PickNik Robotics names Dave Grant as new CEO; founder Dave Coleman moves to chief product officer

By Eugene Demaitre | August 7, 2024

As robotics startups grow, they need to retain their technical inspiration while adding business expertise. PickNik Inc., which provides software and services to automate complex tasks, did just that today. The company said that founder Dave Coleman will move into the role of chief product officer as Dave Grant is promoted from chief revenue officer to CEO.

“This strategic leadership transition marks a significant growth milestone in PickNik Robotics’ journey as a leading innovator in robotic arm applications,” said the Boulder, Colo.-based company.

PickNik Robotics’ flagship product, MoveIt Pro, is an artificial intelligence and runtime platform for rapid development for commercial-grade, unstructured robot applications deployed in complex, variable environments.

Grant already helping PickNik commercialize MoveIt

“This leadership transition is a very positive and exciting development for our customers, our talented team, and the future of PickNik Robotics,” stated Grant. “I am honored to take on the role of CEO and look forward to working closely with Dave Coleman and the entire PickNik team to continue our mission of delivering cutting-edge robotic solutions.”

He joined PickNik Robotics as chief revenue officer in fall 2023, bringing software-as-a-service (SaaS) experience. Grant previously worked at Uplight, which achieved “unicorn” status, and Smartabase, which was acquired at nearly five times its Series A valuation.

At PickNik, Grant has shaped the go-to-market strategy for MoveIt Pro. He will guide its transition into a commercial software-focused enterprise, said the company.

“He already knows our team and has really helped us so far in profitability and revenue, as well as sales and marketing,” said a PickNik spokeswoman. “This transition really plays to both their strengths, with Dave Grant working with SaaS companies and scaling up and moving to a more product-oriented company. His focus right now is on customer success. We’re making sure that aerospace and terrestrial applications are giving us valid feedback and that our customers are successful.”

“Dave Coleman can hand over the business hat and lean more into the technical side and do more speaking and engagements with the team,” she added. “It’s really pleasant that no one is getting pushed out.”

Coleman to continue robot development

Coleman has served as CEO of PickNik Robotics for nine years, delivering robotic manipulation innovations to more than 100 terrestrial and aerospace customers, including NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and Motiv Space Systems.

He previously worked at Google Robotics, Open Robotics, and Willow Garage. Coleman is an expert in autonomous motion control, as well as an advocate for robot interoperability and the Robot Operating System (ROS) open-source community.

“I am excited to step into the role of chief product officer and focus on what I love most – solving robotics challenges and advancing our product development,” he said. “I have complete confidence in Dave Grant’s ability to scale PickNik Robotics into its next chapter of growth and success.”

Coleman will share his experiences from consulting with over 100 robotics companies and speak about the reasons why robotic companies fail at RoboBusiness 2024. PickNik Robotics will also be exhibiting at Booth 622 at the show, which will be on Oct. 16 and 17 in Santa Clara, Calif.

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