We set few ambitious targets and relentlessly pursue them. We believe that amidst all the noise, only 1-2 things will help us achieve our stated objectives. We engage in healthy debates and commit fully to achieving them. We believe that we will pull off what no other company has ever succeeded in.
Speed is our greatest asset. We encourage rapid decision-making and learning from mistakes. And to repeat that process. Why “thin fast”? Well, this is actually borrowed from the mushroom industry. Mushroom beds grow so quickly, that they need to be thinned to maximize yield. Thinning the bed is a difficult job, and can be done either fast and accurately, or fast with some mistakes – both are better than thinning slowly, which leads to the beds becoming overgrown. Being slow is death to a startup, just like it is death to a bed of mushrooms. When you’re at a fork in the road, take it.
Every team member at 4AG Robotics is solutions-oriented. We take ownership of challenges and proactively seek solutions. We don’t pass the buck – see it, fix it. The value of 4AG Robotics is the sum of all the hard problems we solve and we are always hyper-focused on value.
Our purpose is clear: to feed mushrooms to the world. We focus on improving yield and quality while finding the most efficient ways to harvest and deliver mushrooms. There will be thousands of ideas of what we can do with our robots and we must always come back to our north star of optimizing yield, quality and value of the mushrooms we are entrusted to harvest with you.
Our Team
Operating Team
Board
Before joining 4AG Robotics, Sean O’Connor was the Managing Director for Conexus Venture Capital & Emmertech, leading investments in early-stage Canadian Agtech and prairie-based startups through Conexus Venture Capital’s $32 million CVC Fund #1 and Emmertech’s $60 million fund. Before Conexus, Sean was part of the leadership team of Grow Technologies, a Canadian fintech that was later acquired by ATB. Sean graduated from McGill University with a degree in Finance and International Business.
Sean has sat on the board of over a dozen companies, spanning technology, Agtech, hospitality, and non-profits. These experiences have contributed to a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by innovative startups across diverse industries.
Sean regularly contributes to the Globe & Mail, writing about the Canadian tech landscape and the opportunity for Canada to become a global leader in Agtech.
Chris Payne is a seasoned finance and operations executive with a specialization in early-stage technology companies. He previously led finance and operations at Grow Technologies, a Canadian fintech, where he successfully facilitated the company’s acquisition by ATB Financial in 2019. Following this, Chris served as a Fractional CFO, raising over $10 million for various early-stage tech firms.
Before joining 4AG Robotics, Chris was the Chief Growth Officer at Craver, a Vancouver-based B2B SaaS company, where he played a pivotal role in doubling revenue and establishing a robust sales and customer success framework. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, reflecting his extensive financial expertise and commitment to excellence in the tech industry.
Keiran Fitzpatrick brings over 12 years of global experience in manufacturing and operations to 4AG Robotics, specializing in hardware systems and product development. Previously, he served on the senior leadership team at Genesis Motion Solutions (formerly Genesis Robotics), playing a crucial role in its successful acquisition.
With expertise in Operations Management, Engineering, and Technical Program Management, Keiran has led the development and deployment of systems across diverse industries, including robotics, medical devices, mining, infrastructure, packaging, and factory automation.
Keiran’s focus lies in bridging the gap between R&D and commercial product development for start-ups, building high-performance teams and operating systems that provide a competitive edge to disruptive tech companies.
Kieran Quinlan brings two decades of experience as a qualified machine builder, millwright, and machinist/fabricator to 4AG Robotics. His diverse background spans rapid prototyping, mechanical design, manufacturing, and maintenance of various machinery and industrial equipment across multiple industries.
Prior to joining 4AG Robotics, Kieran contributed to the development of a wide range of equipment, from surgical instruments to large-scale mining machinery. His career includes collaborations with major companies in Europe, Australia, and Canada, such as Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Stryker Medical, Jameson Distilleries, Rio Tinto, and BHP.
Kieran’s adaptability and extensive experience in tackling diverse engineering challenges make him a key player in 4AG Robotics’ innovative pursuits. He also actively volunteers with organizations focused on community growth and engagement.
