Black Entrepreneur Experience — Episode 518
Transforming Cotton into Culture with Julius Tillery
Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Dr. Frances Richards
Guest: Dexter Cathy (Correction—Based on transcript, the episode features Dexter Cathy, founder of SmartEye Technology. Julius Tillery does not appear in this transcript.)
Episode Overview
In this episode, Dr. Frances Richards interviews Dexter Cathy, founder and "Chief Disruptor" of SmartEye Technology, a startup pioneering continuous facial recognition to protect digital documents from prying eyes. Dexter, who transitioned from a decades-long financial services career into tech entrepreneurship, shares the journey behind SmartEye, insights into funding and patenting innovative technology as a Black founder, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation explores the challenges and victories of building a high-end app, navigating global tech networks, and the personal motivations and legacy behind Dexter’s work.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Origin Story of SmartEye Technology
- Inciting Moment:
Dexter's pivotal idea came while networking in Israel at a cybersecurity conference, seeing open sensitive docs on a stranger’s laptop and realizing the universal need for better digital document privacy.“I just said to myself, you know, why should I be able to see any document that's on this cybersecurity guy's laptop screen?... What if we could create an app called SmartEye technology that would shut off if...anybody else looked physically at my screen?” [02:00]
- Rapid Pivot from Finance to Tech:
Dexter leveraged his finance background for business acumen and networking, building the tech side via Israeli development partners.
2. How SmartEye Works
- Continuous Facial Recognition:
SmartEye manages real-time facial recognition, blocking document access if anyone other than the authorized user is detected.“Ours is continuous. ...It actually follows your face to make sure that you are still looking at the screen. If you look away...it’ll say away from phone.” [04:10]
- User Experience:
Currently a mobile app, soon expanding to web and desktop; will warn users if “multiple viewers” are detected.“In about four to six weeks...you can use...a web app” as long as your device has a camera. [04:50]
3. Building and Launching a Tech Startup
- Advice for App Development:
- High costs: Quality app development is rarely cheap; expect $50,000 up to $1M+.
- Purpose matters: “It has to be a purpose for it. Could this be used in the business world? Could this be used for consumers?” [06:16]
- Research and planning around cloud storage and tech stack is crucial.
- Funding the Venture:
- Investors buy into the founder, not just the solution.
“They’re buying you. ...They have to know that you’re the person...they want to...put money in...” [08:26]
- Dexter’s family couldn’t finance the startup, so he leaned into his broader network and angel investors.
4. Global Tech and Innovation Partnerships
- The Israeli Tech Ecosystem:
Dexter shares his discovery of Israel as a tech hub, grounded in a “we’ll-figure-it-out” mentality and diversity that made collaboration fruitful.“It gives Silicon Valley a run for its money. ...Their mentality is if they don’t Understand something, they’ll figure it out.” [10:02]
- Cultural Openness:
Dexter felt at “home” in Israel, engaging with a diverse, English-speaking and direct business community.
5. SmartEye's Social & Organizational Impact
- Team Diversity and Opportunity:
SmartEye’s workforce is 80% women; intentional about opportunities for women and minorities, even as a startup.“We probably have...80% women...creating opportunities with women and other minorities...just happened that way.” [13:19]
6. Use Cases and Market Applications
- Document Security & Beyond:
- Prevents document leaks and accidental data sharing in any context (invoices, legal, healthcare).
- Integrated secure e-signature functionality with continuous authentication for strong non-repudiation.
- Bypasses email for document sharing, reducing vulnerability to phishing and fraud.
- Traction:
- 3 companies testing the business version, nearly 2,000 consumers currently using.
“We've got probably over close to almost 2,000 consumers using it right now...” [20:34]
- Healthcare Potential:
In response to Dr. Richards’ suggestion:“Absolutely. ...HIPAA and the healthcare industry” are key markets [21:10]
7. Privacy, Security & The Future of Digital Trust
- E-Signatures Problem Solved:
“If I send you a document right now, how can I verify that it was you...who physically signed that agreement?” [22:19] SmartEye ensures only the intended person can open and sign sensitive documents.
8. Entrepreneurship Wisdom: Funding, Mentors & Networking
- The Right Investors:
- Seek those who are aligned personally and professionally, not just dollars.
- Not all money is “good money;” value add matters.
- Mentorship:
“You have to have somebody in your life that cares about you...and wants to see you successful.” [16:56]
- Networking in the COVID Era:
- “It's not impossible...we have to be more innovative, more creative.”
- Leverage Zoom and phone; strategic, focused relationship-building is critical now. [29:01]
9. Personal Motivations, Legacy & “Why”
- Core Driver:
“I wanted to bring back privacy to people...That is my why.” [37:25]
- Values Driven by Family:
- Dexter’s father’s legacy and lessons about integrity and helping others have shaped his mission.
- Early labor and paying for private school himself taught discipline and accountability.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Vision and Passion:
“People have to know that you’re real in this thing because they buy you. ...They’re not buying your product...they’re buying you.” [08:26]
“Why are you doing what you're doing? The answer...is because I wanted to bring back privacy to people...That is my why.” [37:25]
Advice Gold:
“Not every money that comes into your organization is good money.” [27:07]
“If you don't have any. Go find some [mentors]. ...Go to expensive networking events, go where the people have money...” [16:56]
About Challenges and Grit:
“We had owed our developers in Israel close to $70,000...didn't have the money...waiting on some investors...so it was very challenging...But we got through it and moved on.” [25:16]
Diversity as a Natural Advantage:
“...About 80% women [in the company]...it’s just natural. It just happened that way.” [13:19]
Fun Fact: First Job Firing
“I said, listen, one day I'm going to own a business and you're going to work for me. And if you don't work for me, your kids are going to work for me. Wrong thing to say.” [41:11]
Timestamps of Important Segments
- Origin Story & SmartEye Purpose: [02:00]
- How SmartEye Works (Tech Features): [04:10–05:15]
- Building & Funding the Business: [07:16–09:40]
- Working with Israeli Developers: [10:02–13:14]
- Team Composition/Diversity: [13:19]
- E-signature Security Issue: [22:19–23:53]
- Fundraising for Black/Brown Founders – Advice: [27:07–28:46]
- Mentorship & Networking Essentials: [16:56, 29:01]
- Personal “Why” & Legacy: [37:25]
- First Job and Early Lessons: [40:12–41:47]
How to Support SmartEye
- Download SmartEye App: Available on Google Play and the App Store (search for “SmartEye tech” or “Smart iTech”).
- Share and Invite: Use the “Invite a friend” function in the app to spread awareness.
- Give Feedback and Ratings: Five-star reviews on app stores are encouraged.
- Connect via Website: smarteyetechnology.com
Final Thought
Dexter Cathy’s journey underscores the power of a founder’s “why” and the transformative potential of technology seeded in lived experiences and networks across industries and continents. His insight-packed story on Black Entrepreneur Experience illuminates not only the mechanics of building an innovative tech product but also the importance of personal growth, integrity, and community in entrepreneurship.