Ross Finman
Ross Finman is currently CEO and Founder at Augmodo. He previously founded Escher Reality, which was acquired. His expertise spans robotics, augmented reality, and wearable technology for the physical workforce.
Augmodo unveils Owl Mini and Owl Pro sixth-generation Smartbadge wearable AI for physical workforce
Augmodo introduced the Owl Mini and Owl Pro, the sixth-generation Smartbadge devices designed as wearable physical AI assistants for the physical workforce.
Seattle Startup Augmodo Raises $21 Million to Expand Smartbadge Technology Beyond Retail to Warehouses and Hospitals
Seattle startup Augmodo raised $21 million to expand its Smartbadge, a wearable dual-camera device that monitors retail shelves, into warehouses, factories, and hospitals. The company, valued at $350 million, has seen 10x revenue growth and maps over 186 million square feet of retail space monthly.
Augmodo Raises $21 Million to Advance Wearable Spatial Computing and AI Inventory Tracking
Augmodo, a Seattle-based company specializing in wearable spatial computing devices and physical AI inventory tracking software, secured $21 million in funding. This investment will support the company's growth and product development.
Augmodo Raises $21M at $350M Valuation to Expand Smartbadge Spatial AI from Retail into Warehouses and Factories
Seattle startup Augmodo raised $21 million at a $350 million valuation to expand its AI-powered Smartbadge technology from retail shelves into warehouses, factories, delivery, and other parts of the physical workforce.
2026 GeekWire Awards Celebrate Innovation with Luis Poggi and Tracy Drinkwater Among Honorees
The 2026 GeekWire Awards honored innovators reshaping work, building, and learning with highlights including STEM Educator of the Year Tracy Drinkwater and CEO of the Year Luis Poggi. The event featured finalists discussing AI and innovation, plus a trivia segment celebrating 15 years of GeekWire Awards history.
2026 GeekWire Awards Finalists Include AIM Intelligent Machines with $50M Funding and $4.9M Air Force Contracts for Autonomous Earthmovers
The 2026 GeekWire Awards announced finalists for Hardware/Robotics/Physical AI of the Year, highlighting startups innovating with autonomous heavy machinery, drones, spatial computing, and space robotics. Notable finalist AIM Intelligent Machines secured $50 million funding in 2025 and $4.9 million in U.S. Air Force contracts for autonomous earthmoving equipment.
Augmodo Raises $37.5M to Scale Spatial AI Smartbadges for Retail Inventory Tracking with Chemist Warehouse
Augmodo, a Seattle-based startup, raised $37.5 million to advance its spatial AI technology that helps retail employees track inventory using smart badges. Their first major customer, Chemist Warehouse, quickly moved from pilot to full rollout, validating the technology and fueling investor confidence.
Seattle Startup Augmodo Raises $37.5M Led by TQ Ventures to Develop AI-Powered Smartbadges for Retail Inventory Management
Seattle-based startup Augmodo raised $37.5 million in a funding round led by TQ Ventures to develop Smartbadges, wearable tech for retail employees that uses AI to monitor inventory and improve store operations. Founded in 2023, Augmodo's technology provides real-time data on product availability and shelf status, enhancing productivity and customer experience.
Seattle Startup Augmodo Raises $5.3M Seed Round to Improve Retail Inventory Tracking with Wearable Smartbadges
Augmodo, a Seattle startup, raised $5.3 million in seed funding led by Lerer Hippeau to enhance retail inventory management using wearable Smartbadges and advanced technologies. Their system collects real-time shelf data to reduce costly out-of-stock and overstock issues in stores.
Former Niantic GM Ross Finman Launches Augmodo to Use Spatial Computing for Retail Inventory Tracking
Ross Finman, former Niantic general manager, founded the Seattle startup Augmodo to use spatial computing and AI to help retailers track inventory and prevent product substitutions, inspired by the 2022 baby formula shortage. Augmodo employs advanced tech like computer vision and 3D mapping to solve retail inventory challenges.
Organizations
See all 9-
Augmodo Executive Officer, Director, Promoter 2025–present, Founder · current
-
Augmodo CEO / Founder 2023–present · current
-
Niantic GM of AR Headset; Founding AR Lead - Mapping/Strategy 2018–2022 · past
Education
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - ABD, Robotics · 2012–2017
-
Harvard Law School Minor, Venture Law · 2015–2016
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Master's Degree, Robotics · 2010–2012
-
Carnegie Mellon University BS, Computer Engineering · 2007–2010