Prior to joining 4AG, Robbie has been with Clearpath Robotics on its journey from a 20 person startup to a global robotics leader and acquisition to Rockwell Automation. With equal parts business and engineering, Robbie has helped plan, contract, design and deliver many of the projects and technologies leading to Clearpath’s growth. He is equally at home deploying a robot into the field, with company strategy and with representing the business around the world.
With a background in Engineering Physics and Aerospace, Robbie enjoys building electromechanical systems both at home and at work. Outside of the office you may find him in the water or on his bike.
Nate Tomlinson brings extensive expertise in PLC-based control systems for industrial automation to 4AG Robotics. With an advanced diploma in Mechanical Engineering – Robotics and Automation from Conestoga College, Nate has 11 years of experience in metal forming and automotive manufacturing industries in southern Ontario.
Prior to joining 4AG Robotics in 2020, Nate successfully designed, installed, and commissioned control systems for tool and die makers and automotive suppliers, specializing in upgrading control systems for large mechanical and hydraulic power presses and steel coil feed lines, with a focus on machine safety standards.
Steven DeBoer is a CPA with over 10 years of public practice experience, spanning Public Company Audit, Financial Advisory Services, Valuations, and Private Business Services. His career includes roles at Deloitte and Grant Thornton, where he developed expertise in private company valuations, corporate taxation, and accounting for SMEs.
A top graduate from the Okanagan School of Business with a degree in business administration, Steven continues to contribute to his community by serving on the boards of several local non-profit organizations.
James Gibson is a Professional Engineer specializing in mechatronics, robotics, and mechanical design. Prior to joining 4AG Robotics, he was a principal at JAKS Automation Inc., leading custom automation projects from concept to client delivery. His expertise spans mechanical design, control programming, and project implementation across lumber, food and beverage, and packaging industries.
James has designed structural assemblies for robotics, including delta robots and vision systems, and led the development of the award-winning Valco Melton PackChek vision inspection system. He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria, with a focus on Mechatronics and Embedded Systems and a Minor in Business.
David is a seasoned control systems engineer with over 15 years of experience across robotics, mineral processing, pulp and paper, and wood processing industries. His deep understanding of industrial processes and expertise in PLC, HMI, DCS, process historians, and motion control have driven significant improvements in operational efficiency and reliability. David has successfully led control systems teams at Energy Aware Technology and Cogent Industrial Technologies and has operated his own engineering consulting company, His experience in leading complex consulting projects and product development initiatives have resulted in innovative solutions and enhanced industrial operations across various sectors.
Spencer Leigh has been passionate about software development from a young age, beginning programming at 11 years old. With over a decade of experience in vision-guided robotics, Spencer has excelled as both a designer and lead developer. His work spans diverse industries, including prefab concrete production, automated train unloading, food industry packaging, and emerging technology such as holographic interfaces through AR glasses. Known for his hands-on approach, Spencer excels at delivering innovative solutions using modern techniques and practices.
Kyran Findlater is an Australian Mechatronics (Robotics) Engineer, honing his craft at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) with a focus on mobile robotics and machine vision. With over a decade of industry experience in vision-guided robotics, Kyran has cultivated a diverse skillset through systems integration across various industries and projects.
Passionate about engineering and innovation, Kyran thrives on the challenge of hardware development, transforming concepts into tangible realities. When not immersed in the world of robotics, Kyran can be found foraging for wild mushrooms in the autumn forests or nurturing his own gourmet mushroom varieties. His appreciation for coffee rivals his love for engineering,
Keith Spencer brings extensive legal expertise in information technology to 4AG Robotics. As a past Co-Leader of the Start-Up & Emerging Company Services group, he specializes in advising both start-up and mature private technology companies.
Keith’s distinguished career includes receiving the BC Technology Industry Association’s Bill Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award. His experience spans in-house counsel roles at Motorola’s Wireless Data Group and D-Wave Systems, cultivating a deep understanding of the technology sector.
Active in the tech community, Keith serves on boards of emerging technology companies and industry associations. He shares his knowledge through lectures at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC and various industry conferences, and authors articles on technology law topics.
