Faction Networks is proud to name Chuck Stormon as Chairman of its Advisory Board. Chuck’s distinguished career as a computer engineer, serial entrepreneur, and venture capital investor brings a wealth of experience that will be instrumental in helping to guide Faction Networks’ strategic direction.
Chuck Stormon is an eight-time serial entrepreneur and prominent figure in the fields of artificial intelligence and venture capital. He received Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University. Chuck left his PhD studies to found Coherent Research, Inc in order to commercialize the first AI-accelerator chip, which was acquired by Cypress Semiconductor three years later. He co-founded Coherent Networks, Inc. which built one of the first commercial-scale hybrid AI solutions (combining neural networks and expert systems with human-in-the-loop processing), which transformed the electric utility industry before being acquired by Osmose Corp. Chuck co-founded Steleus, Inc. an international provider of innovative telecom OSS/BSS software which was acquired by Tekelec (NASDAQ: TKLC) and subsequently acquired by Oracle. Chuck worked for Tekelec as VP Strategy (M&A), VP Product Management and VP Product Marketing before becoming an LP in the Seed Capital Fund of Central New York. He served as CMO of London-based PacketExchange, built SaaS company RushTera, served as Director of Technical Operations at cybersecurity leader, AIS, and founded the StartFast Code coding school. From 2012 to present, Chuck has been Co-founder and Managing Partner of StartFast Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund where he is currently raising Fund III. He resides with his wife in Cazenovia, NY.
Faction Networks Co-Founder and CEO Dave Rand said: “Chuck’s track record of innovation and leadership aligns perfectly with our mission to revolutionize Zero Trust networking and security that is accessible to everyone. We are thrilled to have him Chair our Advisory Board and look forward to his contributions.”
Geoff Halstead, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Faction Networks added: “Chuck has for many decades both through his own start-ups and now at StartFast Ventures been dedicated to building world changing companies outside of Silicon Valley. We share that vision and – in no small part thanks to Chuck’s influence and advice as a friend of the company over the last year – are building Faction Networks right in the heart of the advanced manufacturing and microchip fabrication explosion in Central and Upstate New York. Chuck’s expertise in Artificial Intelligence will also be invaluable to us as we incorporate it into our product strategy and execution.”
Chuck Stormon commented, “It is an honor to be appointed Chairman of Faction Networks’ Advisory Board. Faction’s audacious mission to secure our and harden our nation’s internet connectivity is aligned with my values and priorities.”