MEET ALLISON KOPF
We sat down with TRACT’s CEO to learn about her passion for sustainable agriculture and find out why she joined TRACT.
Tell us about your background.
I studied Physics at Santa Clara University in the Bay Area, and always had a passion for sustainability. When I was there, I had the opportunity to work on a project called the Solar Decathlon, where 20 universities from around the world spent two years designing and building a solar powered home. The universities then packed the homes up and shipped them to Washington DC, where we competed in a two-week long competition. I fell in love with sustainability instantly.
We meticulously attended to every detail while designing the home, focusing on creating the most efficient living space possible. We created a radiant heating and cooling system as well as a home control system - which was one of the first apps in the Apple app store! Since then, I’ve spent my career building a more sustainable world.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
Insatiably curious.
What drew you into the agtech industry?
I joined an early-stage startup that financed, built, and operated greenhouses growing fresh produce in the United States at a time when there were only a handful of employees and no greenhouses yet. Over the years, we built the company into one of the largest greenhouse companies in North America. I became instantly obsessed with the agriculture industry. It’s filled with complexities and opportunities that are incredibly rewarding to work on.
How did you get started as a tech entrepreneur?
In 2015, I founded the software company Artemis. Artemis was built from my frustration with the lack of operational software needed to scale the greenhouse industry at a time when the demand for a safe, traceable, and stable produce supply chain was at a rising high. At Artemis we built enterprise software focused on traceability, compliance, and risk management. We scaled to become the largest software company in the greenhouse industry, with over 1,000 users at time, and were acquired in 2021 by the leading artificial intelligence company in the industry.
What unique skills do you bring to a team?
I build and scale companies. TRACT is about to introduce its product to the market and begin scaling. This is an exciting time for the company, and I’m thrilled to join and take TRACT to the next level.
“We are focused on aligning the world’s agricultural companies on sustainability metrics and methodologies, and that’s no easy feat. However, with the team we’ve assembled and the investors behind us, we’re well positioned to make a real impact.”
What’s your leadership style?
Lead with context and clarity. I believe it’s much easier for the team to row in the same direction when there is a clear plan laid out and folks are brought along on the ride.
Why TRACT?
TRACT has a unique opportunity to drive more sustainable agriculture. Our investors are some of the largest agricultural companies in the world and their commitment to sustainable agriculture is palpable. We are focused on aligning the world’s agricultural companies on sustainability metrics and methodologies, and that’s no easy feat. However, with the team we’ve assembled and the investors behind us, we’re well positioned to make a real impact.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Both working with our incredibly talented team and learning about new supply chains. The work we’re doing is far reaching, from soy to coffee to cotton, every supply chain has an opportunity for more sustainable production. As someone who has spent their career in fresh produce, I’m excited to spend time learning from our customers as we continue to work together.
“The work we’re doing is far reaching, from soy to coffee to cotton, every supply chain has an opportunity for more sustainable production. As someone who has spent their career in fresh produce, I’m excited to spend time learning from our customers as we continue to work together.”