Insights Articles

MEET Damon O’Connell 
Founder | Flashback Data | Austin, Texas 

Flashback Data has been a pioneer in data recovery and digital forensics for over two decades, earning international recognition for groundbreaking solutions and industry-first achievements. Now, with Flashback Data officially joining Array, we sat down with Founder Damon O’Connell to talk about his journey, the evolution of digital forensics and eDiscovery, and why this next chapter is all about scale, innovation, and customer experience.

What inspired you to start Flashback Data?

It all started out of necessity – and determination. I had helped launch a data recovery and digital forensics lab for someone else, but when the partnership didn’t work out, I decided to take a new path.

That very day, I learned my wife and I were expecting our second child, Olivia. I told her, “I’ve built two labs before – now it’s time to build one of our own.”

I called up former co-workers, and together we founded Flashback Data, LLC. What started as a bold leap became the foundation for a company that would soon change the industry.

What was your original mission, and how has it evolved?

Our mission was ambitious: to become a globally recognized data services leader by embracing innovation and delivering an exceptional client experience.

Over time, we realized staying ahead of technology required significant investment – but our “why” evolved into something more human: helping people and uncovering the truth. Whether it was recovering data thought to be lost forever or delivering forensic insights that brought clarity to complex cases, that mission has guided us for more than 20 years.

What made Flashback Data stand out in the industry?

Two things set us apart: innovation and credibility.

In data recovery, we had access to technology that could restore files even experts had deemed unrecoverable. In digital forensics, we became the first private laboratory in the world accredited under ISO standards – a milestone that opened doors to contracts with law enforcement, the federal government, and international agencies.

Our clients helped us stand out too, trusting us with sensitive, high-stakes projects that shaped our reputation as pioneers in the field.

How has the litigation support industry changed since you started?

I entered this space in 2001, when data recovery was just beginning to emerge. Digital forensics followed, and then came eDiscovery – a shift that made services more software-driven and far more profitable.

Early on, the lines blurred between forensic investigations and eDiscovery, with sales teams often jumping in without deep technical understanding. Over time, that’s changed. The legal community now recognizes that both eDiscovery and digital forensics are essential and distinct, each playing a critical role in modern litigation.

Where do you see the industry heading in the next five years?

Artificial intelligence will transform both eDiscovery and digital forensics. We’ll be able to work more efficiently, and profitability will rise.

The challenge will be authenticity – proving what’s real and what’s AI-generated. That’s where expertise and trust will matter more than ever.

How did this acquisition with Array come about?

I first met David Vandygriff at Legal Tech in Los Angeles, back when he was with Advanced Discovery. Over time, we stayed in touch and explored opportunities together.

More recently, we began engaging with Array. After learning about their success, culture, and dedication to customer experience, it was clear they were the right partner to help us grow and better serve our clients.

What impressed you most about Array, and what excites you about this next chapter?

The focus on customer experience is what impressed me most. It aligns perfectly with our values.

Joining Array gives Flashback Data the resources and scale to help more people, innovate faster, and deliver even greater value to clients. That’s what excites me – seeing our capabilities grow without losing what made us unique.

What is the Array Advantage – what sets Array apart?

It’s the people. Array offers a wide range of services, but what truly makes the difference is the team executing those services. From small matters to large, complex cases, Array has the expertise and culture to support clients at every level.

What’s something your new colleagues at Array might be surprised to learn about you?

Outside of work, I’ve gone on survival trips where you’re dropped in the Canadian Boundary Waters and have to find your way back. I’ve been on two African safaris, love deep sea fishing, and enjoy a good round of golf – though I’ll try not to slow you down.