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Colin Hurd

Director at Ag Startup Engine

Ames, Iowa

Overview

Work Experience

  • CEO

    2022 - Current

    Mach partners with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to drive off-road autonomy in agriculture, construction, and industrial applications. We provide world-class tools that equip innovative OEMs with autonomous solutions quickly and efficiently. As a trusted partner to OEMs, we are committed to creating safe and effective solutions that save our customers time and money.

  • Co Director

    2020

    The ASE effort was launched in 2016 to help address two fundamental gaps that prevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful in Iowa: early seed stage investment and organized mentorship from successful Midwestern entrepreneurs.

  • Board Member

    2023

    Birds Eye Robotics was specifically designed at the request of poultry growers to reduce the labor demand and cost

  • Chairman of the Board

    2021 - 2024

    Haber Technologies (Acquired by Shivvers MFG) is an Iowa-based company specializing in a revolutionary new way to dry and aerate corn through the patented DRI-Stack system. Haber is focused on the worldwide problem of post-harvest grain loss while accelerating the drying process, reducing energy use, and improving grain quality and consistency in a data-driven, intelligent way. Haber Technologies DRI-Stack increases the overall efficiency of farming operations while pushing the envelope of technological advancements within agriculture.

  • Strategic Initiatives Manager

    2021 - 2022

    Creating the strategic foundations to move Raven into market leading positions around Autonomy, Crop Sensing, AI and Machine Automation. Building and maintaining strategic partnerships to support M/A and commercial opportunities.

  • Business Development Manager

    2019 - 2021

    Developing long term technology opportunities for Raven in AI, Autonomy, Machine Vision and Machine Automation

  • Chief Executive Officer Founder

    2016 - 2019

    Smart Ag built the first commercialized system to fully automate tractors for full driverless operation called AutoCart later OmniDrive. We raised over $7M in funding and developed a world class tech team. The company created break through technology in driverless farming around machine vision, path planning, object detection, and communications which is now the foundation for Raven and Case New Holland autonomous vehicles. We Sold to Raven Industries in 2019, Raven was acquired by CNHi 2 years later for $2.1B

  • Founder

    2011 - 2015

    Invented and patented a product called TrackTill® and founded Agriculture Concepts. After successfully developing and launching TrackTill to reduce compaction during planting. We brought to market another innovative product called Caden Edge® . After commercializing and building a national dealer network we licensed TrackTill to Yetter MFG and sold the distribution rights of Caden Edge, exiting the business.

  • Farm Marketing

    2011 - 2011

    Developing and leading an economic feasibility study around Flex. Completing numerous sales, merchandising, and marketing courses. Positioning Cargill grain marketing products to growers Monitoring commodity markets Analyzing strengths and weaknesses of the business unit. Building relationships with local producers.

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