Today’s Entrepreneur is Anthony Kelani, Co-Founder and CEO of Showkit with 10+ years of software development experience. ShowKit is a cloud-based communication platform that adds real-time screen sharing, co-navigation and video chat to any mobile app with a few lines of code.
Kelani is previously Head of Mobile R&D, Northrop Grumman and Head of Engineering, Curious Minds Incubator. He earned his BS in Computer Engineering and Computer Science at University of Southern Califoria last 2006.
ShowKit was a top eight finalist in the Vator Splash Oakland 2015 startup competition.
Showkit self-categorizes itself in these areas: Enterprise software, Mobile, Video conferencing, Collaboration, and Video chat.
The top 8 finalist will compete and present live on stage in front of several hundred tech influencers (CEOs, media and investors).
Here’s a little about Kelani:
Companies I’ve founded or co-founded: FixUp
Companies I work or worked for: Northrop Grumman Corp., CuriousMinds
Achievements (products built, personal awards won):
- Various award winning mobile solutions for the armed forces – Northrop Grumman
- 2014 TechCrunch Disrupt NY Finalist – ShowKit
My favorite startups: Uber, Nest, Product Hunt
What’s most frustrating and rewarding about entrepreneurship/innovation?
It’s rewarding waking up everyday knowing you’re working on a product you are passionate about and believe will change the world.
The responsibilities involved with being a CEO is pretty challenging, but I like challenge and I’m able to adapt and learn.
What’s the No. 1 mistake entrepreneurs make? Not having a focus. I’m guilty of this, but I’ve learned quickly.
What are the top three lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
- Hire people who are smarter than you.
- Be decisive. Execute!
- Listen but take advice with a grain of salt. Not all advice is good advice.
Full bio: I’m a hacker, developer and a leader. I am passionate about mobile technology and it’s applications to real-world problems.
At Northrop-Grumman, I founded and led the research and development initiative to bring mobile solutions to the Armed Forces. I designed and developed mobile situational awareness and collaboration technology that is used by soldiers on the battlefield today.
Currently, I am CEO & Co-Founder of a hot new startup, ShowKit. We’ve invented technology to bring real-time communication and interaction to mobile devices. With our SDK and a few lines of code you can implement real-time video, screen sharing and gesture sharing into any of your apps. This technology can applied to various industries including mobile customer support, mobile customer engagement/up-selling, medical services, gaming, etc.
*Want to be included in our Today’s Entrepreneur series? Email me: mitos@vator.tv
