The Next Step in Democratizing Security

In view of today’s announcement, I wanted to provide a little more color about how this all relates to our mission and why this moment is so important to that mission. People who join Evolv, including me, come here because we want to make the world a safe place to live, work, learn, and play. We think of ourselves as the human security company because we want security to be less invasive, more human and effective. 

I believe this mission is now more urgent than ever because we’re the only company democratizing security in a way that will actually make a difference. That’s a bold statement, but we’re living in a time when bold action is required. Democratizing security is going to be a huge effort, and I believe we’re much more likely to pull it off as a public company.  Here’s why we’re so passionate about doing this right now, in this way.

The world is more dangerous than ever before. There were 661 mass shootings in the United States in 2020, a 40% annual increase in a year when most gathering spaces were restricted or shut down. New gun purchases were up 64% last year in the United States, a country that already had more guns than people. US CDC research says 40% of adults reported recent battles with mental health or substance abuse during 2020, with the prevalence of anxiety up 3X and depression up 4X year on year. Some of that anxiety may recede as we come to terms with the pandemic, but all those guns are still out there and the polarization and inequality that drive many acts of violence remain. In this chronically volatile environment, keeping weapons out of gathering spaces must be a top priority for every venue and facility.

Consumers demand touchless experiences everywhere. Even before the pandemic, seemingly every aspect of the consumer experience was going touchless: payments, tickets, retail, bathroom fixtures, doors, minivan hatches, you name it. Crowded security lines and hands-on bag checks were just a nuisance in the past, but now they are unthinkable. No one wants security guards touching their stuff or their person without good reason. The future of the security experience must be touchless and fast.

Analog security processes won’t cut it anymore. Traditional security products are too slow, costly, and error prone for today’s world. Even the most motivated well-trained guards can only do so much, especially when they are fighting a flood of nuisance alarms from outdated analog technology that can’t tell the difference between a gun and a phone. As I wrote last year, I believe that the future of security is fully digital.  This digital transformation will not only reduce costs, but also unlock innovations that transform the experience from a trial to be endured into a social gathering to be enjoyed.

Security screening isn’t just for airports and jails anymore. It comes as no surprise that very few of the 661 mass shootings in the U.S. last year happened at airports or jails, where security screening is mandatory. The shootings happened at all the other places where people gather: schools, industrial workplaces, offices, malls, places of worship, and stadiums. These facilities need the protection that security screening provides, but they’ll never deploy it at scale until it costs far less without the jailhouse or airport experience. That’s what we do, and we’re now ready to scale it up.

The barriers to democratizing security have fallen. Security screening operations based on our technology costs up to 70% less than traditional screening based on walk-through metal detectors, and we do it up to 10 times faster. And we offer our technology under a modern annual subscription pricing model that reduces up-front costs and gives customers access to future product enhancements. Our customers tell us that we find weapons their old systems would have missed, that their employees and visitors love the experience, and that the promised cost savings are real. In summary, it is now possible for most large facilities to keep dangerous weapons out while keeping visitors, students and employees happy.

The capital we raise through today’s transaction will help us build toward realizing our vision and accomplishing our mission. That means extending our product portfolio, ramping up our sales and marketing activities, and scaling up production of our current products. Being a public company provides access to capital for these activities both now and in the future.

The SPAC approach to becoming a public company has been fantastic because it not only accelerates the whole process of becoming a public company, but also allows us to work with the team at NewHold. Their deep networks, expertise, and experience will be very useful as we rapidly scale our disruptive businesses.

Evolv Technology, the Leader in AI-Enabled Touchless Security Screening, to Become Publicly Traded Through Merger with NewHold Investment Corp.

  • Evolv is the leader in AI touchless security screening, dedicated to making the world a safer place to live, work, learn and play by helping to protect innocent people from mass shootings and terrorist attacks.  Evolv has screened over 50 million people, second only to the TSA in screening people in the U.S.
  • Combined company expected to have a post-transaction pro forma total enterprise value of approximately $1.25 billion, total equity value of approximately $1.7 billion and intends to remain listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “EVLV” following an anticipated transaction close in Q2 2021.
  • The combined company is expected to have approximately $470 million in gross proceeds, assuming no trust account redemptions – comprised of $172.5 million of cash held in trust from NewHold Investment Corp. and an upsized $300 million fully committed common stock private investment (“PIPE”) at $10.00 per share.
  • The upsized and oversubscribed $300 million PIPE is anchored by strategic partners including Motorola Solutions Inc., and top-tier institutional investors including Magnetar Capital, Eldridge, Senator Investment Group and UBS O’Connor, in addition to investments from star athletes, franchise owners and managers including Peyton Manning, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Joe Torre, Theo Epstein, Tony Ressler, Mark Attanasio and Bennett Rosenthal, who all want the world to re-open, and re-open safely.
  • All current Evolv stockholders, including Bill Gates, Lux Capital, General Catalyst, DCVC, SineWave Ventures, Motorola Solutions, STANLEY Ventures, and Finback Investment Partners, will retain their equity holdings through closing.
  • Proceeds will fund rapid growth, expand international markets and help accelerate adjacencies through partnerships and acquisitions. For example, in 2020, the company introduced integrated thermal sensor and Evolv TempCheck software to screen for elevated body temperatures.
  • Evolv is the first company in the industry to introduce a subscription SaaS Model with its customers, including, Uber, Lincoln Center, L.L. Bean, and Six Flags.
  • Evolv and NewHold will host a joint investor conference call to discuss the proposed transaction on March 8th, 2021 at 7:00 AM EST. To access the conference call, please visit https://nhicspac.com or use dial-in 1-844-512-2921 and enter passcode 1143844.

