Dave Clark, former CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer, has embarked on a new venture with the launch of Auger, a supply chain technology startup. Auger has secured an impressive $100 million in Series A funding, a testament to the promise and potential of Clark’s vision. This substantial investment has allowed the company to rapidly assemble a seasoned executive team, a significant step toward realizing its ambitions of revolutionizing supply chain management. The team’s composition is notable for the prevalence of Amazon veterans, reflecting Clark’s deep roots within the e-commerce giant and the concentrated expertise in logistics and data infrastructure found within its alumni network. This shared background fosters a cohesive working environment and accelerates the development process through a common understanding of industry challenges and best practices. While the initial team draws heavily from Amazon, Clark emphasizes that Auger’s hiring strategy will encompass a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds as the company grows.
The assembly of Auger’s leadership team underscores the company’s commitment to tackling the complexities of modern supply chain management. Each executive brings a wealth of experience in critical areas, ranging from artificial intelligence and machine learning to product development and customer success. Russell Allgor, the Chief Supply Chain Scientist, boasts a 24-year tenure at Amazon, where he played a key role in optimizing fulfillment and network systems. Sanjay Dash, the Chief Engineer, spearheaded the development of innovative technologies like Just Walk Out, leveraging three decades of experience in the tech industry. AJ Wilhoit, the Chief Product Officer, brings two decades of supply chain expertise, having been instrumental in the launch of Amazon Prime Now and other consumer-focused delivery initiatives. These individuals, along with the other executive appointments, form a formidable team equipped to execute Auger’s ambitious vision.
Auger’s financial leadership is equally impressive. Alex Ceballos, the CFO and President, brings extensive experience from Amazon, where he oversaw the acquisition of Kiva Systems and the creation of Amazon Air, as well as the launch of a substantial corporate venture fund. Jessica Amato, the Chief People Officer, possesses a strong background in human resources, recruiting, and people analytics, having begun her career at Amazon before transitioning to high-growth startups. Brian Lent, the Chief Analytics and Data Officer, adds a broader perspective to the team, having founded and led several companies, including establishing Amazon’s initial AI and data mining group. This blend of financial acumen and strategic leadership positions Auger for sustainable growth and responsible management of its substantial funding.
Auger’s commitment to building a robust and diverse team extends beyond its executive leadership. The company has also recruited top talent in technical roles, including Andrew Borthwick as Principal Scientist, Jared Caldwell as Principal User Experience, and Jen White as General Counsel. These individuals bring decades of combined experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, user experience design, and legal counsel. The inclusion of Parikshit Savjani, Vice President of Customer Success, with his extensive experience at Microsoft, further diversifies the team’s background and provides valuable insights from outside the Amazon ecosystem. Caitlin Dietrich, Head of Marketing and Communications, adds experience in consumer, business, and government sectors, having advised senior leadership at Amazon and Blue Origin.
Auger’s core mission is to develop an AI-powered platform that streamlines supply chain management by unifying data, identifying inefficiencies, and providing real-time insights and automation. This approach promises to empower businesses with the tools they need to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. The platform will leverage the collective expertise of the leadership team and their deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the supply chain industry. By combining advanced analytics with practical experience, Auger aims to create a truly transformative solution for businesses of all sizes. The company plans to unveil product demos in the near future, with the goal of launching its product to initial partners and customers in the coming months.
The early recognition of Auger’s potential is evident in its debut at #194 on the GeekWire 200, a ranking of the Pacific Northwest’s top technology startups. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the company’s nascent stage. The significant funding, the experienced leadership team, and the innovative technology combine to position Auger as a promising player in the supply chain technology space. As the company continues to develop its platform and expand its reach, it is poised to make a significant impact on the future of supply chain management. The convergence of talent, vision, and financial backing creates a compelling narrative for Auger’s potential to disrupt the industry and deliver on its ambitious goals.
