COMPANY INFO
The actual company name is Vatn Systems. It was founded in 2023 by Nelson Mills, who is the CEO, along with key founding team members Geoff Manchester, Freddie Mills, and Dan Hendrix. The company has about 9 employees and is headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Vatn Systems operates in the marine industry, specializing in building affordable autonomous underwater vehicles that operate in cooperative swarms. Their advanced navigation software is designed to work effectively in GPS, vision, and communications-compromised environments, enabling military and defense operators to perform missions efficiently with reduced hardware costs. The company website is https://www.vatnsystems.com.
Vatn Systems is a pioneering marine technology company specializing in affordable autonomous underwater vehicles operating in cooperative swarms. Headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Vatn Systems serves the defense and commercial sectors by delivering advanced navigation software for challenging environments.
Vatn Systems’ leadership team combines expertise in engineering, military operations, manufacturing, finance, and cutting-edge AI. The Vatn Systems executives have founded and scaled innovative ventures, contributing backgrounds in mechanical engineering, robotics, venture investing, operations, and defense. Together, these Vatn Systems executives drive the company's mission to redefine underwater robotics with best-in-class technologies and operational excellence.
Nelson Mills is the CEO and founder of Vatn Systems, setting the vision for the company and leading innovation in autonomous underwater vehicles. Nelson Mills has spearheaded Vatn Systems leadership in underwater drone technology, driving adoption in the defense sector and expanding the company's capabilities in advanced navigation and efficient hardware.
Nelson holds both an MBA and BA from Columbia University. He previously invested at Link Ventures, Lux Capital, and Global Founders Capital, and led hull development at Pure Watercraft, a leading electric boating startup. With a background in finance, entrepreneurship, and maritime technology, he brings a valuable perspective as both builder and investor to the Vatn Systems management team.
Geoff Manchester serves as CTO, responsible for engineering, technology innovation, and product development at Vatn Systems. Geoff Manchester leads the design and deployment of the company’s next-generation autonomous underwater vehicles, leveraging expertise in mechanical engineering and maritime systems.
He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University-Bozeman and previously served as director of engineering at a private family office managing solar, battery storage microgrids, and maritime projects. Geoff’s prior roles include VP of Operations at Lighthouse Solar and work in naval architecture and electric hydrofoiling boat development, making him an essential member of the Vatn Systems executives.
Freddie Mills is COO at Vatn Systems, overseeing operations, manufacturing, and team management. He ensures production efficiency and has led teams building complex composite parts, directing day-to-day logistics and process improvements across the growing Vatn Systems management team.
He brings experience as a manufacturing technician, tug boat captain, and owner of Mills Composites, where he led engineering teams in advanced materials. A USCG licensed 100-ton captain, Freddie specializes in vessel logistics and operational excellence for autonomous marine systems.
Dan Hendrix is the CRO driving business development, commercial sales, and strategic partnerships at Vatn Systems. Dan Hendrix draws on his technology program management expertise and government project experience to secure new defense contracts and drive Vatn Systems’ revenue growth.
A former Special Forces Dive unit commander and Deputy Commander in the National Guard, Dan holds a BS from the US Air Force Academy and a Master’s in Military Doctrine and Strategic Management. His military background underpins his leadership in client engagement and mission-critical growth.
Stephane Uhl leads financial planning, budgeting, and controls at Vatn Systems. Stephane Uhl’s work underpins the company’s operational efficiency and supports long-term strategic initiatives, playing a key role in the Vatn Systems leadership structure.
He holds a Master in Management from Grenoble Ecole de Management, with a career spanning finance and IT management roles at Hutchinson and NEOTISS. Stephane’s expertise in FP&A and financial controls strengthens the Vatn Systems management team.
Patryk Deptula heads machine learning R&D at Vatn Systems, developing data-driven algorithms for advanced underwater vehicle autonomy. Patryk Deptula leads AI and control improvements, optimizing mission performance in challenging marine environments.
He earned his PhD and MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida. With prior roles at Draper and UF labs, he brings hands-on research experience in robotics, control theory, and machine learning to the Vatn Systems executives group.
Brendan Smith manages production operations, scaling the company’s manufacturing to support demand from defense and commercial partners. Brendan Smith applies his expertise to streamline production processes and oversee quality control.
He holds an MBA from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business and previously worked in production management at Boston Dynamics and Raytheon Technologies. Brendan’s engineering and manufacturing experience bolsters the execution capabilities of the Vatn Systems management team.
Alex Jensen is the Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer specializing in control systems for autonomous vehicles. Alex Jensen’s work enhances the accuracy and reliability of Vatn Systems products.
He holds an MS from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a BS from Brigham Young University in Mechanical Engineering, with prior roles at Collins Aerospace and Autoliv focused on control systems and robotics.
Noah Jenkins works as Senior Engineer, developing sonar, radar, and acoustic signal processing solutions for underwater vehicles. Noah Jenkins delivers technical excellence in applied mathematics and engineering, critical to the Vatn Systems leadership approach.
He received a BS in Applied Mathematics from the University of Connecticut, and previously developed sonar/radar solutions at STR, Metron, and Applied Physical Sciences Corp.
Steven Iannucci serves as Autonomous Systems Engineer, focusing on robotics, machine learning, and system engineering. Steven Iannucci supports Vatn Systems’ R&D and system integration for product innovation.
He holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, and has prior experience in R&D and engineering roles at PacMar Technologies and WaveForce Technologies.
The Vatn Systems leadership team is a blend of founders, seasoned engineers, military veterans, and business experts, each bringing unique skills that propel the company’s rapid growth. With a flat company structure and a startup-driven culture, Vatn Systems founders and executives shape the company’s agile approach, ability to innovate, and robust delivery for commercial and defense markets. Together, this management team sets Vatn Systems apart as a leader in autonomous marine technology.
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