For additional information visit: NHICspac.com

NEW YORK, NY & WALTHAM, MA – March 8, 2021 – Evolv Technology (“Evolv”), the leader in AI touchless security screening, and NewHold Investment Corp. (“NewHold”) (NASDAQ: NHIC), a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”), today announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement for a business combination that will result in Evolv becoming a publicly traded company. It is anticipated that Evolv will trade on the NASDAQ with the ticker symbol “EVLV” after the deal closes in Q2 2021. 

Evolv Technology – Leader with Unrivaled Technology and Market Presence

Evolv is transforming the physical security industry, as the first AI-enabled touchless screening system in the market. The Evolv Express® system delivers up to a 70% reduction in cost and is ten times faster than traditional metal detectors, resulting in screening an unparalleled 3,600 people per hour, per system. The system allows for visitors to pass through screening without breaking stride and continuing the pace of life, improving security at the speed and scale required in this post-pandemic world.  Built on its Evolv Cortex AI™ software platform, Evolv is continually improving the security posture for customers through machine learning and analytical insights on-demand, an industry first.  

The world’s most iconic venues and companies place their trust in Evolv to protect their employees and visitors including Uber, Lincoln Center, L.L. Bean, Six Flags and others.  In addition, Evolv signed a significant technology and go-to-market partnership with Motorola Solutions, a global leader in land mobile radio mission-critical communications, video security and analytics, and command center software for enterprise and public safety customers.  Evolv expects this partnership to accelerate growth and market presence going forward.

The New Reality for Security is a Seamless Experience

In the current and post-pandemic world, organizations are and will be looking for solutions to support safe operations that address threats from weapons violence and public health threats. These venues, companies and schools need security that does not disrupt the public gathering experience and avoids the problems that come with traditional security approaches such as crowds, single file lines, bag checks, wands and pat downs. These organizations are also looking for ways to improve their customer experience by combining security with ticketing for a seamless and touchless visitor experience. Evolv is at the forefront of this convergence, which can be achieved through an intelligent software-based approach to physical security.

Proposed Transaction is the Next Logical Step 

Evolv’s patented and rapidly expanding technology portfolio in weapons screening provides the company with significant competitive advantages to capitalize on a substantial global market opportunity, estimated to be approximately 0 billion for Evolv’s AI-enabled touchless screening systems. Its software platform allows for rapid integration of new capabilities such as the recently launched thermal scanning.

Having delivered strong annual revenue growth and winning contracts with some of the most iconic brands in sports, entertainment, cultural and corporate environments, Evolv and its Board of Directors believe this proposed transaction is the appropriate next step to position the company for continued success. 

Management and Investor Comments

“Evolv Technology was built with a mission to make people safer in their everyday lives – whether at work, in stores, stadiums, concert halls, theme parks or schools,” said Peter George, CEO of Evolv. “In a world where increasing weapons violence and health threats imperil human security, our platform identifies threats before they cause harm, without the invasive pat downs, wands and bag checks experienced with traditional metal detector technology. Every Evolv team member shares that mission: to save lives. Our merger with NewHold will provide the capital to build upon our expansive vision for human security.”

“Evolv Technology presents a preeminent opportunity to build the world’s most important enterprise in physical security, expanding the boundaries through AI and analytics,” said Kevin Charlton, CEO of NewHold Investment Corp. “This transaction will provide Peter and the Evolv team with the capital to continue to develop the leading technologies that will make people safer and make their lives more convenient.”