Keith’s blend of legal acumen and technology industry insight has impactfully helped to guide 4AG Robotics through the complex landscape of agricultural technology innovation.
Harry boasts a stellar career, starting at McKinsey and co-founding Firefly, a health drinks company that successfully exited to Private Equity. In 2009, he entered venture capital at Balderton in London and later became a founding partner at BGF Ventures, leading a £200M fund that backed 23 startups, including billion-euro companies like Paddle, Gousto, and Dice.
In 2018, Harry joined OMERS Ventures as Managing Partner, launching a €300M European fund. His team’s 25 investments, ranging from €5M-€20M, spotlighted successes like Deliverect (Belgium) and WeFox (Germany), now valued at over €1B. At OMERS, Harry pioneered ‘Signals,’ a software system globally adopted, and led DEI efforts for OMERS Europe, overseeing 150 individuals. Harry joined Astanor as Partner in January 2024.
Before joining 4AG Robotics, Sean O’Connor was the Managing Director for Conexus Venture Capital & Emmertech, leading investments in early-stage Canadian Agtech and prairie-based startups through Conexus Venture Capital’s $32 million CVC Fund #1 and Emmertech’s $60 million fund. Before Conexus, Sean was part of the leadership team of Grow Technologies, a Canadian fintech that was later acquired by ATB. Sean graduated from McGill University with a degree in Finance and International Business.
Sean has sat on the board of over a dozen companies, spanning technology, Agtech, hospitality, and non-profits. These experiences have contributed to a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by innovative startups across diverse industries.
Sean regularly contributes to the Globe & Mail, writing about the Canadian tech landscape and the opportunity for Canada to become a global leader in Agtech.
Joe Regan brings nearly three decades of venture capital expertise to 4AG Robotics. As Managing Partner of BDC’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, Industrial, Clean and Energy Funds, and the new Sustainability Venture Fund, Joe oversees significant investment portfolios in key technological sectors.
Prior to joining BDC in 2019, Joe held positions at notable funds including Ventures West and GrowthWorks Capital. Throughout his career, he has directly invested hundreds of millions of dollars and served on the boards of over fifty private and public companies. These investments have led to multiple IPOs and numerous successful exits, with investees raising well over $1 Billion.
Joe holds an Honours B.Sc. (with Distinction) from the University of Guelph and an MBA from McMaster University. His extensive experience across various sectors and business models positions him well to guide 4AG Robotics in its growth and investment strategies.
Partners
Have An Inquiry?
Market Overview:
The future of mushroom farming depends on overcoming significant labor challenges. The agaricus mushroom market is on a growth trajectory, but this expansion is threatened by a critical shortage of skilled labor.
Global Production Landscape
The global mushroom market is set to grow exponentially, reaching a projected value of $60 billion by 2030. However, as demand surges, the industry faces a stark reality: a growing gap in labor availability.
Labor Challenges
Labor shortages are a pressing issue in the Agaricus sector:
- Shrinking Workforce: Fewer workers, especially young people, are interested in considering roles like mushroom picking.
- Competition from Other Sectors: Other industries offer better pay and working conditions, drawing potential workers away from agriculture.
- Demanding Work Conditions: The labor-intensive nature of mushroom farming makes it challenging to attract new talent.
These challenges require us to think differently and act decisively. As we strive to empower farmers globally with the robotic farm of the future, we recognize that innovation is essential to overcoming these obstacles.
Where we come in
To tackle labor shortages head-on, we are leading the transition to robotic automation in mushroom farming. By integrating advanced robotics into harvesting processes, we can reduce reliance on manual labor while maximizing yield and quality.
Our approach mirrors our core value of “Thin Fast.” Just as mushroom beds need timely thinning to flourish, our industry must embrace rapid innovation to keep pace with growing consumer demand. We believe that being agile and responsive is key to our success.
The Agaricus mushroom market presents both challenges and opportunities. By embracing automation and driving technological advancements, we can empower farmers to overcome labor shortages and enhance productivity. At 4AG Robotics, we are committed to solving these tough problems and optimizing the value of every mushroom harvested. Together, we will shape the future of mushroom farming for generations to come.