Austin Webb is leading a startup that aims to upend the food system. How? By using robotics and AI to build and operate highly efficient, commercial-scale urban vertical farms.

 

In late September 2019, his company Fifth Season (originally founded as RoBotany) came out of stealth mode by announcing a $35 million round of funding. With this capital, it plans to build its first commercial-scale indoor vertical farm to be located just outside Pittsburgh, in Braddock. 

 

The startup plans to expand into other similarly-sized cities throughout the US.

 

In this episode, Austin and Aaron discuss the seismic impact Austin believes vertical farming can have, how this model reduces labor costs & water usage, and the composition of the team pursuing this goal.

 

Pittsburgh’s best conference to Expand your Mind & Fill your Heart happens once a year.

 

Austin’s Challenge; For an entire week, try to eat only fresh food for every meal.

 

Connect with Austin

Linkedin

Fifthseasonfresh.com

If you liked this interview, check out our other interviews with top Pittsburgh entrepreneurs Jason Wolfe and Cooper Munroe.

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