Transaction Overview

Pursuant to the merger agreement, Evolv will merge with a wholly owned subsidiary of NewHold, with Evolv being the surviving entity of the merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of NewHold. NewHold, which currently holds approximately 72.5 million of cash in trust, will be renamed to Evolv Technology, Inc. following the merger. The combined entity will have an estimated pro forma enterprise value of approximately .25 billion. The upsized and oversubscribed 00 million PIPE includes investors such as Motorola Solutions, Inc., Magnetar Capital, Eldridge, Senator Investment Group and UBS O’Connor, in addition to investments from star athletes, franchise owners and managers. Assuming no trust account redemptions by NewHold’s public stockholders, Evolv’s existing stockholders will own approximately 72% of the fully diluted shares of common stock of the combined company immediately following the closing of the business combination. 

The combined company expects to receive approximately 70 million in gross proceeds from the trust account and PIPE investors, assuming no redemptions by NewHold’s existing public shareholders. These cash proceeds are expected to be used to extend Evolv’s product portfolio, operating expenses incurred as a result of customer demand, and working capital to support increasing production demand. In addition, proceeds will be used to expand the company’s penetration of the physical security market and build new markets with its touchless security-as-a-service technology.

Following the closing of the transaction, the company will be led by CEO Peter George.  Kevin Charlton, CEO of NewHold and Neil Glat, board member of NewHold, will join Evolv’s Board of Directors alongside Evolv CEO Peter George, Evolv Co-Founder Mike Ellenbogen, Chairman Alan Cohen of DCVC, David Orfao of General Catalyst, Bilal Zuberi of Lux Capital, an executive from Motorola Solutions, Merline Saintil and Mark Sullivan.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both NewHold and Evolv and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of NewHold’s stockholders. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. 

Additional information about the proposed business combination, including a copy of the merger agreement and investor presentation, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by NewHold today with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at www.sec.gov. The investor presentation can be found on NewHold’s website at https://nhicspac.com. In addition, NewHold Investment Corp. intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus, and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC.

Investor Conference Call Information

Evolv Technology and NewHold Investment Corp. will host a joint investor conference call to discuss the proposed transaction on March 8th, 2021 at 7:00 AM EST. To access the conference call, please visit https://nhicspac.com or via dial-in at 1-844-512-2921 with passcode 1143844.

Advisors

Cowen is acting as sole financial and capital markets advisor to Evolv.  Cowen acted as sole placement agent to NewHold in connection with the 00 million PIPE.  Stifel is acting as sole financial and capital markets advisor to NewHold. Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel to Evolv and Loeb & Loeb LLP is acting as legal counsel to NewHold. 

About Evolv Technology

Evolv Technology is the world’s leading provider of AI touchless security screening systems that enhance safety without sacrificing the visitor, student and employee experience. Built on top of its Evolv Cortex AI™ software platform, the company provides an array of AI touchless screening technologies for weapons detection, identity verification and health-related threats.

Led by a team of security industry leaders with a track record for delivering first-to-market products, Evolv’s investors include Bill Gates, Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s firm, Finback Investment Partners, DCVC, General Catalyst Partners, Lux Capital, SineWave Ventures, Motorola Solutions and STANLEY Ventures. The company’s partners include Motorola Solutions, STANLEY Security and Johnson Controls. Evolv Express® has earned industry accolades such as the 2020 Edison Awards™, two Campus Safety 2020 BEST Awards, Campus Security & Life Safety magazine’s Secure Campus 2020 Awards and Best Places to Work by Inc. Magazine and Built in Boston.

Evolv Technology, Evolv Express®, Evolv TempCheck™, and Evolv Cortex AI™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.  

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.

About NewHold Investment Corp.

NewHold Investment Corp. is a blank check company formed in 2020 for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue a business combination target in any business or industry, it focuses on identifying businesses in the industrial technology sector. For more information visit https://nhicspac.com.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the proposed transaction between NewHold Investment Corp. (“NewHold”) and Evolv Technologies, Inc. (“Evolv”). These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of NewHold’s securities, (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 5, 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among NewHold, Evolv and NHIC Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of NewHold, by the stockholders of NewHold, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following redemptions by NewHold’s public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals, (iv) the lack of a third party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the transaction, (v) the inability to complete the PIPE investment in connection with the transaction, (vi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, (vii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Evolv Aviation’s business relationships, operating results and business generally, (viii) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Evolv and potential difficulties in Evolv employee retention as a result of the transaction, (ix) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Evolv or against NewHold related to the Merger Agreement or the transaction, (x) the ability to maintain the listing of NewHold’s securities on a national securities exchange, (xi) the price of NewHold’s securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which NewHold plans to operate or Evolv operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting NewHold’s or Evolv’s business and changes in the combined capital structure, (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities, and (xiii) the risk of downturns and a changing regulatory landscape in Evolv’s highly competitive industry. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of NewHold’s registration on Form S-1 (File No. 333-239822), the registration statement on Form S-4 discussed above and other documents filed by NewHold from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and except as required by law NewHold and Evolv assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither NewHold nor Evolv gives any assurance that either NewHold or Evolv or the combined company will achieve its expectations.

