Pryzm – Matt Hawkins ’17

Among the many graduates of the Class of 2017, Matt Hawkins is attempting to make his mark as the innovative mind behind Pryzm. As a founder with a clear vision and a mission-driven approach, Hawkins is committed to revolutionizing public sector technology. His journey with Pryzm isn’t just about launching a startup; it’s about tackling critical problems with efficiency and purpose.

Hawkins’ philosophy is straightforward: “The world is moving faster than our ability to solve its problems.” He sees Pryzm as an ecosystem platform designed to address national-scale issues, particularly those involving government interaction, funding, and policy. With a background deeply rooted in technology at Lockheed Martin and public service, Hawkins has always been driven by a desire to make meaningful change. Growing up, Hawkins was no stranger to the complexities of public infrastructure and technology. His academic journey began at Colby College, where he was heavily involved in community activities like COOT and student government. These experiences shaped his understanding of leadership and collaboration.

The inception of Pryzm was sparked by a profound realization of inefficiencies within the government contracting process. “It’s a very manual process to match the mission need with the solution,” Hawkins explains. This led him and his co-founder, Nick LaRovere, also a Colby alum, to dive deep into the problem space. They attended conferences, engaged with industry experts, and conducted extensive research to understand the pain points and gaps in the current system.

Initially, the team had explored the real estate sector but soon realized a misalignment with their core mission. “We had to make a decision that we didn’t have the right market and product fit,” Hawkins admits. This pivotal moment led to a strategic pivot, redirecting their focus towards public sector technology.

By November, Pryzm had begun to take shape as an innovative platform aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government projects. “We started iterating on our ideas, engaging with program managers in the aerospace world,” Hawkins shares. This hands-on approach enabled them to refine their product and align it more closely with market needs. One of the key elements that sets Pryzm apart is its ability to navigate the labyrinthine world of government contracts. “We’re building a big data pipeline to interpret and flag information, making it accessible and relevant for technology companies,” Hawkins explains. This capability is critical in addressing the fragmented information space that often hinders efficient problem-solving in the public sector.

For Hawkins, the journey with Pryzm is deeply personal and collaborative. “I’m building this with some of my best friends,” he notes. This camaraderie and shared vision have been instrumental in navigating the ups and downs of startup life. Their collective experience and dedication have positioned Pryzm as a formidable player in the public sector technology space.

Hawkins’ advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from Colby, is rooted in resilience and practical experience. “Don’t be afraid to pivot, take risks, and ask hard questions,” he advises. He also underscores the value of industry experience, emphasizing that while a venture may be the end goal, earning real-world experience can provide invaluable insights and skills that are essential for building successful ventures.

Interview by Joshua Varghese ’25.