Our Founding Story
Vannadium™ was founded in October 2021 by Rick Gilchrist and Walt Rampata with a bold vision: to address the growing challenges of data management and security with cutting-edge technology. With decades of combined experience in technology and operations, they recognized the critical need for a platform that could tackle the inefficiencies, vulnerabilities, and fragmentation across industries. Their journey began with a commitment to building proprietary solutions that empower users and organizations to regain control of their data.
With the invention of the proprietary Diffusion protocol in the summer of 2023, Vannadium’s vision went from a bold and audacious plan to a reality. We are now working to bring our suite of products and services to healthcare, renewable energy, supply chain, fintech, and the public sector.
Our Team
A team united in our quest for truth in data

Rick Gilchrist
Founder, CEO & Chairman
17x Technical cofounder across multiple industries. Accomplished serial entrepreneur with multiple exits who leads strategy, development and product at Vannadium.

Walt Rampata
Co-Founder, EVP
Seasoned entrepreneur, operator and marketing expert with 30+ years tactical experience leading and motivating teams to success.

COO
Scaled 5 startups, doubling growth as senior operations executive. Established, launched and operated 6 innovative lines of business; added 25K+ customers & >$20M revenue/yr.

Laura Fredericks
CMO
4x founder with expertise growing and scaling tech startups. Former Consumer Product Marketing lead at Kraken Digital Asset Exchange, responsible for >$60M transactional uplift.

Skylar Lyons
Head of Security & Compliance
Founder, Red Lion, LLC. Hacker and retired DEFCON GOON with expertise in information security, cybersecurity, and compliance. Former roles at US Department of Defense, Discovery Communications, and in cybersecurity for public sector clients.

Philip Luelsdorff
VP Business Development
US Army Ranger (ret) with Critical Logistics Operations experience. Thought leader and champion for web3, blockchain, and decentralization.

Jeff Englander
VP Sales
25+ yrs Sales & Sales Management with industry giants such as GE Information Services, GE Capital, US Bank, and JP Morgan

News + Speaking Highlights
Vannadium™ has been recognized as a leader in innovation across industries. Here are a few of our key moments:
- Featured in Innovations of the World DMV Edition
- DC Startup & Tech Week: Panelist and Pitch Finalist
- Government Blockchain Association 2024: Pitch Finalist
- Davos COP16 2024: Panelist
- New England Venture Summit 2024: Pitch Finalist & Top Innovator
- Web3 Track, CES 2025: Pitch winner