Marc Ferguson Email & Phone Number

Austin, Tx, Us

Our latest startup focuses on solving otherwise intractable problems at the intersection of the climate crisis and agriculture. We do this by applying biotechnology to metabolize methane emissions and convert them into a carbon-negative green ammonia fertilizer, allowing us to supply farmers with a decarbonized fertilizer to help them feed a growing global population without harming the environment.

Research and design inference models for A.I.-based personalized medicine.

Plant Breeding startup focused on developing optimized industrial hemp varietals through sponsored hybridization research with UC Davis' Plant Breeding department. The first such program in the U.S. following the legalization of hemp, the resulting genetics (seed) achieved the maximum legal CBD to THC ratio when grown to maturity, resulting in significant compliance risk mitigation for growers without sacrificing crop (CBD) levels.

We introduced the first Deterministic A.I.-based crop yield prediction software, using drone-based machine vision and digital twins to determine the current crop state and strain-specific genetic models.

Responsible for developing machine learning architecture and machine vision technology definition. Led machine learning development and testing. Developed and delivered first customer beta product. Developed 20+ initial industry partner relationships. Responsible for developing all new business proposals.

First to market with LED lighting systems with replaceable LED modules (think replaceable bulb) for the indoor horticulture sector. Our lights were purchased by leading vertical farming pioneers (among them Bowery and 80 Acres Farms). Our total cost of ownership was 40% less than leading global competitors (Phillips, Illumitex, Heliospectra), while simultaneously achieving an industry leading position in critical light output metrics using superior LED components from Osram, Cree and Samsung.

Assumed role as part of investor-led replacement of senior management team when company was on brink of insolvency. Responsible for all horticulture product management, marketing and sales. Designed and introduced two new products in first twelve months. Marketed product on a global basis with over 50% of revenue generated from international markets. Personally responsible for over $5M in revenues spread across 50+ individual accounts (95% of company total)

Cofounded and led farming systems design. Raised $200,000 in seed capital for test farm. Closed $10 million Series A round (voluntarily unfunded)

Austin, Tx, Us

Working inside the Office of Technology Commercialization, my role was to identify patented technologies developed by university research labs that could be commercialized. Funded and co-managed two research projects for organic LEDs and a novel biofuel algae technology. Assisted my six peers in developing UT's first ever Technology Readiness Calculator.

First to market with AI-based consumer facing application used for interactive public assistance qualification and enrollment between both private and government human services workers and public assistance recipients. Our software was used by thousands of United Way of America and other philanthropic organizations, thousands of H&R Block tax preparers, and dozens of government agencies, including the Kansas Health and Human Services department where with the support of the Governor’s office, we delivered the first electronically signed food stamp application in history (two decades before DocuSign). Our application became part of Microsoft’s corporate Health and Human Services Division technology stack and we were subsequently named a Microsoft Global Top 20 Partner.

First to market with a patented, AI-based consumer facing application used for interactive asset allocation planning between stockbroker and client (think Zoom almost three decades ago). First to digitize (and subsequently, monetize) analyst reports and packaged product marketing and prospectus materials. Our predictive analytics software was used by thousands of independent investment professionals a full decade before similar products were introduced by industry giants.

Responsible for developing and leading new ten-state central region for leading third-party marketing company contracted to hire and manage securities sales teams operating in major commercial banks during deregulation of Depression Era separation laws. Grew region from zero to over $300 million sales in first year, second only to East Region operating for over a decade. Three consecutive years of increasing sales achieving combined $1 billion over period. Led all regions on basis of sales per employee. Authored the company’s sales training program. Trained peers on sales management skills.