Any financial projections in this communication are forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond NewHold’s and Evolv’s control. While all projections are necessarily speculative, NewHold and Evolv believe that the preparation of prospective financial information involves increasingly higher levels of uncertainty the further out the projection extends from the date of preparation. The assumptions and estimates underlying the projected results are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the projections. The inclusion of projections in this communication should not be regarded as an indication that NewHold and Evolv, or their representatives, considered or consider the projections to be a reliable prediction of future events.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

This document relates to a proposed transaction between NewHold and Evolv. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. NewHold intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which will include a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of NewHold, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. A proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all NewHold stockholders. NewHold also will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of NewHold are urged to read the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by NewHold through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from NewHold upon written request to NewHold Investment Corp., c/o NewHold Enterprises, LLC, 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 2005, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Charlie Baynes-Reid, or by calling (212) 653-0153, or by email at info@newholdllc.com

Participants in the Solicitation

NewHold and Evolv and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from NewHold’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of the directors and executive officers of NewHold and information regarding their interests in the business combination will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus when available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction.

For Evolv Technology:

Investor Contact:
Michael Bowen and Ryan Gardella
EvolvIR@icrinc.com

Media Contact:
Jed Hamilton
EvolvPR@icrinc.com 


For NewHold Investment Corp.:

Investor & Media Contact:
Amanda Tarplin
amanda@tarplinconsulting.com

Manchester City’s new Touchless Security Screening

Supporters will Benefit from an Improved Matchday Experience at the Etihad Stadium

Welcoming thousands of supporters into sports stadia in a time-efficient manner has always been a priority for clubs around the world.

With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic ensuring that the highest standards of public health and safety are maintained, alongside an efficient and smooth operation, has never been more important.

New Technology

In June of 2019, Manchester City FC entered into discussions with Evolv about the company’s Evolv Express® system, which provides security screening using touchless technology.

The club witnessed firsthand the free-flow nature of the touchless system the company provides, benefiting from the ability to screen thousands of supporters in a timeframe that would not have been achievable before.

Following the onset of the Coronavirus, the world of sports shut down and the once vibrant matchday which saw thousands of supporters enjoying live sport fell silent.

Over the summer months, the English Premier League began ‘Project Restart’ to bring the sport back in a ‘Behind Closed Doors’ format. Whilst this meant that Manchester City supporters were unable to attend matches, the wider club operation sprang back into action with new guidelines in place to protect everyone on site at the Etihad Stadium, which included social distancing.

Evolv Express was piloted for the remainder of the season’s matches and was used to ensure that everyone who entered the stadium was able to do so in a manner which prioritised health and safety, as well as ensuring they benefited from an efficient experience with minimal queuing times.

When the Etihad Stadium is permitted to reopen its doors to supporters again, Evolv Express will remain in place so that supporters can be welcomed back with fast, touchless and respectful screening, providing them with an enhanced matchday experience.

It’s Time to Go Touchless!
Sign up for a live virtual demo.

New System in Place to Enhance Security at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

MILWAUKEE (Feb. 22, 2021) – Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is teaming up with Evolv Technology to bring a state-of-the-art security and screening system to enhance the safety of guests and team members.

Evolv’s artificial intelligence-based touchless system, Evolv Express®, will help promote safety by using weapons detection screening without needing guests to walk through individually as is the case with traditional screening methods. While weapons of any kind have never been allowed on property, this new system will detect them if they are brought in and guests will be asked to remove them from the property.

The Evolv system also offers thermal imaging in the continued effort to protect against COVID-19. Guests will no longer need to stop at the entrance to have their temperature taken by hand, which is the system that has been in place since Potawatomi re-opened in June.

“The health and safety of our guests and team members continues to be our number one priority,” said Potawatomi Hotel & Casino CEO and General Manager Rodney Ferguson. “This new technology allows us to ramp up our efforts while continuing to provide guests the entertainment and service they’ve come to expect.”

Evolv, which has been providing this new touchless security screening since 2017, is second only to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in number of people screened by its system – more than 50 million people at venues across the country.

While Evolv is providing screening services at high-profile attractions such as Six Flags theme parks, Hersheypark, and Oakland International Airport, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will be the first casino in the United States to utilize the technology for guest safety.

“Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is known for delivering an industry-best guest experience,” said Evolv Technology Chief Executive Officer Peter George. “Proactively addressing concerns brought on by issues like viruses and concealed weapons is paramount for venues to help people feel safe while enjoying their leisure time. It’s in keeping with Potawatomi’s well-earned ‘customer-first’ reputation to be setting the pace for other casinos and hotels.”

