About

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.

William brings nearly two decades of experience in high-tech product development, with a strong educational foundation in Mechatronics and Computer Science. His diverse career spans robotics, biotechnology, and consumer electronics, including roles at industry leaders such as Microsoft, Lonza, and Christie Digital Systems.

Prior to joining 4AG Robotics, William led engineering teams to significant achievements in humanoid and autonomous robotics at 1X Robotics and Avidbots Corp. In these roles, he pushed the boundaries of edge computing and AI, contributing to the development of groundbreaking robotic technologies.
William’s extensive background in both hardware and software engineering, coupled with his leadership experience in cutting-edge robotics firms, positions him to lead 4AG Robotics’ innovative pursuits in agricultural technology.

Michelle Lim brings 8 years of diverse business strategy experience to 4AG Robotics, spanning technology, metals, manufacturing, pharma, and insurance sectors. She played a key role in driving growth at Geigsen Group, a NYC-based strategy consulting firm affiliated with HBS professors Kaplan and Norton. Previously, Michelle served as a Manager in EY NYC’s Transformation practice.

Before joining 4AG Robotics, Michelle focused on commercial growth initiatives for early-stage companies globally, from Pre-Seed to Series A. She continues to support women of color-owned businesses in this capacity. Michelle holds a degree in Management Information Systems and Accounting from the University of Ottawa, providing a strong foundation for her strategic and analytical approach to business challenges.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

Kyle is a Managing Director with Conexus Venture Capital & Emmertech, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping investment strategies. Before this position, he was Vice President of Private Equity at Clairvest Group Inc., leading the firm’s agriculture investment strategy. Additionally, Kyle served as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, where he directed projects focused on private equity due diligence, strategy, and operations for clients across North America and internationally.

Kyle holds both an HBA and an MBA from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario. His extensive background in venture capital and strategic consulting equips him to navigate the complexities of the investment landscape, where innovation meets opportunity.

Mel O’Rourke brings over 30 years of expertise in the mushroom industry to 4AG Robotics. As the former European Managing Director for Sylvan, a leading mushroom spawn producer, Mel has extensive experience servicing Europe’s top mushroom growers and compost makers.

Mel’s career began with founding International Spawn Laboratory (ISL) in 1988, growing it into a profitable independent spawn maker with a $10M CAD turnover. After Sylvan’s acquisition of ISL in 1998, Mel took on leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as European Managing Director in 2010.

Currently, Mel serves on Sylvan’s global strategic board in a non-executive capacity and consults for CMP Limited, a large pan-European mushroom producer organization. His deep industry knowledge and connections make him an invaluable advisor to 4AG Robotics’ efforts in revolutionizing mushroom harvesting technology.

Scott brings extensive financial expertise to 4AG Robotics as an Investment Principal at InBC, a $500 million strategic investment fund. At InBC, he develops and executes investment strategies with a focus on generating financial returns while achieving social, economic, and environmental impact for British Columbia.

With over 15 years of experience in finance, Scott’s background spans corporate and investment banking, private equity, investment consulting, and real estate. Prior to InBC, he spent a decade at J.P. Morgan, leading debt and equity capital markets transactions, as well as M&A deals for global clients.