The SproutX family has grown!
In April 2022 we welcomed Ashlee Tayler as Program Officer as well as Adrian Myint, in the position of Marketing Officer.
We had a little chat over tea and snacks to get to know each other’s aspirations and goals for the agtech scene in Australia.
Welcome to the team guys 🥳
Tell us about your new role at SproutX?
Adrian, “Hello, I am Adrian and I look after market communications for SproutX, making sure that the world knows about all the cool and exciting things happening within SproutX’s programs and in the Australian agtech ecosystem. It is certainly an exciting role because I get to interface with industry leaders, alumni mentors, and aspiring entrepreneurs who all share a common goal of making our world a better place through agtech solutions. I have already immersed myself in the industry via networking events, and aspire to make more connections, including readers of this interview, in the near future!“
Ashlee, “Oh hi there, my name is Ashlee, Program Officer of SproutX supporting the national Agri/ FoodTech Pre-Accelerator and Accelerator Programs. I help foster connections between Australian founders, investors, industry leaders/mentors, and agribusiness; supporting them along their journey through our three programs.“
What have been your impressions so far?
Adrian, “I have been told that SproutX is an institution within the Australian agtech space prior my arrival to Australia. Having met quality founders like Paul Voutier (SproutX 2020 alumni, Ambit Robotics) and Jock Lawrence (SproutX 2019 alumni, Mobble) who went through SproutX, convinced me of the calibre of SproutX programs. I am humbled to be part of an amazing team full of talents who are super committed to helping Agtech startups reach their full potential. People in the SproutX community are genuinely nice and I admire their eagerness to learn about things that they don’t know. There is a great balance between work, play, and learning here. I’m optimistic and excited to all the growth opportunities ahead for myself and the sector.“
Ashlee, ”Startup culture is collaborative and creative - unlike many other industries. It is fun, imaginative-sparking, fast paced, enables an environment where all ideas are welcomed with open-mindedness, and reward those who are prepared to level up. SproutX is highly regarded by industry professionals within the AgriTech/food space and I am proud to be part of the team! SproutX enables founders, mentors, speakers, agribusinesses, and investors to work closely to achieve a common goal. I am thoroughly enjoying the development and growth in my time ahead with SproutX. I’m excited to use my time here to incubate some skill sets, such as public speaking through hosting webinars, and learning effective communication through supporting all our three programs!”
What were you up to prior to joining SproutX?
Adrian, ”I was running an award-leading agtech startup in Myanmar before SproutX, so it’s definitely a change of pace to be working for an accelerator. I’ve lived through the struggles and celebrations of a typical founder and it’s been rewarding to come full circle in utilising that experience to support our cohorts. Vice versa, there is also the thrill and humbling journey to be able to learn from them too. SproutX sits at the intersection of investors, mentors, academia, and the public sector, and makes this the best place to work towards my goal: to make agri/ foodtech one of the most attractive areas of innovation for would-be Australian founders. To foster a sense of inspiration. momentum, and inclusion with the agri/ foodtech community all together.”
Ashlee, “Before SproutX, I worked in the wine industry (mainly in production): wine-making and viticulture. I volunteer my time as an experienced wine judge for shows around the state, supporting industry connections and providing feedback on wine quality for Victorian and Australian Wine regions. I have studied Wine Science at University and am currently Studying Agriculture. My passion for Agriculture allows me to share a common interest when working with founders in the Agtech food space. It excites me to offer my perspective gained from my experiences to make a difference. I am inspired by the fearless culture, energy, and excitement founders and mentors offer. It is rewarding to build connections and be involved in meaningful work.“
What excites you most about working with founders in agri/ foodtech?
Adrian, “Australia’s agriculture is in the throws of its 4th industrial revolution. The innovations that will come from founders here are limitless in both the scope and potential. I’m genuinely humbled to be a part of this next big wave!”
Ashlee, “My passion for Agriculture allows me to share a common interest when working with founders in the Agtech food space. It excites me to offer my perspective gained from my experiences, be of value, and to make a difference. I find it tremendously rewarding to build authentic connections and be involved in meaningful work.”
Favourite fruit and vegetable (This is agriculture, after all…)
Adrian, “I love grapes and strawberries because they’re so hard to find in my home country and they’re super tasty. My favourite vegetable is water spinach which is commonly eaten in Asia.”
Maxie, “We will need to swap recipes, keen to know if water spinach dishes are prepared differently back home in Myanmar vs how it’s done in Taiwan. Ash, what’s your favourite fruit and vegetable?“
Ashlee, ”Favourite fruit. Grapes... fermented… into wine…”
Maxie, “Ha ha! Say no more!“
Ashlee, “My favourite vegetable would have to be a potato, they are delicious when prepared in whatever way you choose. ”
👋 Say hi to Adrian and Ashlee on LinkedIn!
