Entrepreneur, AgeTech pioneer, and technologist on a mission to rebuild how we think about AI, create technology that is "kind" and connect our ecosystems - one conversation at a time.
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Matt Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Speak2, a New York-based AgeTech company reimagining how marginalized and contained ecosystems engage, communicate with, and care for each other. What started as a deeply personal mission - building simpler technology for his own aging mother - has grown into a platform trusted by communities nationwide.
Before Speak2, Matt spent time as an executive technology leader across consulting, cloud infrastructure, mobile platforms, and enterprise software. He scaled companies from startup to exits, served as CTO and General Manager for multiple firms, and consulted for clients across Australia, New Zealand, and the US. His career is built on applying emerging technology to real business outcomes, bringing serious enterprise credibility to a mission-driven startup.
At Speak2, Matt has led the platform's evolution from a simple voice-command tool built on Amazon Alexa into a full-stack senior living marketplace, the first of its kind. Speak2 manages resident programming, dining, services, NFC-powered care tracking, AI operations, family communication and more. The company was inspired by his mother's experience with macular degeneration and the barriers she faced using everyday technology.
Beyond Speak2, Matt serves on the board of United We Age, a Florida-based nonprofit connecting people of all ages through accessible technology, where he launched the free Lifestyle Activities Program used by activity directors across the country. He holds a BA in Music from Hunter College, is an avid reader and forces many to the karaoke stage. He brings a rare combination of empathy, product thinking, and executive grit to every stage and microphone.
Founded and leads the AgeTech platform serving 160+ senior living communities. Built on AWS, Alexa, Node.js, and React; evolved into a full engagement marketplace with AI capabilities.
Focused on cloud transformation and adoption, worked with various companies and state agencies to select and implement cloud technology. Played a key role in planning and deploying AWS and Microsoft cloud solutions from analysis through go-live.
Created go-to-market strategy for cloud transformation services. Engaged directly with enterprise clients to define the ROI of migrating workloads and applications to the cloud. Speaker at IBM InterConnect 2016.
Evolved the business model from traditional staff augmentation to a digital agency in mobile and cloud. Created SaaS solutions using AWS and open-source tools, and led client adoption across Australia and New Zealand.
Built a Mobility-as-a-Service platform combining cloud infrastructure with mobile delivery patterns. Architected the platform on IBM MobileFirst, AWS, and Rackspace, managed onshore and offshore development, and aligned the product with major mobile and cloud vendor strategies.
Grew the East Region from $6M to $25M in revenue and 15 to 120 employees. Managed full P&L, sales, delivery, and executive client relationships for an IBM-focused professional services firm.
Grew boutique IBM consulting firm from 5 to 22 employees, 300% revenue increase. Finalist for the 2007 IBM Distinguished Achievement Award. Speaker at IBM Lotusphere and IBM Portal Technical Conference.
Further experience (1998–2015) available on LinkedIn.
As AI becomes embedded in healthcare, senior care, and daily life, the stakes for getting it right have never been higher. Matt explores what it means to build and deploy AI responsibly - balancing innovation with transparency, bias mitigation, data privacy, and the human judgment that technology should support, not replace.
Why AgeTech is one of the most underfunded and overlooked sectors in tech - and how entrepreneurs, investors, and operators can seize the moment as America's population ages.
Why senior living communities are evolving into consumer-driven marketplaces - and what that means for residents, families, and operators.
From idea to product to scale - Matt has lived every stage of the startup journey and loves sharing what he's learned. Whether you're pre-launch or post-revenue, he brings hard-won insights on building a team, finding customers, navigating pivots, and staying mission-driven when the road gets hard.
From corporate executive to mission-driven startup founder: building a software company in one of America's most underserved, fastest-growing markets.
Senior isolation is one of the defining public health challenges of our time. How the right platform - built simply - can restore connection and community.
Conferences & Events
Orlando, FL - April 21-24, 2025 - "Technology Adoption Barriers and Remedies in Senior Living"
Palm Springs, CA - Fall 2023 - "Innovation & New Technology"
Atlanta, GA - March 2023 - "Voice is the Great Equalizer"
Fall 2022 - "Privacy Concerns in an Era of Smart Technology"
Washington, DC - September 6, 2022 - "What Life Could Be Like"
June 25, 2021 - "The Power of Voice Technology"
Panel discussion on AI, job opportunities, and the startup ecosystem for business students
Joined the nonprofit board in February 2024; launched the free Lifestyle Activities Program used by activity directors nationwide
Podcasts
"Invisible Tech, Visible Support: Empowering Older Adults and Caregivers with Matt Smith"
"Technology Exclusion Among Older Generations"
"Ethical AI and Business Growth"
"Ethical AI Explained"
"Digital Inclusion"
"Restoring Autonomy in Senior Living: A Conversation with Matt Smith, Co-Founder of Speak2"
"What's Next in Senior Living"
"Building a Company with Kindness"
Featured guest discussing Speak2's voice-driven platform for assisted living and the ROI of voice technology in senior care
Press & Earlier Appearances
In-depth CEO interview on Speak2's mission to connect aging adults with family and friends through voice technology
Featured in coverage of how Speak2's platform was helping families communicate with loved ones in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Speaker at IBM's flagship cloud and mobile conference representing Coda Global's cloud transformation practice
Speaker at two consecutive IBM enterprise technology conferences representing Ascendant Technology's East Region
Featured speaker at IBM enterprise events as CTO of E2 Consulting Group, an IBM Distinguished Achievement Award finalist
Everything a podcast host, event organizer, or media producer needs - all in one place.
Available on the Speak2 About page - right-click to save, or contact us for original high-res files
Articles and thought leadership on senior living trends, resident engagement, and AgeTech innovation
Full platform details, features, and mission at speak2family.com - ideal for show notes and program bios
Need a custom bio, show notes draft, or interview prep doc? Get in touch.
Whether you're booking a podcast guest, a conference panelist, or a keynote voice on AgeTech and senior living - Matt brings real stories, hard-won expertise, and a mission that resonates.