Our Team

Lawrence Ibarria | CEO

With over 15 years of experience in the technology sector, Lawrence has an impressive background, having worked at industry giants like NVIDIA and Cruise. He is also the founder of Verdant Robotics, where he pioneered advanced automated weeding technology. At Verdant, Lawrence realized the untapped potential of combining advanced computing, vision systems, and AI with field applications. The limitation he saw was the lack of precise information on what actions to take, when to take them, and under what specific conditions. Nighthawk was born as the answer to this challenge, aiming to provide precise, data-driven insights for modern agriculture.

Chad Hokama | CPO

With a decade-long career in agriculture, Chad brings invaluable industry-specific knowledge to Nighthawk. He co-founded Harvestport, a groundbreaking marketplace for agricultural chemical inputs. Chad deeply understands the critical importance of providing farmers with the right information—they need to know what they are buying, compare prices effectively, and ensure the optimal and effective use of those inputs. At Nighthawk, Chad integrates his expertise to address these issues by combining real-time farm data (soil conditions, weather, and irrigation) with comprehensive chemical knowledge to recommend the most effective actions.

Russell Cole | CRO

With over a decade of experience in agriculture and technology, Russell has established himself as a leader in agtech innovation. He has founded three startups prior to Nighthawk, including two successful exits, and brings a wealth of expertise in data analytics, AI applications, and executive sales. Russell’s career includes building Organic Grow Solutions, where he developed custom soil nutrient formulas, and leading Agxactly Crop Insights, a platform leveraging advanced analytics for farmers. At Nighthawk, Russell focuses on driving industry relationships and delivering practical AI-powered tools that connect agronomy, operations, and financial data to empower modern farms. His deep understanding of the agriculture landscape and commitment to solving real-world farmer challenges make him a cornerstone of Nighthawk’s mission to revolutionize farm management.