There was this guy named Ward who worked for a big advertising agency in NYC who came up with an idea to place digital screens in bars and restaurants, orientate the screens vertically to eliminate confusion with televisions, update content wirelessly, and sell advertising.  Ward hooked up with Kirk who was working as an investment banker to help raise capital and consult on the start-up.  Kirk was working with Joe and Steve who had a company that had developed proprietary technology to deliver media to desktops and edge devices.  Kirk connected the dots and introduced the parties.  Fast forward to Fall 2008 when everyone came together under one roof and you have the current incarnation of  Blast Panel.