Eric Ellestad

Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer, Local Roots

Los Angeles

Eric Ellestad is the Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Local Roots. He establishes company vision, strategy and is responsible for fundraising, team building, strategic partnerships, and creating long-term value for all stakeholders.

Eric is the product of a 4th generation family-owned manufacturing company that is the North American market-leader for refrigerated semi-truck trailers servicing the food industry. After spending his early career at the family business, he entered venture finance and built a portfolio of early stage companies that are commercializing technologies around food, water, energy and logistics. He serves on the board of two companies and advises across the portfolio.

In 2012, Eric helped launch a hydroponic control systems company which set the stage for Local Roots by introducing him to the challenges and opportunities surrounding indoor farming.

Eric received his B.A. in Applied Mathematics, Economics and Pre-Medical Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and studied Supply Chain Management and Technology Commercialization at USC Marshall School of Business. He currently lives in Redondo Beach, CA and spends his free time playing soccer, surfing, hiking and is training for an ironman.