Arlen Frew

CRO @ Bonsai Robotics | Physical AI & Autonomous Systems for Agriculture, Mining & Industrial | Investor in AgTech, Deep Tech, F&B | Ex-Zscaler · Akamai

Carmel, California, United States

About

People don't buy autonomy — they buy the jobs it gets done. I'm the CRO at Bonsai Robotics, building an AI-native revenue engine that enables a small, dynamic team selling vision-based autonomy globally, across multiple industries, to deliver outsized results. Before this I spent 20 years building products, teams, and companies in enterprise tech at Akamai, Zscaler, and Infoblox. I write here about how physical AI gets bought, priced, and sold. If you're putting autonomy to work outdoors, let's talk.

Experience

  • Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Bonsai Robotics
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    Own full commercial P&L for a venture-backed autonomous robotics company deploying vision-based AI across specialty crop agriculture, mining, forestry, and industrial applications. Building the commercial engine from early-stage to scale — converting complex OEM partnerships (OMC, Flory) and greenfield enterprise accounts into repeatable revenue. Led commercial integration through the farm-ng acquisition and Bonsai rebrand. Key focus areas: • Enterprise and OEM go-to-market in GPS-denied, unstructured outdoor environments • Market expansion across new geographies, crop applications, and adjacent verticals (mining, industrial) • Field-validated deployment model — engineering works alongside agronomists, grower voice shapes product • Building commercial team and processes for scale while maintaining deployment quality

  • GM at The Reservoir
    Jun 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Evaluate and support deep-tech portfolio companies at the intersection of AI/automation, biomanufacturing, and sustainability in agriculture and natural resources. Provide hands-on GTM advisory and operational support — bridging the gap between breakthrough R&D and real-world commercial deployment. Portfolio includes farm-ng (acquired by Bonsai Robotics)

  • Co-Founder at Bear + Flag Roadside
    May 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 3 mos

    Co-founded and scaled an innovative quick-service restaurant concept that celebrates California's culinary heritage and has become a cornerstone of the local community and a premier food & beverage provider for all motorsports and entertainment events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

  • Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) (Acquired by Bonsai Robotics) at Farm-ng
    Feb 2025 - Jul 2025 · 6 mos

    Recruited as CRO to build commercial operations for a modular AI robotics platform (Amiga) serving specialty crop agriculture. Developed go-to-market strategy, OEM partnership framework, and enterprise sales motion. Led commercial operations through successful acquisition by Bonsai Robotics. • Established field-first commercial approach — direct engagement with growers to validate product-market fit before scaling • Built OEM and channel partnership pipeline across agriculture, mining, forestry, and emergency services • Created commercial foundation that accelerated Bonsai's decision to acquire

  • Business Development / Strategic Partnerships / M&A at Akamai Technologies
    Nov 2017 - Apr 2024 · 6 yrs 6 mos

    Led cross-functional organic and inorganic growth initiatives for Akamai's Security Technology Group — spanning product strategy, technology partnerships, M&A, GTM/channel strategy, and sales acceleration. • Identified, negotiated, and closed OEM technology partnerships expanding TAM and accelerating time to revenue • Drove global GTM for carrier-edge security platform with lighthouse accounts including Comcast Business, Telstra, and other Tier 1 operators • Subject matter expert for strategic M&A — supporting identification, diligence, and integration of acquisitions