Proto Hologram

Proto Hologram, formerly PORTL Hologram, is a technology company specializing in holographic communication. Founded in 2018 by David Nussbaum, the company has developed a patented device and platform for holoportation. Nussbaum, who has a 30-year background in broadcasting and 15 years in the hologram space, envisioned a shift from using holograms to resurrect deceased performers to connecting living people in real-time. The company rebranded in March 2022 to reflect its focus on two-way holographic communications.

The company's business model revolves around the sale of its holographic devices, primarily the 7-foot-tall Proto Epic and the smaller, tabletop Proto M. Revenue is also generated through strategic partnerships and platform-based offerings, including content creation, technology licensing, and software services like the Proto AI Persona Suite. The company has secured significant funding, including a $12 million Series A round in 2021 and investments from notable figures like Tim Draper, Howie Mandel, and firms such as Christie's Ventures and Cartan Capital. The estimated annual revenue for 2025 is approximately $17.6 million.

Proto's technology enables the projection of life-sized, 4K, 3D holograms of people and objects in real-time, creating an immersive and interactive experience without the need for headsets. Users can be 'beamed' from any location with a camera to a Proto device anywhere in the world, facilitating two-way communication. The system integrates advanced holographic displays, augmented reality, and gesture recognition. Key products include the human-sized Epic device and the smaller 'M' tabletop version. In February 2025, the company launched a holographic advertising network in 30 Simon mall locations. Additionally, Proto introduced RetailSage, a holographic conversational AI platform for the retail sector.

Proto serves a diverse clientele across various sectors, including enterprise, entertainment, education, retail, and healthcare. Clients include Fortune 500 companies like H&M, T-Mobile, and Netflix, as well as major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB), auction houses like Christie's, and educational institutions. The technology is used for remote presentations, virtual shopping displays, patient consultations, immersive learning, and live events. In February 2025, Todd Bouman, formerly of Sharp/NEC, was appointed CEO, with founder David Nussbaum stepping into the role of chairman to focus on the company's strategic vision.

Keywords: holographic communication, holoportation, 3D display technology, telepresence, augmented reality, interactive displays, digital signage, virtual events, enterprise communication, retail technology