How is your business helping to solve the health, social, or economic challenges created by COVID19?
At Reconnect, we're building modern tools for the criminal justice space that serve to improve outcomes for everyone involved –participants, case managers, probation officers, and society. Our technology provides a more effective way for pre-trial, probation, parole, and specialty court programs to operate. With COVID-19, “business as usual” for community supervision is impossible. Shelter-in-place rules have disrupted normal means for demonstrating compliance. Courts are scrambling to find communication tools, but are worried about security & HIPAA compliance. We have seen a surge of interest in our platform since COVID-19, with inbound requests growing weekly.Modern Communication with Security and ReportingReconnect’s smartphone & web tools enable HIPAA-compliant, secure, and auditable messaging between administrators and participants while they stay remote. This includes live video calls, offering a compliant alternative to tools not designed for this sector. Location MonitoringFor participants who need to adhere to location rules or curfew checks, Reconnect enables courts to monitor participant locations at a fraction of the cost of traditional ankle monitors. We achieve this through our app, and also offer a low-cost wearable for added security for those that need it. Remote Check-ins Whether it’s curfew or a support meeting our app makes it possible to quickly and securely complete a check-in remotely – all backed by state-of-the-art anti-cheat technology.
Does your business contribute most to recovery, response, or resilience?
Response - we're responding directly to issues caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
What is the stage of your product development?
I have a market ready product/service. I have sold to customers.
What strengths does your team bring? Include skills and personal experience with the problem.
In 2009, an acquaintance of Sam Hotchkiss, received a DUI. The process utilized outdated, phone-based systems, and Sam knew he could disrupt the industry. Sam and co-founder, Ed Larson started Call2test, a revolutionary tool for automated and randomized drug court check-ins. Last year expanded into court-ordered monitoring to launch Reconnect.SAM HOTCHKISS, CEO, CO-FOUNDERSam has built and sold two successful tech companies, including Parka to Automattic in 2014. Sam combines technical skill with vision to identify markets and motivate teams.BROOKE HAMILTON, VP, EXPERIENCEBrooke has a proven track record of creating enriched experiences within complex software, using data-driven design. An early employee at Certify, she’s skilled in using design to elevate growing companies.MELIH ONVURAL, VP, PRODUCTMelih built the OpenTok platform (sold to Telefonica), then helped raise >$15m and lead the spinout of Odeko from SumAllSAKET VORA, VP, HARDWARESaket led hardware engineering on Apple Watch and previously worked on the iPod and iPhone. JENNIFER JACOBS, CFO & COOA senior executive with 20+ years in highly regulated industries, Jennifer brings extensive experience in strategy, ops, and reporting, alongside a passion for improving society.JOHN MURRAY, VP, SALESAn experienced sales executive with a track record of identifying, hiring, and training talent and building sales organizations. John has been involved in multiple start-ups.
What countries do you operate in?
We are currently only selling into the U.S. market. We leverage a contractor in Argentina, but our employees are all in the U.S. (mostly in Maine).
Is your company headquartered in a US "Opportunity Zone"?
No
