Alan S. Knitowski among select group of CEOs accepted into prestigious leadership program by KPMG LLP and University of Michigan
Austin, TX [April 27, 2017] – Today, Phunware, whose mobile application lifecycle management platform helps brands engage, manage, and monetize mobile application users worldwide, announced that its CEO and President, Alan S. Knitowski, was selected as a class member of QuantumShift 2017 Top Entrepreneurs in America by KPMG LLP’s Private Market’s Group and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. The program identifies and selects up to 40 entrepreneurs leading high-growth, private companies each year.
“It’s an honor to be included among an incredible group of CEOs leading some of the highest-growth companies in America, and a particularly proud achievement to represent Austin in the 2017 class,” said Alan S. Knitowski. “Our growth and achievement at Phunware is a true testament to the team we have built and our continued leadership in mobile innovation, helping brands better engage, manage and monetize their mobile users anytime, anywhere.”
Alan S. Knitowski is one of 38 entrepreneurs in this year’s QuantumShift dynamic class from various industries, including technology, media and telecommunications, retail, healthcare and life sciences. Each entrepreneur has gone through an extensive vetting process and is only considered if their company meets specific criteria, including an established base of at least $20 million and a clear pathway for continued growth. The 2017 class of CEOs and business owners will undergo an intensive five-day learning, networking and collaboration program featuring sessions with Ross School of Business faculty and industry professionals.
In its second year, QuantumShift gives top entrepreneurs of private, U.S.-based companies the opportunity and resources they need to grow in an atmosphere that encourages leadership, intensive learning and accomplishment. Knitowski’s inclusion in the 2017 class marks the latest achievement for Phunware, following a year of impressive growth and the company’s recent announcement of an additional $22 million in Series F funding. Today, the Phunware platform touches more than 700 million active devices per month, and powers more than 1 trillion database events, earning the company inclusion on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list and national recognition as one of Forbes’ Most Promising Companies in America.
“We were impressed by the fantastic growth Alan Knitowski has accomplished at Phunware and believe it is vital to acknowledge and foster this growth,” said Brian Hughes, National Leader, KPMG LLP’s Private Markets Group. “This company’s track record demonstrates what we look for to cultivate in our QuantumShift program.”
“The QuantumShift program recognizes the achievements of high-growth entrepreneurs who are at the top of their game, and helps them lay a groundwork for the future,” said Stewart Thornhill, executive director of the Zell Lurie Institute at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. “We’re looking forward to working with Alan S. Knitowski and Phunware and we are excited to see what they accomplish.”
To learn more about Phunware’s continued growth and how the company is powering mobile experiences for some of the world’s most respected brands, visit www.phunware.com. For more information on QuantumShift, visit www.quantumshiftus.com and follow conversations using #QuantumShiftUS on Twitter.
About Phunware
Phunware is the pioneer of Multiscreen as a Service (MaaS), whose mobile application lifecycle management platform allows brands to engage, manage and monetize mobile application users worldwide. Phunware creates category-defining mobile experiences for the world’s most respected brands, with nearly 700 million devices touching its platform each month. For more information about how Phunware is transforming the way consumers interact with mobile in the virtual and physical worlds, visit www.phunware.com and follow us on Twitter @Phunware
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.kpmg.com/us), is the independent U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG International’s independent member firms have 189,000 professionals, including more than 9,000 partners, in 152 countries.
About University of Michigan: Ross School of Business
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a vibrant and distinctive learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change. Through thought and action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improves business and society. Housed within Michigan Ross, the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is a leading center for entrepreneurial thought leadership and engagement.
About QuantumShift
QuantumShift is a joint program between KPMG LLP’s Private Markets Group and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business that is rooted in sustained learning, networking and collaboration. Each year founders, owners and CEOs of private, U.S. companies are vetted through a nomination and application process reviewed by the Michigan Ross QuantumShift Admissions Committee. Candidates with an established revenue base of at least $20 million showing a strong record of revenue growth and a clear pathway for continued growth are selected and are eligible to participate in a week-long program to learn from distinguished Ross School of Business faculty members and a wealth of other talented professionals. Additionally, participants who complete the program gain access to an exclusive peer-to-peer Fellows Network focused on ongoing problem solving, development and mentorship.