The new screening system will be in place at each guest entrance: the main lobby on the south side of the casino, the parking garage Skyway, and the hotel lobby. Guests will not have to stop, empty their pockets, or have their bags checked unless directed to by security. Guests may still be asked to provide identification to show they are 21 years or older.

Click here to see Evolv Express, the same system being installed at Potawatomi, in action.

 

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For more information, contact:
Jay Saunders
Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (414) 847-7717
Cell: (414) 339-8439
Twitter: @paysbig

Evolv Technology Appoints Tech Industry Veteran Merline Saintil to its Board of Directors

ormer Adobe and Yahoo! executive brings technology expertise to leader in AI-based human security screening

WALTHAM, MA, February 18, 2021 – Evolv Technology, the world’s leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-based touchless security screening systems, today announced the appointment of digital transformation executive Merline Saintil to its board of directors. The 20-year technology industry veteran is widely respected for providing world-class innovators and market makers with strategic leadership, insightful guidance and operational expertise to dominate the markets they serve.

Saintil has a proven track record of developing global award-winning products at iconic Fortune 500 and privately held companies including Intuit, Yahoo!, PayPal, Adobe, Joyent and Sun Microsystems. A recognized leader in data analytics, cloud computing, mobility and ecommerce, she has directed and quickly scaled product development teams for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) companies, advised CEOs, and driven strategic mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. She was also a key member of the leadership team that took one of the world’s largest payments management software companies, Change Healthcare, public in 2019.

Evolv Technology is the world’s first and only commercially successful provider of AI-based touchless security screening systems. Evolv Express® is deployed around the globe and has been used to screen more than 50 million people – second only to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in number of people safely screened.

“Merline is an outstanding addition to our board of directors, having served in leadership roles with some of the world’s most game-changing, innovative software companies,” said Evolv Technology Chief Executive Officer Peter George. “Given the positive impact she has had on high-growth SaaS companies, Merline brings an incredible wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly help drive our future success.”

Committed to advancing opportunities for women in technology fields, Saintil began her career as a software engineer. Active in the CXO community, a popular speaker at top conferences and sought-after for industry insights, she has earned accolades that include one of the 22 Most Powerful Women Engineers in the World by Business Insider, one of the Most Influential Corporate Directors by Women’s Inc. and a Woman of Influence by Silicon Valley Business Journal. Underscoring her role as a mentor, she has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Girls in Tech. Saintil also serves on the boards at unicorns GitLab and Lightspeed HQ as well as ShotSpotter, Alkami Technology and Banner Bank.

“Evolv’s breakthrough platform fundamentally changes how organizations protect visitors and employees from a host of threats, and makes the experience more open and frictionless,” Saintil said. “It is rare that such a public good is harnessed to an enormous market opportunity and a strong team. I am excited to be part of the mission with the Evolv team.”

To keep pace with its rapid growth, Evolv Technology is expanding all areas of its business after doubling its growth in 2020. Last month, the company added several internationally respected industry veterans to its leadership team. Dana Loof joined as chief marketing officer (CMO) from Palo Alto Networks, Eric Pyenson as general counsel from VMware’s Carbon Black Security Business Unit, and A.J. De Rosa as chief revenue officer (CRO) from Orbital Insight.

With its systems in use at hundreds of outdoor entertainment venues, cultural landmarks, corporations, warehouses, schools, hospitals, stadiums and large-scale events worldwide, Evolv Technology’s customers include Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, L.L. Bean, Wynn Las Vegas, Oakland International Airport, two South Carolina school districts, Hersheypark, Set Jet, the Biltmore Estate and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. By using Evolv Express, organizations optimize the performance of their security teams while reducing screening expenses by as much as 70 percent.

About Evolv Technology  

Evolv Technology is the world’s leading provider of touchless security screening systems that enhance safety without sacrificing the visitor experience. Built on top of its Cortex AI™ software platform, the company provides an array of AI-based touchless screening technologies for weapons detection, identity verification and health-related threats.

Led by a team of security industry leaders with a track record for delivering first-to-market products, Evolv Technology’s investors include Bill Gates, Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s firm, Finback Investment Partners, DCVC, General Catalyst Partners, Lux Capital, SineWave Ventures and STANLEY Ventures. The company’s partners include STANLEY Security and Johnson Controls. Evolv Express has earned industry accolades such as the 2020 Edison Awards™, two Campus Safety 2020 BEST Awards, Campus Security & Life Safety magazine’s Secure Campus 2020 Awards and Best Places to Work by Inc. Magazine and Built in Boston.

