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
Time for apathy is over, Condon says; Advocates make business case for Pre-K funding
Kansas City’s unequal playing field for children and inconsistent access to early education programs has a distinct ripple effect into the business community, Matt Condon said, advocating for Mayor Sly James’ Pre-K for KC initiative. “I don’t make any apologies about what a great city this is. But on this issue in particular, we are…
$4M childcare center on Prospect could be pivotal for urban core development
Students who grow up in Kansas City’s urban core shouldn’t be denied access to a quality education based on their address, Myron McCant said as he thumbed through renderings of a 15,000-square-foot learning space that could soon grant such students access to a brighter future. “If you would come into my facility, then you would…
Next KCMO mayor needs this personality trait to build trust, Sly James says
The role of mayor doesn’t always require being “the lead dog on the sled,” said Sly James. Rather, it’s an opportunity for a bridge between those knowledgeable enough to make change, the outgoing KCMO mayor added. “I sit in a position where — let’s say generally, not always — when I call, people call me…
KCMO mayoral vote: Confused? Undecided? Seven FAQs for those still on the bubble
Amid nearly three dozen Kansas City mayoral candidate forums, Startland readers raised a round of questions — some easy to answer, others loaded — but each invested in seeing who will emerge from the shadow of popular, bow tie-wearing mayor, Sly James, to lead KCMO. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions about…