Saturday, November 3, 2012

SolidWorks Founders Reunite to Ponder Their Second Act

SolidWorks Founders Reunite to Ponder Their Second Act:
Scott Harris, one of the founders of SolidWorks -- as well as friend and fellow bike
rider -- called to confirm news that had already spread like morning wildfire on
tweets and blogs1. He and the original founders and leaders of SolidWorks had formed a new
company.
The company is called Belmont Technology, Inc. It was incorporated yesterday2.
The name serves as a place holder -- maybe until the group can figure out
what they will produce. Belmont is a town in Massachusetts, a few miles from
Winchester, which served as a placeholder name until Winchester Designs, before it changed
its name to SolidWorks.
The group includes John Hirschtick, John McEleney, Scott Harris, Dave
Corcoran, Mike Lauer and Tommy Li. They plan on putting their minds together to develop
tools and technologies for designers and engineers, so will be brainstorming
ideas. "Not a line of code has been written yet," says Scott.
Scott and I had discussed the need of a truly intuitive design tool a few
times over the hundreds of miles we rode together. CAD programs fall short on being really intuitive for design, says Scott. He
still sees lots of opportuniy to improve product design tools. Of course, he expects his ideas to be weighed with ideas from others in the group as the fledgling company moves forward.
The group will soon be seeking
external funding, however, rather than try to bootstrap it.
Any reaction from Dassault? I ask. Nothing official, though Dassault has been
informed. We have been above board with them, says Scott. One may assume that non-compete clauses have expired.
Scott will be reducing his multiple activities to devote himself full time to
this new venture, he says. Less time with technology companies who he advises. Cutting back on his teaching at Olin College. Less time with search and
rescue. Less time biking, running? I hope not.
--
Notes:
1. Ray Kurland first to report on his blog, which was then #1 story on TenLinks Daily.
2. Belmont Technology incorporated in state of Delaware on Nov 1, 2012, according to the official state website.

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