Key Deal Facts
We believe Tampa Deep Sea Xplorers is reenvisioning the capability of today’s existing deep sea exploration technology with their compact, portable, and affordable designs. We believe that TDSX’s Barracuda AUV has the ability to collect subsea data at a more rapid rate than anything currently available on the commercial market for modern explorers and researchers.
Driven by increasing adoption trends and a greater interest in deep sea surveillance across multiple industries, the unmanned, underwater vehicle market is a multibillion dollar sector – estimated to be worth over $2B in 2020 – and is projected to more than double by 2025 at a CAGR of 16.4%.*
TDSX’s motto of “Deeper, Faster, and Cheaper” encompasses our mission of making this type of equipment more accessible to all. Our products are designed to feature deep learning algorithms, artificial intelligence, and proprietary sensor technology, while eliminating many of the logistical costs typically associated with larger AUVs.
Management Team / Advisory Board Bios
Edward LarsonCo-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Engineer; DirectorEdward Larson - Mr. Larson is the Founder of Tampa Deep-Sea X-plorers LLC (TDSX). TDSX was formed for the purpose of competing for the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE, which was an open contest sponsored by the XPRIZE Foundation and Shell Oil Company. The goal of the contest was to develop autonomous underwater technology to map 100 square miles of ocean bottom, to a resolution of 15 meters, in a 24 hour period. TDSX was a semi-finalist team in the competition.
Mr. Larson has over 30 years of professional experience, working for a variety of large and small companies. His work experiences include rolls as an aircraft mechanic, life support technician, engineering technician, a CAD draftsman, network engineer, systems administrator, and a technical trainer. He has worked for a number of fortune 500 companies including: AT&T, Southern Company, Georgia Pacific, and Cisco Systems. Ed is an entrepreneur and has founded several companies. He is a former President of the Atlanta Hobby Robot Club and has been working with robotics for over 20 years. Ed holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Math and Computer Science and holds a Master of Science degree in International Business, from Georgia State University. He is bilingual and speaks German in addition to English.
Ed is a director for TDSX and serves on the Board of Directors.
Dennis LorenceCo-Founder and Product Designer; DirectorDennis Lorence has over 30 years in software development and management experience across multiple platforms, software packages and development tools. He has additional experience in electronics, mechanical/electro-mechanical engineering, automotive mechanics, 3D design and 3D printing. His past experience in IT has included Development Management, Team Leader, Agile team product owner, business analyst and software development. As a former IBM employee and contract programmer, Dennis has been able to enhance his abilities by gaining experience through multiple client environments and software applications and tools. He has strong application analysis, problem solving, design coding and database skills. His experience includes multiple types of databases including DBMS, NoSql, and Big Data transformation using ETL. He is also responsible for design and printing of all custom parts required for our Barracuda AUV through the use of Fusion360 and FDM/Resin printers. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Management from Nova University graduating as salutatorian.
Dennis is a director for TDSX and serves on the Board of Directors.
Joseph DaumChief Financial Officer; DirectorDr. Joseph R. Daum has a Doctorate of Business Administration. He has over 30 years of experience supporting the development and acquisition of weapon systems for the Air Force and United States Special Operations Command. Since his retirement in 2013 he has advised businesses in developing strategic business plans in support of their Government contract pursuits. He has over 20 years of experience teaching a variety of subjects to include research methods, statistics, project management, and supply chain management. Dr Daum will provide program management, proposal development, business development, and market analysis support.
Dr. Daum serves as CFO in charge of raising capital through private equity and grants to revolutionize the deep water robotics market. Responsible for developing proposals for federal grant programs and contracts to include the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Also serves as Program Manager responsible for coordinating rapid prototyping activities for the Awarded Conracts.
Joe is a director for TDSX and serves on the Board of Directors.,