Twice-exited serial entrepreneur joins Lawrence biotech firm as CEO
August 1, 2023 | Startland News Staff
LAWRENCE — A Kansas biotechnology company has tapped a well-known founder to lead its innovative efforts to convert waste biomass into fuel for the earth — announcing Jason Tatge as the new CEO of PrairieFood.
Tatge is a twice-exited startup leader, having previously led Farms Technology and Farmobile to acquisitions, and high-profile member of the Pipeline Entrepreneurs network. He most recently served as senior vice president for AGI (Ag Growth International).
Jason Tatge, co-founder and former CEO of Farmobile, is presented with the Mike Bosch Entrepreneurial Resilience Award at the 2022 Pipeline Innovators Gala; photo by Channa Steinmetz, Startland News
The serial ag entrepreneur is an organic fit for the Lawrence-based company, which developed a patented process of turning waste into renewable and cost-competitive micro-carbon products, according to PrairieFood.
“Tatge brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the agricultural industry to the PrairieFood team,” the company said in an announcement. “Throughout his career, he has proven exceptional leadership and has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth in the companies he has been a part of or founded.”
“His extensive background in commodity trading, technology and data solutions, and senior management position in large ag public companies uniquely positions him to lead PrairieFood during this exciting phase of the PrairieFood journey,” the company continued.
Tatge expressed plans to “lead the company to even greater heights” as CEO, noting it already has made significant strides in revolutionizing micro-carbon technology.
Robert K. Herrington, PrairieFood
PrairieFood also announced its co-founder and previous CEO, Robert K. Herrington — himself a longtime member of Pipeline Entrepreneurs and the network’s 2007 mentor of the year — would transition to the role of chairman of the board. Herrington is expected to continue to provide strategic guidance and contribute to PrairieFood’s mission of transforming agriculture through innovative solutions, the company said.
“His visionary leadership has been instrumental in the company’s success thus far, and his continued involvement as chairman ensures a seamless transition and ongoing support,” PrairieFood said in a release.
Herrington voiced confidence in Tatge’s ability to lead the company forward — and remaining committed to enhancing soil health, promoting regenerative farming practices, and driving positive environmental benefits
“As chairman of the board, I will work closely with him and the entire team to further our commitment of developing and commercializing new micro-carbon technologies,” he said. “In doing so, PrairieFood will be the leader in expanding circular economies on a global scale.”
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Bus tech startup Transportant announces $11M in pre-sales at Lean Lab pitch night
School districts across North America are on board with Transportant — to the tune of $11 million in pre-sale agreements, co-founder John Styers said. The startup, which uses video-based technology to allow students, parents and school administrators to better monitor school buses, announced the milestone — $10 million over its goal of $1 million in…
Councilman introduces east side investment proposal with $15/hour wage provision
As economic development surges in pockets across Kansas City, residents and businesses on the east side shouldn’t be left behind, Scott Taylor said. “Our clock is ticking as a city on this, and we need to do more,” said Taylor, councilman for the sixth district, at-large. At a press conference Thursday, Taylor introduced a draft…
KCPS superintendent to city struggling with violence: When do we all come together?
It’s inexcusable for Kansas City to simply accept 130 murders before it’s even December, Mark Bedell said. “Who do you think are committing these crimes?” Bedell, superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools, asked a crowd gathered Thursday for the Lean Lab’s Launch[ED) Day. “Probably people who have been victims of schools that have failed them…
Kauffman Foundation rolls out $1.2M microlending program to help underserved entrepreneurs
Amid a swarm of 160 events as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced a new microlending program to spur investment in underserved entrepreneurs. In partnership with four microfinance lenders, the foundation issued a series of grants totaling $1.2 million that a will change the way the nonprofit microlenders capitalize their…