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
Timely funding opportunities for Kansas City startups
Despite Kansas City’s recognition as a tech hub, its variety of incubator programs and array of successful startup ventures, the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is still trying to fill the money gap. How can the community ensure that entrepreneurs have access the capital they need? Well, as KCSourceLink knows well, appropriate funding resources vary widely depending…
Mobility Designed tackles a demand unaddressed since the Civil War
Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News. Some technologies are slow to innovate. And crutches — which haven’t changed much since the U.S. Civil War — are a prime example. “They’ve pretty much been the same for decades,” said Liliana Younger, CEO of Mobility Designed. “Although there…
Two area startups still vying for $25K from the Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation on Monday announced the top 15 finalists in the 1 in a Million pitch competition that are vying for a $25,000 grant — and two startups hail from the metro area. Kansas City-based The Grooming Project and Lawrence-based DraftPak both cracked the top 15 in the contest after beating out…
Fund me, KC: Hidden Abilities offers high-tech pen to topple dyslexia
Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Hidden Abilities co-founders Payden and Jamee Miller — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back Hidden Abilities’ product here. Who are you? Jamee Miller and Miller, co-founders of Hidden…