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.

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PR Contacts:

Evolv Technology
Julie Zomar
media@evolvtechnology.com
(781) 374-8100

CHEN PR for Evolv Technology
Jennifer Torode
jtorode@chenpr.com
(781) 672-3119

 

Evolv Technology and Evolv Express are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Copyright © 2020 Evolv Technologies, Inc.

Whitepaper: How Fast, Reliable Screening is Crucial to Bringing Back Live Events

Summary

While these days we all yearn to return to some semblance of normal life, a Harris Poll survey commissioned by Evolv Technology indicates most aren’t going to feel comfortable returning to concerts, sporting events and the like for several months after the pandemic has subsided. The reluctance largely has to do with security screening methods that, while necessary and welcome, create lines and crowding that are unacceptable to large swaths of would-be event attendees.

Download Now

Fill out the form to download this report to learn more about visitor sentiment regarding COVID, mass shootings and their physical safety at live events.

Digital Threshold News: Episode 6 – A Conversation on Innovation, Ideation and Data

Where is the pace of innovation, ideation and data heading? It’s a substantial question with multiple answers. Technology and those behind it are at their crux problem-solvers, and the world still has plenty of problems to solve.

In looking at technology’s future, Evolv started the year utilizing its next episode of Digital Threshold Live to talk about innovation, the art of the possible, tech trends that are emerging and what’s next.

Host Anil Chitkara, Evolv Technology Co-founder and Head of Corporate Development, invited Bilal Zuberi, Partner at Lux Capital and Evolv Advisor, to the show. Lux Capital focuses on “investing in people inventing the future.” Zuberi has a passion for startups that solve big, practical problems. His insight and experience brought lots of hot topics to the surface during the conversation. 

Zuberi’s Story

Zuberi is a Pakistani immigrant that came to the U.S. for school whose father joked he should learn to make toothpaste.

“My dad told me to learn how to make toothpaste, because it was expensive, but they don’t teach you that studying chemistry,” he said.

What he did learn would fuel his American dream story. After earning his Ph.D. from MIT, he went from academia to industry.

“I wanted to make an impact on a greater number of people,” Zuberi said.

And he has by investing in companies that bring a greater value to society through technology that helps all and pushes humans to the next frontier. 

The Source of Innovation Has Shifted

Zuberi also spoke about the major changes with innovation. The patent system began the invention economy, but innovation was top-down until the past few decades, starting with the military, then commercial, then the consumer. 

The consumer technology evolution turned this around, as risk capital became available on the basis of an idea. Zuberi cites the iPhone is a great example. The touchscreen was a consumer product before it moved to other applications. That paradigm shift sets up where the world is now on innovation.

Tech Trends and Themes

So, how does Zuberi make investment decisions? Many times, it’s a process that starts with one company and plots a path. 

“We invested in a company that made satellite antennas, and they told us about a company producing nanosatellites, and then that led to a company using machine learning and AI to process satellite imagery. Then it was a cloud company to hold the data,” he said.

The themes he’s currently most excited about are biocomputation and simulations. Simulations allow you to model the physics of the space then throw in many different variations of what could happen. This type of application is very conducive to security in venues.

“With scenario modeling to plan, then real-time responses improve, [it’s about] turning data into how to respond, not just what’s happening,” Zuberi explained. 

Simulation can lead to better decision-making and making people and places safer. While the technology used in such an application isn’t unique, as it could be replicated, the differentiator is the speed of innovation.

What Did CES Show the World about Innovation?

To cap the conversation, Zuberi and Chitkara spoke about this year’s virtual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Trends that Zuberi picked up on relate to our current world.

“We’ve brought things outside of the home to the inside—education, healthcare, work, food, which leads to new problems and new technology,” he said. 

Business models for technology are also evolving. First, it was sell something, then sell something better in two years. Then it was sell the hardware and the software. Now, the hardware is free, but the subscription is the revenue generator.

Other key topics included automation and specificity – the idea of a solution that’s smarter and more targeted, not simply automated, trends in sanitization, the infrastructure our world will need to better accommodate innovative technology solutions, and more.

The service is what matters now, Zuberi believes. He also noted that there’s a quote of “software eating the world.” The answer? Data and simulation can fill it back up. The trick is to use the data deliver better solutions and experiences.

You can view the OnDemand version of the webcast by clicking on the video below.

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Evolv Technology Names Palo Alto Networks Executive Dana Loof as Chief Marketing Officer

Cybersecurity veteran brings track record of successfully developing world-class brands for hyper-growth disruptors

WALTHAM, MA, January 27, 2021 – Evolv Technology, the world’s leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-based touchless security screening systems, today announced the appointment of Dana Loof as chief marketing officer (CMO), reporting to Peter George, Evolv Technology’s chief executive officer (CEO).

