I am an engineer and entrepreneur with experience in sustainable food, crowdfunding, and the overlap between physical and digital mediums.My first venture, The 2050 Company, reduced food waste by upcycling imperfect and surplus produce into freeze-dried, shelf-stable smoothies and meals. Our two flagship products, 'The 2050 Smoothie' and '2050: Food For The Future', raised more than $60,000 on Kickstarter. The 2050 Company was 100% funded via bootstrapping, winning 1st Place at both the Global Social Innovation Challenge and the Northwest Entrepreneur Competition. We were also one of 8 start-ups accepted to the prestigious Jones and Foster Accelerator.I am currently working on a new stealth start-up focused on connecting people in the real world via tangible "social mediums" that combine the benefits of digital and analog technology. My co-founder, Craig Sampson, has worked as a product designer for 40+ years, and was a founding leader at IDEO.I am an avid skier, wakeboarder, reader, and backpacker. I also enjoy collecting and reviving forgotten mediums, including vinyl records, analog cameras, and vintage slide projectors.
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Founder And CeoMems Oct 2023 - PresentSeattle, Washington, United StatesThe medium is the message. Let's change the medium. ✨ -
Oompa LoompaTheo Chocolate Apr 2023 - Oct 2023Seattle, Washington, United StatesBefore deciding whether to continue or wind-down The 2050 Company, I wanted to gain a better understanding of the operations of more established mission-driven food companies. I concluded that the best way to learn about this industry was to immerse myself completely within it.For 6 months, I worked swing shift at Seattle's Theo Chocolate Factory. Every Monday through Thursday, I worked on the production line for 10 hours, clocking in at 3:30 PM and clocking out at 2:00 AM.This was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I formed strong friendships with my fellow "Oompa Loompas" and learned first-hand how the success of large businesses relies on the individual motivations and passions of many dedicated workers. Surprisingly, this factory offered the perfect incubator for my next venture. Over those six brief months, I listened to more than 45 books and 240 hours of podcasts, and grew my next venture from a hunch into a scaleable venture plan. -
Founder And CeoThe 2050 Company Feb 2019 - Oct 2023Greater Seattle AreaThe 2050 Company is a mission-driven venture that creates convenient, nutritious, and sustainable "food for the future". Our flagship product is The 2050 Smoothie, the first instant smoothie made with rescued produce.The 2050 Company has raised $60,000+ on Kickstarter and won 1st Place at the the Global Social Innovation Challenge and the Northwest Entrepreneurship Challenge, as well as 3rd Place at the Dempsey Start-Up Competition. We were also one of eight start-ups selected for the 2020 cohort of the prestigious Jones and Foster Accelerator. -
Jones And Foster AcceleratorJones And Foster Accelerator Aug 2020 - Feb 2021Seattle, Washington, United StatesI led one of eight start-up teams chosen for the selective Jones and Foster Accelerator in Seattle. I worked with a panel of industry mentors and VCs to achieve targeted milestones and develop a comprehensive business plan for my venture. At the end of the program, we were awarded $25,000 in non-diluted funding.
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'Picket' Smart LawnmowerSelf Employed Jun 2017 - May 2019Greater San Diego AreaI worked with a team of engineering students and several experienced advisors to design a smart, electric lawnmower and create a business to sell our product. This work entailed the following tasks: (1) conducting market and consumer research to pinpoint a need that we can fill, (2) building a minimum viable product prototype and exploring AI integration, (3) developing a realistic business plan and proof of concept. We pitched our idea to a panel of three angel investor judges at the 2018 V2 Pitch Competition, where we came in 2nd Place and received $8,000 in funding to build an MVP prototype.
Austin Hirsh Skills
Austin Hirsh Education Details
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Summa Cum Laude -
Bellarmine Preparatory School4.0
Frequently Asked Questions about Austin Hirsh
What company does Austin Hirsh work for?
Austin Hirsh works for Mems
What is Austin Hirsh's role at the current company?
Austin Hirsh's current role is Inventor of Mems.
What schools did Austin Hirsh attend?
Austin Hirsh attended University Of Washington - Michael G. Foster School Of Business, University Of San Diego, Bellarmine Preparatory School.
What skills is Austin Hirsh known for?
Austin Hirsh has skills like Leadership, Data Analysis, Solidworks, C Programming, Microsoft Office, Public Speaking, Outdoor Education, Research, Raspberry Pi, Student Leadership, Journalism, Lathe.
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