Why ICT4D?

As a follow up to my Nigeria post, I had put this piece together to describe my interests in international development, thought it was relevant now as well:

Introduction for Information Technologies and International Development
Kipp Jones

I am interested in leveraging my technology experience and entrepreneurial background
to find creative ways to bring technology to people and places currently lacking it. My
experience in building technology businesses from the ground up provide a basis to help
understand and formulate methods for technology introduction, diffusion, applicability,
financing, and business modeling.

My technology focus has been centered on the Internet (including web specific
technologies), security, information management, wireless networks, and video
distribution. I am familiar with a number of technologies with extensive use of open
source software (including legal obligations and issues).

During the past 10 years, I have been directly involved in 11 early stage companies. As a
member of the executive team and/or a founding member I have helped raise over $100
million in funding. My experience gives me the inside view on what it takes to create a
successful business.

The list of early stage companies that I've been involved with (and role), include:

1. HomeCom Communications (Initial technology creator and adviser) ¬
2. Harbinger Net Services (Sr. Software Engineer and 5th member of the team) †o
3. DirectSight Networks (Founder & CTO) ‡
4. Pathfire Inc. (VP Internet Services) †
5. nuBridges, LLC. (Founder & CTO) †
6. Refactored Networks (Adviser) †
7. Skyhook Wireless (Adviser, R&D) †
8. Appraisers of Georgia (Adviser, Investor) †
9. Capital Builders Group (Investor, adviser) †
10. Motionspeak, LLC. (Adviser) †
11. Universal Advertising (Investor, adviser) †

¬ Company went public in 1997 subsequently went bankrupt in 2001
† Ongoing entities as of April 2005
o DBA Inovis today
‡ DirectSight was purchased by Pathfire (then named Video Networks, Inc.)


During the last several years, I have become increasingly interested in technology beyond
my circle of current influence. This has ranged from public policy and the impact it has
on companies and technology adoption; to technology diffusion related to offshoring
activities; to the role of education in science and technology. My intention is to expand
this interest and my passion for technology adoption to other areas and countries.

While I do not have extensive international experience, I have traveled and presented
academic papers in Paris, France and Darmstadt, Germany. I have also traveled for
pleasure to Mexico and Canada. I have an interest in learning additional languages, but
beyond English, currently have only a very basic comprehension of Spanish.

Key experience:
• ~20 years of experience in software and technology
• BS and MS degrees in computer science
• worked for large, medium and small companies
• extensive startup experience (business plan, technology introduction, business modeling)
• fund raising experience
• operational and management experience

Key areas for growth:
• International experience
• Public policy work
• Fluency in foreign languages