Callpod

About Callpod

Founded in 2001 by the entrepreneurial duo Darren Guccione and Craig Lurey, Callpod emerged as a developer of electronic and software solutions catering to the burgeoning mobile accessories market. The company's inception was driven by a concept for mobile conferencing technology that enabled multiplexing audio signals from a single mobile device to several wireless headsets. This initial focus led to the creation of a diverse product portfolio that included wireless headsets, portable and multi-device charging solutions like the Chargepod and Fueltank, Bluetooth devices, and mobile gaming accessories.

The founders brought a complementary blend of expertise to the venture. Darren Guccione, serving as CEO, possesses a strong background in finance and engineering, having earned a Master's in Accounting & Finance and a B.S. in Industrial & Mechanical Engineering. His prior experience includes serving as CFO for Apollo Solutions, which was successfully acquired by CNET Networks. Craig Lurey, the CTO, applied his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience as a software engineer at Motorola to oversee technology and product development. Their collaboration predates Callpod, having worked together on a previous venture.

A significant milestone in the company's trajectory was its strategic entry into the software market. Observing a gap in the market for mobile security, especially with the rise of smartphones, the founders developed Keeper, a secure password and data vault application. Initially launched in 2009 for the iPhone, Keeper quickly gained traction, becoming a highly downloaded business application. This software was designed to provide robust 128-bit AES encryption for sensitive user information, a feature approved by the U.S. government for protecting top-secret information. The success of Keeper prompted a pivotal shift in the company's strategy; following the 2008 recession, Callpod pivoted to focus on cybersecurity, establishing Keeper Security as a wholly-owned subsidiary and eventually exiting the hardware business.