As it raises its Series A funding round, Solace Power of Mount Pearl, NL, has named Michael Gotlieb as CEO to guide the company alongside Founder and President Kris McNeil.

Solace Power specializes in wireless power – that is, delivering electrical energy to batteries or devices without any wires attached to them. It works on projects for specific customers, such as Boeing and data solutions company Byrne, and then licenses the technology to them.

A company spokesperson said Gotlieb will be focused on increasing licensing opportunities for Solace while working with McNeil to streamline other areas of the business as it expands.

"Michael's experience driving commercial opportunities and executing corporate strategy make him an ideal fit to lead Solace through the next stage of growth," said Solace Chair Gordon Conlin in the statement. "Under Michael's leadership, we have a strong team in place that's focused on increasing market opportunities."

Gotlieb joins Solace from wireless power solutions provider, NuCurrent, where he led all customer interactions and guided the strategy and product roadmap. Gotlieb's 25-year global technology career includes experience in embedded electronics, analog/power, software and services across a multitude of end markets.

Gotlieb has served in several strategic leadership roles including Motorola and its IPO spin out, Freescale Semiconductor.  At Freescale, Gotlieb was instrumental in creating the turnaround strategy resulting in the sale of the company for $17.6 billion.

Kathy Hudson To Lead Sequence's Scientific Advisory Board

"Solace provides compelling technology for a diverse set of customers and applications. I look forward to helping deliver on Solace's full potential and on the differentiated advantages of RC2," said Gotlieb. "Wireless power is experiencing tremendous expansion in awareness, product exploration and first-generation implementation. Next generation solutions, like Solace's, will ignite a much larger movement to re-architect and reconsider existing power transfer solutions."

Also on Thursday, McNeil claimed the first prize for the Technology and Communications category at Atlantic EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 in Moncton.

With 35 employees, Solace has been bringing capital into the company to fuel the growth. It is now in the process of raising Series A financing, though the spokesperson declined to provide details, such as how much it hopes to raise. Since the beginning of June, Solace Power has announced a total of $3.3 million in government financing and a US$2.3 million investment from Lockheed Martin. The company previously raised funding from the First Angel Network. 

The company said Gotlieb is joining a strong executive team comprising seasoned leaders in the commercialization of disruptive technologies, including: McNeil; Neil Chaulk, Vice-President of Business Development; Magnus Nyberg, Vice-President of Engineering; and Frank Iadipaolo, Chief Financial Officer.

Solace Power made the announcement at the Wireless Power Summit in Denver, where it is showcasing its RC wireless power technology.