Seneca Group

Ray Hood is a seasoned CEO and technology executive with over 25 years of experience in leading enterprise software and technology companies. He has a proven track record in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and transforming small to midsize firms into global players. Ray's expertise spans sales, technology, and financial management, with a history of successful initial public offerings (IPOs), turnarounds, and strategic exits. Notably, he sold an $82 million software company for 80 times its earnings and 10 times its revenue, and founded a software company that reached a $300 million IPO in just six years. Throughout his career, Ray has held prominent positions in various companies, including serving on the Board of Directors and as an M&A Executive at One Network Enterprises, where he led the sale of the company to Blue Yonder. As CEO of Bibliotheca, he modernized the product line, rationalized global operations, and executed a strategic acquisition and sale that funded product development and reduced debt. At Cenergistic, Ray spearheaded the creation of an advanced software unit that utilized AI to achieve significant energy savings, enhancing both growth and profitability. Ray's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on finance, accounting, and computer science. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, having developed the first global software training program using microcomputers at Price Waterhouse Coopers. Outside of his professional endeavors, Ray enjoys world travel with his wife and raising their three sons.

Michael Burstein is a seasoned Chief Financial and Operations Executive with over 28 years of experience in driving performance improvement and growth in global technology companies. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, equity and debt financing, and financial controls. Throughout his career, Burstein has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead companies through critical phases, including IPOs and strategic exits. Mr. Burstein’s track record includes raising substantial amounts of capital, reducing operational costs, and improving financial metrics across various organizations. Prior to founding Seneca Group, he held leadership positions at companies such as Bibliotheca, Xpansiv Data Systems, EXE Technologies and Paradigm Geophysical, where he consistently drove revenue growth and operational efficiency. Burstein's educational background includes an MBA with an emphasis in Finance and Real Estate, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, both from Southern Methodist University. His diverse experience across multiple industries, coupled with his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, has established him as a highly effective leader in the corporate world. Throughout his career, Burstein has demonstrated a keen ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategic changes that result in significant financial gains and operational enhancements. In his spare time he enjoys biking, hiking and whitewater rafting.