Federico Tripodi is an executive, board member, entrepreneur, and investor. Founder of Blacktop Holdings LLC, currently serves as Chair of the Board at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI). As a Food visionary, passionate about applying technology for the betterment of humanity, he builds companies and organizations that connect agriculture and foods innovation with consumers. During his nearly two-decade career in the ag biotech and seed industry, he has gathered extensive leadership experience in agricultural and food R&D and product development. He is the Former CEO of Calyxt (NASDAQ:CLXT) and has held multiple leadership roles in the United States and Latin America. Mr. Tripodi holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University’s Olin Business School, as well as an agronomic engineering degree from Buenos Aires University.