Austin Steed
About Austin Steed
Austin Steed is a co-founder and board member of PickTrace, a company initially developed to manage operations on his family's farm, and has played a pivotal role in its expansion and technological advancement.
Austin Steed - Founder & Board Member
Austin Steed is a founder and board member of PickTrace, a company he co-founded with his brother Harrison Steed. He played a crucial role in the initiation and development of PickTrace, starting with brainstorming the initial concept for the company in Summer 2013. As a leader and entrepreneur, he has been integral to the company's strategic growth and success.
PickTrace's Origins and Development
Austin Steed and his brother Harrison initially developed PickTrace to meet the needs of their family's citrus, blueberry, and avocado farm. The idea was conceived in Summer 2013, and by Summer 2014, the earliest version of PickTrace had gained its first external customer. This early success laid the foundation for the company's growth and further innovations.
Y Combinator and Initial Hiring
In Summer 2015, Austin Steed and his team graduated from Y Combinator's start-up accelerator program. This milestone marked a significant step forward for PickTrace, enabling the company to hire its first employee. Participation in Y Combinator provided valuable resources and mentorship that fueled the company's early development.
Product-Market Fit and Strategic Growth
By Summer 2017, PickTrace had solidified its product-market fit among enterprise growers. Austin Steed implemented a go-to-market plan to capitalize on this achievement, which played a key role in driving the company's expansion. The ability to align the product with market needs ensured a strong foundation for future growth.
Fundraising and Relocation
In Winter 2018 - 2019, PickTrace raised Series A funding to support its scaling efforts. During this period, Austin Steed oversaw the relocation of the company's headquarters to Glendale, Los Angeles. This move and the acquired funding equipped PickTrace to expand its operations and pursue ambitious growth targets.
Expansion and Product Enhancement
Under Austin Steed's leadership, PickTrace tripled its headcount within 12 months by Spring 2020. The company also rearchitected its product to deliver the next-generation version of PickTrace. These strategic initiatives were pivotal in enhancing the company's capabilities and positioning it for continued success.