In this new position for the company, Loof assumes worldwide responsibility for all Evolv Technology marketing and communications initiatives. The 25-year industry marketing veteran brings a stellar track record in launching innovative and disruptive infrastructure technologies and building category leaders.

Loof joins Evolv Technology from Palo Alto Networks, where she most recently served as vice president of marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In addition to Palo Alto Networks, she has held key marketing roles at eVault (acquired by Seagate), Veritas (acquired by Symantec) and Oracle.

The world’s pioneer and market leader in AI-based touchless security screening systems, Evolv Technology recorded 100 percent growth in 2020. Highlights include record sales to some of the world’s top brands, new strategic partnerships, and adding growth equity from blue-chip investors. Evolv Express® is deployed worldwide and has been used to screen more than 50 million people – second only to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in people safely screened.

“Evolv’s rise to leadership in the security screening industry demanded that we hire a marketing leader equal to the company’s potential and rapidly expanding market reach,” said Evolv Technology CEO Peter George. “Dana’s experience and leadership will play a pivotal role, helping an enormous marketplace understand the clear, demonstrable advantages our touchless security systems provide.”

“The twin threats of gun violence and a world challenged by the COVID pandemic mandate new approaches to delivering safety and a sense of well-being for our most important private and public venues,” said Evolv Technology CMO Dana Loof. “By harnessing our technical innovations in sensors and AI to overcome the widely recognized deficiencies of outdated security screening products, Evolv enables ticketed venues, workplaces, schools and other public-facing organizations to vastly improve their ability to keep their customers, employees, guests, students and staffs safe and to rapidly and more naturally enter venues. It’s exciting to join such a talented and respected team with such a clear and compelling mission.”

Following its rapid growth, Evolv Technology earlier this month announced the appointment of Eric Pyenson as general counsel, who previously served as vice president and general counsel of the VMware Carbon Black Security Business Unit. The company also named A.J. De Rosa as chief revenue officer (CRO), who previously served as CRO with Orbital Insight.

Evolv Technology is leading the digital transformation of physical security, one that is touchless and addresses the new normal threat of pandemic viruses as well as concealed weapons. Using AI software and powerful sensors, Evolv Express can screen up to 3,600 people per hour – 10 times faster than legacy approaches such as metal detectors, hand wands and manual inspections. The system enables social distancing at entrances and other security checkpoints while minimizing person-to-person interaction—requiring no stopping, no emptying of pockets or removing bags. People being screened simply walk through naturally, alleviating potential crowding and long lines while greatly reducing contact between guests, employees and security staff.

In use at hundreds of outdoor entertainment venues, cultural landmarks, corporations,  warehouses, schools, hospitals, stadiums and large-scale events worldwide, Evolv Technology’s customers include Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, L.L. Bean, Wynn Las Vegas, Oakland International Airport, two South Carolina school districts, Hersheypark, Set Jet, the Biltmore Estate and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. By using Evolv Express, organizations optimize the performance of their security teams while reducing screening expenses by as much as 70 percent.

 

About Evolv Technology  

Evolv Technology is the pioneer and world’s leading provider of touchless security screening systems that enhance safety without sacrificing the visitor experience. Built on top of its Cortex AI™ platform, the company provides an array of AI-based touchless screening technologies for weapons detection, identity verification and health related threats.

Led by a team of security industry leaders with a track record for delivering first-to-market products, Evolv’s investors include Bill Gates, Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s firm, Finback Investment Partners, DCVC, General Catalyst Partners, Lux Capital, SineWave Ventures and STANLEY Ventures. The company’s partners include STANLEY Security and Johnson Controls. Evolv Express has earned industry accolades such as the 2020 Edison Awards™, two Campus Safety 2020 BEST Awards, Campus Security & Life Safety magazine’s Secure Campus 2020 Awards and Best Places to Work by Inc. Magazine and Built in Boston.

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com

 

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PR Contacts:

Evolv Technology
Julie Zomar
media@evolvtechnology.com
(781) 374-8100

CHEN PR for Evolv
Jennifer Torode
jtorode@chenpr.com
(781) 672-3119

 

Evolv Technology and Evolv Express are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Copyright © 2020 Evolv Technologies, Inc.

Data and Simulation Are Rebuilding the World

Bilal Zuberi, Partner at Lux Capital, tells Evolv Technology Co-Founder Anil Chitkara about some of his group’s latest investments and the trends he sees being relevant in the technology and automation spaces based on learnings from CES.

