local events.
Requirements:
• 2+ years of general business experience in business development,
strategic marketing, strategic sales, and or management consulting.
• Specific experience in one of the focus areas identified above
also a plus.
• Internet experience preferred.
• Management experience and/or M.B.A. preferred.
Business Partner Project Manager
Position Summary:
The position involves accompanying Business Development team and
working with geoTouch distribution partners, identifying their needs
for customization and driving the customization process from concept
to completion. The Partner Project Manager works with Software Engineers,
Business and Marketing Managers, and Quality Assurance Engineers
in a cross-functional setting to achieve the desired objectives.
The responsibilities include defining the scope of a particular
project, identifying the resources needed and executing the project
on schedule and within budgets.
Requirements:
• Expertise in managing Internet based OEM projects.
• Working knowledge
of Internet technologies, databases and user interface design and
4-6 years experience in the software/Internet industry.
• Experience working with cross-functional team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
CONTACT
US
We are located at:
3803 East Bayshore Road
Suite 175 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tel: (650) 237-3800
Fax: (650) 428-0235
email: info@geotouch.com
Directions to our office:
From the San Jose and the South Bay:
Take 101 North to the San Antonio Road
Exit. EXIT at San Antonio Road. Turn RIGHT onto San Antonio Road.
Make a LEFT at the first light onto E. Bayshore Road. Follow E.
Bayshore Road around the curves, turn RIGHT into 3803 E. Bayshore
Road (second driveway after Elwell Ct.).
-or-
Take 280 North to Page Mill Road. EXIT EAST onto Page Mill Road.
Turn Right onto El Camino Real - CA 82. Turn Left onto San Antonio
Road. After crossing over 101, Turn Left onto East Bayshore Rd.
Follow E. Bayshore Road around the curves, turn RIGHT into 3803
E. Bayshore Road (second driveway after Elwell Ct.).
From San Francisco and the Peninsula:
Take 101 South to San Antonio. Exit onto
San Antonio Road NORTH. Make a LEFT at the first stoplight onto
E. Bayshore Road. Turn RIGHT into 3803 East Bayshore Road (it is
the second driveway after Elwell Ct.).
From the East Bay:
Take the Bay Bridge
to 101 South. Exit onto San Antonio Road NORTH. Make a LEFT at
the first stoplight onto E. Bayshore Road. Turn LEFT into 3803
E. Bayshore Road (it is the second driveway after Elwell Ct.).
-or-
Take the Dumbarton Bridge (84) West. Make a LEFT onto Willow Rd.
Turn RIGHT to merge onto 101 South. Exit onto San Antonio Road
NORTH. Make a LEFT at the first stoplight onto E. Bayshore Rd.
Turn RIGHT into 3803 E. Bayshore Rd (it is the second driveway after
Elwell Ct.).
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