The Team
Photo by Blair Bunting
BLACKBIRD
Our Culture
Our company is named after the SR-71 Blackbird. Like the team that created the SR-71 in 1960, we strive to think outside the box and push American innovation to its limits.
What was so special about the SR-71 BlackBird?
Outrun the Competition
No defense needed, the SR-71 simply outran enemy missiles.
Think Bold, Fly Higher
The SR-71 flew at higher altitude, not in the crowded airspace.
Leverage Early Technology
The SR-71 was 20 years ahead of its time, true American technology, grit, and innovation.
Our team at BlackBird has worked in many industry verticals over the last 20+ years. We have witnessed the rise and fall of many companies over the years, but noticed one thing that gives the largest advantage to success, SPEED.
Speed to market is considered one of the most critical factors in the success of a new business, because it allows a company to establish a strong brand presence and capture market share before competitors notice you exist. Early entrants can set industry standards, build customer loyalty, and create significant barriers to entry for others. This initial market dominance often translates into valuable insights about customer preferences and market dynamics, enabling the first movers to refine their products and services ahead of potential rivals. Additionally, being first to market can attract investors, generate buzz, and establish the company as an innovator and leader in its field. This early advantage can be pivotal in gaining a competitive edge, fostering growth, and securing a long-term position in the market.
Outrun the Competition
The vision for a reusable spacecraft marked a radical departure from traditional aerospace paradigms. Historically, space missions relied on expendable rockets, where expensive hardware was discarded after a single use. SpaceX, however, envisioned a future where rockets could be as reusable as commercial airplanes. This innovative approach was driven by the belief that reusability would drastically reduce the cost of space travel, making it more accessible and sustainable. SpaceX implemented this vision by developing the Falcon 9 rocket, designed to return to Earth and land vertically after delivering its payload to orbit. Through relentless experimentation and iterative design, SpaceX successfully demonstrated the feasibility of reusable rockets, fundamentally transforming the economics of space exploration.
Think Bold, Fly Higher
WHO WE ARE
Meet the Managing Partners
Ready to get your product to market? Our diverse team can help you design and manufacture your product. Additionally, BlackBird offers business consulting, guiding you to product/market fit and increasing sales.
Greg Gibson
Business Development
Mr. Gibson is the operational manager for BlackBird, along with supplying management consulting to clients on behalf of the company. Greg has performed on a multitude of projects in various market segments, including private equity, agriculture, oil & gas, medical, and humanitarian aid. Greg brings to bear a deep understanding of organizational management, business valuation, capital raises, product/market fit, sales modeling, and general management consulting. His partners in past and present ventures rely on his extensive knowledge of business development and corporate guidance.
Ricard, Nyman, PhD
AI and Machine Learning
Dr. Nyman has a background studying mathematics (MSci from Imperial College London, graduating with First Class Honours) and computational finance, artificial intelligence and machine learning (MRes from University College London, graduating with Distinction). His doctoral research (University College London) spanned the fields of AI/ML, finance/economics and computer science.
Rickard has over 10 years of industry experience leveraging machine-learning and AI modelling, computational linguistics and statistics to understand and derive value from unstructured data in order to solve real-world problems. He has applied his skills in a range of industries ranging from finance, central banking and insurance to the humanitarian sector.
In addition, Rickard is a published author having presented his academic research at venues such as the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, the Federal Reserve, the Institute For New Economic Thinking and NeurIPS.
Brett Byer
Hardware Engineering
Brett Byer is an accomplished hardware engineer specializing in embedded systems, wireless sensors, and finished product design. With extensive experience managing hardware teams and establishing manufacturing lines internationally for renowned corporations such as NASA, Sonos, and Elemental Machines, Brett excels in end-to-end product development. From initial ideation and prototyping to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and global mass production, Brett ensures seamless transitions and comprehensive solutions tailored to clients' specific needs.
Thomas Simpson
Software Engineering
Thomas Simpson has been in the software development business for over thirty years. His background is in technology (BS in Computer and Information Science and MS in Software Engineering) and he focuses on Software Architecture, Product Management, Software Engineering, SDLC, and direct Software Development. Thomas has worked in various industries (e-commerce, financial, legal, marketing, defense) in professional environments ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies like Cisco Systems, Napa, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, C-Spire, Verizon, GlaxoSmithKline, U. S. Naval Academy, Navy Seabees, the United Nations, and a litany of private companies.
BlackBird leverages cutting-edge machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to speedup the development processes and enhance performance. By integrating advanced ML algorithms, BlackBird automates various stages of software development, from code generation and testing to bug detection and optimization. AI-driven predictive analytics enable the company to anticipate potential issues and proactively address them, reducing downtime and enhancing system reliability. Additionally, BlackBird employs AI-powered tools to streamline project management and resource allocation, ensuring optimal efficiency and faster delivery times. Through continuous learning and adaptation, these intelligent systems help BlackBird stay ahead of the curve, providing high-quality, performance-optimized solutions to their clients with significantly reduced development cycles.
Leverage Early Technology
