Standard Bots Executives | Leadership Team & Company Leadership

Date August 22, 2025
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Standard Bots

COMPANY INFO

Standard Bots is a privately held company founded in 2011 by Evan Beard and David Golden. Headquartered in Glen Cove, New York, it has approximately 49 employees and operates in the industrial hardware and automation machinery manufacturing industry. The company develops AI-powered robotic arms designed to automate tasks on the industrial shop floor, combining hardware and software to make robots accessible and easy to use. Their mission is to enhance human productivity by delivering affordable and user-friendly robotic solutions to manufacturers and businesses worldwide. Website: https://standardbots.com

10 Key Standard Bots Executives

Standard Bots develops AI-powered robotic arms engineered to automate tasks on the industrial shop floor. The company, founded in 2011 and based in Glen Cove, New York, combines advanced hardware and software to make affordable, user-friendly automation accessible to manufacturers worldwide.

The Standard Bots leadership team features a dynamic blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and operational acumen. With backgrounds spanning robotics engineering, AI and software development, product management, and startup growth, the Standard Bots executives are committed to propelling the company's mission forward. Their collective experience in scaling technology companies, driving cross-functional innovation, and forging strategic partnerships reinforces Standard Bots' position as a rising leader in industrial automation.

Key Executives

Evan Beard - CEO

As Founder & CEO since 2017, Evan Beard spearheads Standard Bots' vision to democratize robotics by delivering AI-powered robots that are simple to program and deploy. Evan has championed major product breakthroughs, overseen the company’s platform innovation, and guided Standard Bots through strategic growth milestones, including its recent $63 million Series B funding round.

Evan holds a B.S. with Distinction in Economics and Computer Science from Duke University. His career includes co-founding A Plus (acquired in 2016) and Gridtech (acquired by Spirent Communications), as well as tenure as a Senior Software Engineer at Salesforce. He holds a patent in secure cross-domain communication, reflecting deep expertise in computer science, software engineering, and startup leadership.

David Golden - Co-Founder

David Golden co-founded Standard Bots in 2020, shaping the company's strategic direction and helping drive market expansion and business development. He plays a key role in broadening Standard Bots' reach and strengthening its portfolio of AI-powered robotics solutions.

David holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a BBA from the University of Michigan. He co-founded Bowery Farming and LeapPay (acquired by Funding Circle), and his experience spans technology, agriculture, and finance—positioning him as a versatile entrepreneur and investor in the industry.

Ashley Higgins - General Manager of AI

Ashley Higgins leads AI strategy and execution at Standard Bots, building the core platform that has turned cutting-edge AI automation ideas into scalable commercial reality. She is instrumental in integrating advanced AI into robotic automation and expanding the company’s technology footprint.

Ashley earned her MS in International Relations/French and Management/Global Business from Salve Regina University. Previously, she served as CEO of Product Hunt, led product at Clearbit and Reddit, and brings deep experience in product management, growth marketing, and partnerships from across the tech startup ecosystem.

Natalie Papillion - Head of Business Operations

Natalie Papillion oversees business operations at Standard Bots, refining organizational processes, driving strategic planning, and managing analytics, finance, HR, and compliance. Her leadership ensures high operational efficiency and supports scalable company growth.

Natalie holds a B.A. from Yale University. Before joining Standard Bots, she was COO and Director of Strategic Initiatives at Last Prisoner Project, founded The Equity Organization, and held roles at Rent The Runway and Google, reflecting a strong background in operations, team management, and social enterprise.

Dan Grover - Head of Product

Dan Grover directs product management at Standard Bots, orchestrating the creation of innovative robotics solutions and aligning product roadmaps with business goals. He leads cross-team collaboration to deliver impactful automation products.

Dan studied Computer Science at Northeastern University. Before joining Standard Bots, he held product leadership roles at Meta, focusing on privacy platforms and messaging products, and brings robust experience in software engineering and entrepreneurship.

Nicole Hee - Director of Talent / Principal Recruiter

Nicole Hee heads the talent acquisition strategy for Standard Bots, building strong engineering, AI, and product teams to support the company's accelerated growth. Her efforts are central to recruiting elite talent in a competitive market.

Nicole holds a Bachelor's Degree from Oregon State University and has a solid background in recruiting and executive support for startups and technology companies, with past roles at Glowforge and Standard Bots.

Jay Schulhof - Head of Finance

Jay Schulhof leads all financial operations at Standard Bots, overseeing budgeting, strategic planning, funding efforts, and investor relations. He built the finance team and played a pivotal role in supporting the Series B fundraising.

Jay has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Duke University and has held positions at Informed.IQ, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and Survata. He has a multifaceted background in finance, engineering, and startup development.

Craig DeMello - Head of Applications Engineering

Craig DeMello manages applications engineering at Standard Bots, coordinating R&D efforts, and driving interdepartmental collaboration to deliver industry-leading hardware and software automation.

Craig holds a Bachelor’s in Robotics Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His prior roles at AppHarvest, Soft Robotics Inc., and MagneMotion underscore his expertise in engineering leadership and the development of advanced robotics systems.

Lee G. - Head of Software

Lee G. leads the software team at Standard Bots, architecting AI and robotics software platforms and cultivating a culture of innovation and technical excellence. His role is crucial in scaling the company's technology stack and capabilities.

Lee has Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from MIT. He previously worked at Meta, contributing to AR/VR, machine learning, and privacy-first advertising technologies, and is recognized for his leadership in complex software projects.

Rob Irwin - Head of Hardware

Rob Irwin oversees all mechanical and electrical hardware design for Standard Bots, advancing R&D and streamlining cross-team processes for efficient and innovative product development.

Rob received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Engineering from UCLA. He has led mechanical engineering teams at Rivian, Terran Orbital Corporation, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, offering deep expertise in both automotive and aerospace hardware design.

Company Leadership

The Standard Bots leadership team combines hands-on expertise in robotics, finance, operations, product, and engineering, enabling a flexible and scalable management structure. With proven executives and visionary founders at the helm, Standard Bots' management team is well-positioned to guide the company through its next phase of technological innovation and market expansion, reinforcing its reputation for accessible, cutting-edge automation solutions. The involvement of Standard Bots' founders and an experienced executive bench strengthens the company's operational foundation and long-term strategic planning.

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