Evolv Technology Expands Executive Team as Company Accelerates Growth Following Record Year

AI-based Touchless Security Screening Leader Adds C-suite Industry Veterans from VMware Carbon Black and Orbital Insight

WALTHAM, MA, January 13, 2021 – Evolv Technology, today announced the appointments of a pair of executives with proven track records for guiding high-growth digital technology companies into global market leaders. Eric Pyenson joins as general counsel from VMware Carbon Black and A.J. De Rosa as chief revenue officer (CRO) from Orbital Insight.

Evolv just completed its most successful year since being founded in 2013. Scaling operations across all functions, the company is the world’s first and only commercially successful provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-based touchless security screening systems. Evolv Express® is deployed worldwide and has been used to screen more than 50 million people – second in numbers only to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Pyenson is a veteran technology industry lawyer and management executive with broad private and public company experience, including managing multiple initial public offerings (IPOs) and strategic transactions, as well as building respected in-house legal teams. He joins Evolv as general counsel from VMware Carbon Black, where he served as vice president and general counsel of the Carbon Black Security Business Unit following VMware’s $2.1 billion acquisition of Carbon Black in 2019. Previously, as Carbon Black’s general counsel and a member of the executive team, he helped lead its $175 million IPO in 2018. He also served in a similar role with A123 Systems, which had one of the most successful IPOs in the clean technology sector. Notably, he has significant international and security experience serving the U.S. government on counterterrorism matters earlier in his career.

As Evolv’s new CRO, De Rosa is responsible for all sales, business development, customer success and strategic partnership initiatives. Most recently, he served as CRO at Orbital Insight, where as head of all client-facing operations, sales, customer success and marketing efforts he helped the company to establish a global leadership position in the geospatial analytics sector. With expertise in advanced sensors, data analytics, SaaS-based models and sales optimization methodologies, he brings to his new role more than 25 years of experience scaling global sales organizations, building strategic relationships and driving customer success. Earlier in his career, as senior managing director and co-head of global sales at Eze Software Group, he built a team that grew annual sales in excess of $100 million.

“We’re living in chaotic, stressful times and having a sense of safety has never been more important,” said Evolv Technology CEO Peter George. “Evolv identified early on that human security had to be fundamentally rethought in order to provide substantially better outcomes – capable of addressing known threats as well as risks that would inevitably present themselves in the future. By combining our vision with advanced technologies, we’re leading that digital transformation. We’re thrilled to welcome Eric and A.J. to the team. They’ll play important roles as we accelerate our growth and keep even more people safe around the globe.”

Evolv is leading the digital transformation of physical security, one that is touchless and addresses the ‘new normal’ threat of pandemic viruses as well as concealed weapons. Using AI software and powerful sensors, Evolv Express can screen up to 3,600 people per hour – 10 times faster than legacy approaches such as metal detectors, hand wands and manual inspections. The system enables social distancing at entrances and other security checkpoints while minimizing person-to-person interaction—requiring no stopping, no emptying of pockets or removing bags. People being screened simply walk through naturally, alleviating potential crowding and long lines while greatly reducing contact between guests, employees and security staff.

In use at hundreds of outdoor entertainment venues, cultural landmarks, corporations,  warehouses, schools, hospitals, stadiums and large-scale events worldwide, Evolv’s customers include Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, L.L. Bean, Wynn Las Vegas, Oakland International Airport, two South Carolina school districts, Hersheypark, Set Jet, the Biltmore Estate and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. By using Evolv Express, organizations optimize the performance of their security teams while reducing screening expenses by as much as 70 percent.

 About Evolv Technology  

Evolv Technology is the world’s leading provider of touchless security screening systems that enhance safety without sacrificing the visitor experience. The company’s latest product, coupled with a thermal imaging package, spots concealed weapons and potential virus infection threats using advanced digital sensors and artificial intelligence that is highly accurate, discreet and delivers significantly more throughput than older, analog technologies. Evolv Express® has earned industry accolades such as the 2020 Edison Awards™, two Campus Safety 2020 BEST Awards, and Campus Security & Life Safety magazine’s Secure Campus 2020 Awards.

Led by a team of security industry thought leaders with a track record for delivering first-to-market products, the company holds numerous patents. Evolv’s investors include Bill Gates, Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s firm, Finback Investment Partners, DCVC (Data Collective), General Catalyst Partners, Lux Capital, SineWave Ventures and STANLEY Ventures. The company’s partners include STANLEY Security and Johnson Controls. For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.

 

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PR Contacts:

Evolv Technology
Jeff Whatcott
media@evolvtechnology.com
(617) 209-9926

CHEN PR for Evolv
Jennifer Torode
jtorode@chenpr.com
(781) 672-3119

Evolv Technology and Evolv Express are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Copyright © 2020 Evolv Technologies, Inc.